Does Anybody Remember? Donnie Simpson & Video Soul

Donnie Simpson & Video Soul: The Golden Era of R&B on Screen

By All Vibin Radio Blog

If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, there’s a good chance your evenings were soundtracked by the smooth voice of Donnie Simpson and the glow of Video Soul on BET. Long before YouTube, TikTok, and streaming playlists ruled the music world, Video Soul was where Black music lived — and Donnie was its heart.

The Man Behind the Smile

Donnie Simpson wasn’t just another TV host — he was a vibe. With that signature green-eyed charm, soft-spoken charisma, and genuine respect for the artists he interviewed, he made Video Soul feel like a conversation among friends. He didn’t just ask questions; he connected.
Whether he was chatting with Luther Vandross about love songs, teasing New Edition about their latest dance moves, or sharing laughs with Anita Baker, Donnie brought warmth and authenticity that made viewers tune in night after night.

The Beat of a Generation

Launched in 1981, Video Soul became the go-to platform for R&B, soul, and hip-hop artists to reach audiences who rarely saw themselves represented on mainstream TV. It was more than just a show — it was a movement.
Every evening, living rooms across America turned into mini-concert halls. Families gathered around the television to catch the latest videos from legends like Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Prince, and Guy. It wasn’t just about the visuals — it was about the culture, the pride, and the connection.

Donnie Simpson’s era as host, starting in 1983, transformed Video Soul from a simple video countdown into a storytelling experience. He gave artists room to breathe, reflect, and celebrate their art. Viewers could feel that. It wasn’t about gossip or drama — it was about music with meaning.

When Television Met Soul

What made Video Soul so special was how it reflected the rhythm of the times. BET, then a relatively young network, gave Black artists something they’d long been denied: visibility.
Donnie, as the face of that movement, was a bridge between generations. He introduced new acts like Jodeci and Mary J. Blige while keeping the legacy of Motown alive. Each episode captured the evolution of Black music — from smooth ballads to New Jack Swing and the early days of hip-hop.

And then came the interviews — iconic moments that still circulate online today. Who can forget Donnie’s playful energy with Bobby Brown, his deep respect for Patti LaBelle, or that easy laughter with Babyface? He had a way of making even the biggest stars feel like they were at home.

The Legacy That Still Resonates

When Video Soul ended in the late ’90s, it marked the end of an era. But Donnie Simpson’s influence didn’t fade — it evolved. He continued to thrive in radio and television, always staying true to his mission: uplifting Black music, artists, and voices.
His legacy is woven into the DNA of today’s music media. You can see it in platforms like The Breakfast Club, Verses battles, and countless YouTube talk shows — all of which borrow from the Video Soul blueprint: real conversation, real culture, real connection.

Why Video Soul Still Matters

In today’s world of fast scrolls and 15-second clips, Video Soul reminds us of a time when music was felt. When artists took time to tell their stories. When fans tuned in to feel inspired, not just entertained.
Donnie’s calm presence, his laugh, and that smooth intro — “This is Video Soul…” — still echo in the memories of anyone who loved good music and great vibes.

For those of us at All Vibin Radio, that spirit lives on. We celebrate what Donnie built — a platform where soul, rhythm, and heart meet storytelling. Because before algorithms, there was Donnie. Before playlists, there was Video Soul. And before trends, there was truth in the music.