December 31st 2023.
Rev. Lee Michaels has announced his retirement after 40 years on the air. The long-time host of Baltimore's Heaven 600/WCAO Radio's show, "The Morning Experience," ended his tenure with a final show on Dec. 29.
The 70-year-old pastor of Manifest Wonders Christian Center in the city's west side is still reeling from the news. "I'm just sitting here trying to process everything after 40 years," he told the Baltimore Sun. "It's just been a great ride, and I'm grateful. It was hard to really wrap myself around the idea of it ending, but I just felt like it was time."
Michaels has come a long way since his childhood in the Perkins Homes housing development. Growing up with dreams of a singing career, he eventually pursued radio after a failed singing group. His journey took him through the Air Force and Coppin State University, where a chance encounter with a radio producer exposed him to the industry. He changed his major and school to the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland, and after a few years, got a job at WCEM/WESP-FM.
But it was the words of a television evangelist that really inspired Michaels. After hearing them, he got a call from gospel radio host Rev. Naomi Durant to take on the afternoon slot at the city's new gospel station, WBGR. Michaels remembered feeling disbelief, and washing his face to make sure he was awake. But he knew it was the answer to his prayers.
Five years later, Michaels began his longest career stint as the host of "The Morning Experience." His work on the show earned him awards like "Announcer of the Year" by the Gospel Music Workshop of America in 2001, and his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2005.
For his last show before retirement, Michaels was showered with praise from listeners nationwide. Country music radio host and fan Laurie DeYoung said, “You’ve just been one of those people you can turn to, whether you have something weighing on you or something great happening. You always have the right words at the right time.”
Rev. Lee Michaels has made an indelible mark on gospel radio over the last 40 years, inspiring generations of listeners with his words. He will certainly be missed.
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