Idlewild Heritage Trail by Merrell
This is a proposed heritage trail preserving the stories of the people, places, businesses, and landmarks that shaped Idlewild. The Black Footwear Forum brings it to Detroit as an example of what's to come; the real trail will be in Idlewild and will grow well beyond the 20 stops.
Stop 15 of 20

Joseph Howard


Listen to the Story
Narrated by Chris J. Grier, Historian & Yates Township Supervisor
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Joseph Howard

Idlewild’s story is deeply connected to Detroit’s music and broadcasting communities. Joltin’ Joe Howard, a pioneering broadcaster, songwriter and recording artist whose career took him from Texas to Atlanta and ultimately to Detroit, where he became the first voice heard on one of the nation’s pioneering Black-owned radio stations.

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