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Radio & Music Industry Veteran Bill Speed Passes Away At 75
Radio and music industry veteran BILL SPEED (WILLIAM MARCELL SPEED) passed away on DECEMBER 25, 2024. His funeral service was held on JANUARY 4th at DAVIS-STRUEMPF CHAPEL in AUSTELL, GEORGIA, followed by burial at MT. HARMONY MEMORIAL GARDENS.
The 75-year-old CLEVELAND native’s career included a tenure at RKO’s KFRC-FM/SAN FRANCISCO (now KMEL). In 1977 he became the first Black Editor at the music trade publication RADIO AND RECORDS, as a Producer assisted in the creation of BET’s VIDEO SOUL, assisted in the creation of BLACK MUSIC MONTH, Assistant Managing Editor for URBAN NETWORK MAGAZINE, and served as GAVIN MAGAZINE Rap/Urban Editor.
He is survived by his daughter LAUREN SPEED and son NICK SPEED –both are currently active in the entertainment industry.
Watch as Bill narrates a BLACK MUSIC MONTH Docu-series pilot here.