Funeral services for Brian Carter, popular WDAS-FM radio host and one half of the team of the Carter and Sanborn Morning Show, were held on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at Enon Tabernacle Church, 30 West Coulter Street. Carter died on April 21, 2012 after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 54.
Brian Ellis Carter., son of Caroline Carter and the late Berkley Carter was born in Baltimore on July 10, 1957. He received the designation in the Afro-American Newspaper as a “genius” for his ability to read and count at the age of 2 without previous lessons. He attended Douglass Memorial Community Church and was raised in Edmondson Village and educated in the Baltimore Public School system, graduating from Edmonson High School in 1975. After graduation, Brian (Cool C) pursued a career in radio broadcasting; attended school for two years and received his certification from Baltimore Institute of Maryland. He later married April Brown in April of 1982 and from that union Jordan and Angela Carter were born.
Early in life, his career choice was to be a radio personality and his passion for music and his craft were without boundaries. What he loved most was to provide “good music and good radio” to his listeners; and remained in the background watching the magic unfold . In 1983, Brian moved to Seaford, Delaware with his family, where his career blossomed at WSUX. After four years Brian returned to the Baltimore area and worked on B104 where his career continued to progress. In 1987 Brian was asked to consider a partnership with Dave Sanborn where in that first meeting, instantly they knew something was born. A lifetime connection became apparent and the “Carter and Sanborn Morning Show” became a staple in the city of Philadelphia .
For over 11 years Carter and Sanborn aka the “Dream Team” ruled the morning airwaves and emerged as pioneers of morning radio across the country. Carter and Sanborn had an undeniable chemistry, excellent timing and are spiritually connected still today.
Brian married Sandra Holloman on March 22, 1997 and together in Philadelphia; that union produced one daughter, Natalie Carter. In 1999 Brian made the decision to return to Baltimore working with Radio One on the station 92Q. During that time in Baltimore is also when he began his relationship with XM Satellite Radio, ushering his personality on several channels. Through industry changes Brian redirected his career and went back to the city he loved, Philadelphia. The Carter and Sanborn Morning Show emerged on the air again at WDAS. Eventually relocating back home to Baltimore, he spread his talents between two locations, Washington DC and New York. He re-established his role at XM Satellite (DC) and due to his vast knowledge of music was able to continue representing multiple channels however; The Oldies was his favorite and ultimately his last. He landed a position at WBLS (NY), the Grand Ole’ Opry of radio and gave it his all. Brian maintained his radio career at XM and WBLS until his untimely passing.
Brian’s career spans more than 30 years serving as a mentor and positive influence to many young “jocks” that were new to the business of radio. He was always educating, informing and improving himself and others wherever he could. He did not judge the ideas and talents of aspiring Radio Professionals, instead he taught them how to use and build upon their given talents. Brian was a music aficionado in all genres of music and was considered a “supreme talent”. He continuously gave back to the community leaving an indelible imprint on everyone he met. He was the definition of humility. Brian loved his family and especially his children: Jordan, Angela and Natalie who were his daily motivation.
Brian Carter is survived by his wife, Sandra and daughter, Natalie; son, Jordan Carter and daughter, Angela Carter and their mother, April Carter; his mother, Caroline Carter; brothers, Bennett Carter and Lloyd Carter; sister-in-law, Denise Carter; niece, Landis Burgess; nephews, Lantz Carter, Dominick Burgess, Ryan Jones, Tylandis Palmer and Derrell Harvin; grandchildren, Alivah, Amira and Ariana; and a host of close family and friends.
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