Detroit radio legend Ed Love to be honored by jazz luminaries at The Aretha on Wednesday

Detroit radio legend Ed Love, whose “Destination Jazz” has aired on WDET-FM since 1983, will be honored with a special tribute concert at The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The evening will feature performances by world-renowned, two-time Grammy winning jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson, formidable bassist Ralphe Armstrong and virtuoso saxophonist James Carter.

Wednesday’s concert will be Wilson’s first with her band after four years of hiatus triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The smoky-voiced chanteuse is excited to return to the stage, and to Detroit.

“We specialize in raising vibrations, and raising the frequency,” Wilson said, “so you can expect plenty of that from this band after four years. I haven’t been on the road with these musicians since before the pandemic, so it’s a wondrous reunion. I’m so looking forward to reconnecting with my guys.

“I have been working on new material. And there's a project that I actually did back in 2017 that is yet to be released. It’s called ‘Jupiter Rising,’ and we may do a selection from that.”

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When the pandemic hit, Wilson left New York City and moved back home to Jackson, Mississippi, where she found herself suddenly taking up gardening and cooking — two things she hadn’t done much of prior.

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“I hadn’t really been able to focus on cooking for quite a while,” she said, “because, as a musician, I was traveling around quite a bit and not really able to learn as much as I could about new dishes. But these past four years, I’ve been forced to do it. And I’m really into healthy foods and alternatives, non-GMO. I’m also into gardening right now, so that’s been my focus. Being able to pick my own vegetables, go into the kitchen and make a good home-cooked meal is where I am.

“I’m also trying to perfect jollof rice,” she added with a laugh.

A broadcast giant

After 64 years in radio as one of the nation’s most prominent jazz hosts, Love is looking forward to the evening. Wilson, in particular, is one of his favorite singers.

“I’m very happy that my entire family will be there, my grandchildren … it’ll be nice to have see them all enjoying something at the same time. I’m sure my WDET family will be there. They’re planning something — I don’t know what it is, but it’s going to be something nice.”

Adulation for Love is widespread across the Detroit region.

Shahida Mausi, president and CEO of The Right Productions, which books talent for The Aretha, said, “This concert is not just a tribute, but a testament to the enduring power of jazz and the profound influence Ed has had on the Detroit music scene. His dedication to the genre and his ability to inspire both artists and audiences alike is unparalleled. Hosting this tribute and partnering with WDET is our way of honoring Ed’s tremendous contributions and ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.”

WDET General Manager Mary Zatina agreed.

“Ed Love's passion for music and his deep connection with listeners have made him a beloved figure in the world of radio,” she said. “His dedication to jazz and his ability to share its richness with audiences have left an indelible mark on our station and community. Ed is a beloved Detroit treasure.”

Veteran Detroit broadcaster Chuck Stokes, host of “Spotlight on the News” and Editorial and Public Affairs Director at WXYZ/WMYD-TV 7/20 Detroit, also had high praise for Love.

“Ed Love and his smooth baritone voice have become one of Michigan’s treasures to America and the world of jazz,” Stokes told the Free Press. “His deep knowledge about the music he broadcasts, combined with his longevity behind the radio microphone, makes him one of a kind. I cherish the TV and magazine interviews I’ve done with him.  My conversations with Ed about his incredible journey from Kansas to Detroit have been one of the capstones of my journalism career. I am so glad ‘Mr. Destination Jazz’ is being honored at The Aretha. He is so deserving. I never get tired of hearing him say, ‘Hi there, Love here!’ … and we love you too, Ed!”

Even at age 92, Love says he’s not going anywhere soon.

“I enjoy what I’m doing, and I still do it well,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever retire. I'm more than thrilled that the people in Detroit have accepted me all this time. But then also not only have I been accepted in Detroit, I've been accepted all over the world.

“I’m a crusader for jazz.”

Ticket information

Tickets for the July 24 show are available now and can be purchased through thearetha.com, the Aretha box office or ticketmaster.com.  Tickets start at $25.00.

Ed Love's "Destination: Jazz" can be heard on WDET Sundays from 5-7 p.m. and Tuesdays from midnight-2 a.m.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.