RnB Showcase Radio Show is a program originally created and hosted by American radio personality Tim Marshall.
The show beginning in 1986 features Classic to Contemporary rhythm and blues music with focus on preserving the legacy of the pioneer recording artists. The broadcasts include music news, show reviews, concert updates and in-depth interviews with independent and national acts. International music journalist Larry Cotton joined the program as co-host in 2003.
RnB Showcase Radio show made its debut airing Wednesday afternoons from 3-6 PM on WGLS FM in Glassboro NJ in 1986. The format is a blend of classic hits with current artists of the day. The styles of music presented on the program includes Motown, Pop, Soul, Jazz, funk, Blue eyed Soul and mainstream Hip-hop. The broadcasts include interviews with musicians, producers, singers, songwriters, promoters, record label executives, educators, authors, publishers, and recording artists sharing behind the scenes information on the music industry and their creations. The show also promotes current and new projects from these artists.
Tim Marshall is the creator, host and producer of the radio program. He is a veteran broadcaster whose affiliations include WIP-AM Philadelphia, WNAP, Norristown, PA, WPWT FM, Philadelphia, WTMR Camden, NJ and WAYV Atlantic City NJ. The RnB Showcase Radio show airs world-wide via the internet. The terrestrial radio version has aired in South Jersey and Philadelphia on Monday nights on various radio stations including WBZC FM since 1995.
In 2003 international music Journalist Larry Cotton of the U.K. Publication “In the Basement” magazine signed on as co-host and has helped the program gain international recognition. He is an advocate for the historical and cultural preservation of RnB Music. Larry who is a former recording artist and actor toured with many of the pioneer acts during the 1960’s and 1970’s. He also was a TV dance show regular on Hy-Lit, Joe Niagra, and Georgie Woods television Programs. He also made an appearance dancing on Jerry Blavat's TV Dance Show. Larry was a regular guest co-host on WRDV FM in Philadelphia with Flamingo Al Brewster. He lead an international campaign for Motown girl group The Marvelettes inclusion into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Larry shares insight on the Motown and Soul era including the days of the Uptown and Apollo Theaters with the listeners of the RnB Showcase radio show.
Regular guest co-hosts on the RnB Showcase radio program have included Grammy Award Winning recording artists Richard Street and Damon Harris of The Temptations, and Motown promotion man Weldon McDougal. The radio show hosts Tim Marshall and Larry Cotton have also provided students an opportunity to interview legendary recording artists live on the radio as part of their school projects. Rhythm and Views and Concert News is a segment presented by Larry Cotton informing the listeners of the current happenings on the local, national and international music scene. The RnB Countdown and the annual Super Soul Bowl – Battle of the groups are also features on the radio program.
Marshall is a Disc Jockey, concert promoter, Music Magazine editor, songwriter, producer, actor, educator and humanitarian. Since the early 1990s, Marshall has served as a promoter and chairperson for a host of charitable concerts and events including; the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, William Deal Cystic Fibrosis Fund, and Hold on to Education Foundation inc. He also organized the first Damon Harris Prostate Cancer Foundation Benefit Concert in May 2001 to honor Motown Grammy-Legend Damon Harris former lead singer of The Temptations ("Papa Was A Rolling Stone)." The event held In South Jersey featured tributes from The Delfonics and RnB Jazz Recording Artist Ms. Marilyn Marshall. Harris lost his 16 year battle with Prostate Cancer in February 2013.
Marshall has hosted concerts and Emceed shows at venues like the Commerce Bank Arts Centre, Radisson Hotels, Clarion Hotels, and Patriots Theater at the Trenton War Memorial Auditorium in South Jersey; and various red carpet events outside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and the Doubletree Hotel on the Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia. On September 7, 2009 he hosted the annual Willingboro Jazz Festival at Millcreek Park in Willingboro Township, New Jersey with special guest Spyro Gyra, Ms. Marilyn Marshall, Stephen Tirpak, the Blue Method and Cintron. He has also presented or hosted concerts by The Temptations' former vocalists Richard Street and Damon Harris; G.C. Cameron of The Spinners; The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards; The Delfonics, The Intruders; MTV's Making the Band vocal group LMNT; Ju-Taun from MTV's "Top Pop Group;" Gil Saunders of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes; and the first full-length concert by American Idol (Season 1)'s Justin Guarini.
On May 11, 2002, Marshall was presented an Award of Merit by the members of the Toronto City Council in Canada in congratulations for his charitable works for various non-profit organizations world-wide. He was also honored with a Proclamation from Mayor Eddie Campbell Jr. of Willingboro Township, New Jersey; State Senator Diane Allen with a New Jersey Senate resolution; and an Image Award from the Delaware Valley Chapter of the NAACP.
On May 18, 2013 Marshall and his radio show co-host Larry Cotton were honored with a New Jersey State Senate Proclamation for their charitable works at a Benefit Gala for Hold On To Education Foundation.
On Saturday August 17, 2013 Marshall was inducted into the RnB Music Hall of Fame honored for 26 years as a radio host and humanitarian. His co-host Larry Cotton is also an RnB Music Hall of Fame inaugural inductee as an International Journalist. The event was held at Cleveland State University's Waetjen Auditorium.
Acknowledgements: Lamont "Showboat" Robinson; International Journalist Larry Cotton; RnB/Jazz Recording Artist Ms. Marilyn Marshall; Jimmy "Hollywood" Brooks; and Ms. Diane Brown.