Wqbh Detroit's "queen' Steinberg Dies At 69

LOS ANGELES-At a time when women-much less African-American women-were relatively unheard of on the radio, Detroit air personality Martha Jean "the Queen" Steinberg began a reign in the early '60s that lasted nearly 40 years.
In fact, up until two weeks before her death on Jan. 29, Steinberg was still doing her popular three-hour daily music and talk show-"Inspiration Time"-on the AM station she owned, WQBH.
"The Queen was a magnificent, creative lady," says WQBH PD Jay Butler. "She was one of the greatest businesswomen I've had the chance to meet and know. For all intents and purposes, she was the mayor of this city. She was loved by everyone, and she in turn loved the people and the city. She did a lot for the little man and woman, lifting them up and providing inspiration."
According to Butler, the station will continue to air "Inspiration Time" at noon, broadcasting Steinberg's taped messages.
The 69-year-old radio legend, who died of an undisclosed cause at Detroit's Harper Hospital, moved to the Motor City in 1963. She relocated from Memphis, where she launched her radio career in 1954 doing a weekend airshift at WDIA. It was there that a radio announcer introduced her as Martha Jean "the Queen."
The nickname followed her to Detroit AM facility WCHB, where she coined her between-song trademark phrase "I betcha." In 1966, Steinberg shifted to crosstown FM WJLB. When the Detroit riots erupted in 1967, she was a voice of calm for 48 straight hours.
In 1982 she joined blues/gospel/jazz/talk outlet WQBH as a personality and part owner, eventually buying the station in 1997. However, her reach extended beyond the radio airwaves. A nondenominational minister, Steinberg established the Home of Love-a community center, church, and low-income housing complex on the city's west side-in 1975. She was also an investor in MGM Grand's Detroit casino.
Among her many accolades, Steinberg was inducted into the Black Radio Hall of Fame in 1993.
Steinberg is survived by her mother, three daughters, and two granddaughters. Her former husband, Luther Steinberg, died last December. A public service is being held Feb. 4 at Detroit's Greater Grace Temple. A private service takes place Feb. 5 at Steinberg's church.