Taft Harris Jr.

Taft Harris, Jr. was born on Tuesday, November 19, 1957, in Houston, Texas, to doting parents, Taft, Sr. and Betty Jean Harris. He was introduced to Christ at an early age and volunteered at his grandmother’s church as he learned to play the bass guitar. Taft attended Wesley Elementary and Fonville Junior High Schools, where he blossomed academically. As a young man at Sam Houston Senior High School, Taft developed a love for speech. He frequently represented the school during travel competitions and won many awards for his speeches and debates.

During his pre-teen years, Taft discovered a love for radio. Under the guidance of Carl Harris (unrelated), Taft made his first on-air appearance at KYOK-AM radio, cementing his desire to become a radio disc jockey (DJ). Taft later began working at KFMK Radio. A young professional before his time, Taft would wear business suits to school (and carry a briefcase) to ensure readiness for his work program at the radio station. Taft soon became acquainted with Gospel legend, James Cleveland. He later began traveling to the Gospel Music Workshop Convention, serving as a master of ceremonies (MC) and interacting with many more nationally known Gospel musicians and ministers.

While completing coursework at the University of Houston, Taft engaged in a short stint as a law enforcement officer. However, he remained in pursuit of his passion for broadcasting at KFMK Radio under the leadership of Donald Crawford. When Mr. Crawford decided to change the direction of the Houston station, he offered Taft an opportunity with WYCA-FM in Chicago, Illinois. Taft married DeLores Adams and moved with his bride to begin their new life in the Chicagoland area. To this union, a daughter, Dartinya, was born.

During his early years in Chicago, Taft made a name for himself in the radio industry, serving as the on-air host of the “Spirit of Love” radio show, as well as the program director, sales manager, then General Manager/Station Manager for WYCA 92.3. Taft expanded his communication skills by hosting “Singsation” and the Gospel music television show, Saturday Night Sing, on WCFC-TV (known as TV-38) in Chicago. The show quickly gained widespread popularity throughout American Gospel communities, earning syndication in Washington D.C., Atlanta, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and more. He also served as an early host of the Stellar Awards, among other programs.

An astute businessman, Taft Harris expanded his leadership with Crawford Broadcasting throughout the 1990s & 2000s, managing WYCA, WYBA, WYAA, & KSTL-- stations that were heard all over Chicagoland, northwest Indiana, Southern Wisconsin, Southeast Michigan, & St. Louis. These achievements led him to be named one of the most influential African Americans in Radio by Radio Ink magazine.

However, for Taft, his most valued contributions were those that benefitted the community and led to souls coming to know Christ. Taft created multiple events under the “Project Love” community effort, spearheading food, back-to-school, toy, and coat drives. He adopted housing projects and entire schools for Chicago Public Schools, finding sponsors and giving personally to those in need. Taft coordinated “Family Fellowship” soul-winning community events that included prominent national speakers and provided needed supplies for attendees. He also sponsored scholarships and donated to churches to help others in the Chicagoland area win souls to Christ.

Taft was a trailblazer whose legacy positively impacted the lives of thousands in ways that may never fully be measured. He will truly be missed.

Taft was preceded in death by his father, Taft Harris, Sr., mother, Betty Jean Harris, and grandmother, Angeline Hayter, among other loved ones.

He will be dearly missed by his daughter Dartinya (Kevin), granddaughters Rachel and Gianna, siblings Cynthia Bradford (Gary), Andetria Morris, Lichina Harris, Charles Harris, Angeline Patterson (Derron), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

A visitation for Taft will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will occur Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A graveside will occur Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM at Golden Gate Cemetery, 8400 Hirsch Rd, Houston, Texas 77016.