Monday Milestones: Martha Jean the Queen Steinberg

Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg

(1929 - 2000)

Michigan Women's Hall of Fame Inductee

Disc Jockey, WDIA-AM (1954–63), WCHB-AM (1963–66), WJLB-FM (1966–82); Disc Jockey, General Manager, Vice President/President, Part-Owner/Owner, WQBH-AM (1982–2000)

 

 

Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, is a Detroit Radio Legend. She came from WDIA in Memphis to the historic Black-owned Radio Station WCHB in 1963. "The Queen" was renowned not only for her contributions to Detroit in particular and Black Radio nationwide in general, but also for her strong voice during the Detroit 1967 Rebellion, staying on the air for 48 straight hours. Martha Jean was especially a champion of the working people, and every day at noon, her Inspiration Time show was dedicated to her beloved "hard-working blue-collar workers". Her signature line was "I betcha"!

Known for her regal presence and long white robes, "The Queen", an ordained minister, founded a church in 1972 called the "Home of Love". In 1982, "The Queen" moved to WQBH to become its vice president and general manager; purchasing the station outright fourteen years later. Martha Jean insisted that the call letters "QBH" stood for "The Queen's Back Home".

A very complete article by Elliot Felman about Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg can be found here...