Memphis Native · 30+ Year Broadcasting Veteran · Founder
Michael
Adrian Davis
The Voice of the People
Northside High School. UAPB. Sheridan Broadcasting. iHeart Radio. 88.5 FM. Five-time Tri-State Defender Best in Black Radio Personality of the Year. And a foundation built to change Memphis — one family at a time.
"While the foundation carries my name, I know I cannot do this work alone."
— Michael Adrian Davis
His Story
A Memphis Man
on a Memphis Mission
Michael Adrian Davis is a native of Memphis and a proud graduate of Northside High School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Communications from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This 30-plus year media veteran was voted the Tri-State Defender's Best in Black Radio Personality of the Year for five consecutive years and has received numerous awards for broadcasting, theater, community engagement, and life.
A true radio legend, Michael pioneered the flagship morning shows on two major radio brands: The MAD Morning Show on the Sheridan Broadcasting Network and Michael Adrian Davis and the Early Morning Praise Party Show on iHeart Radio's Hallelujah stations. The unbelievable success of his shows not only proved gospel radio could survive in a large FM marketplace — thanks in large part to Davis, it proved it could win big against leading radio stations in any market.
Moving from great success to greater significance, this polymath took his namesake show to urban adult formatted station WQOX 88.5 FM — the Voice of Memphis Shelby County Schools. The MAD Morning Show, featuring music from Marvin Sapp to Marvin Gaye, can be heard weekday mornings from 6 to 10 AM CST throughout the Mid-South and streams worldwide at voiceofmscs.com.
After the death of his wife, Vera Anette Washington Davis, in 2007 to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Davis remains a devoted father and grandfather — "Paw Paw" — as well as committed to being the Voice of the People in Memphis. He founded the Michael Adrian Davis Foundation to advocate for the things he cares about most: lessening childhood trauma, easing the burdens of families touched by cancer, and helping Black business thrive in our communities.
Through the Years
The Man Behind the Mission
30+
Years in Broadcasting
5×
Tri-State Defender Best in Black Radio
88.5 FM
Voice of MSCS — Weekdays 6–10 AM
Memphis
Born, Raised & Mission-Driven
"Starting the Michael Adrian Davis Foundation was a way for me to advocate for the things I care about — like lessening the childhood trauma I experienced, easing the burdens of individuals and families associated with cancer, and helping Black business thrive in our communities."
— Michael Adrian Davis, Founder
The Framework
Three Pillars. One Mission.
Everything Michael builds — every show, every program, every initiative — flows through these three pillars.
Wisdom
Equipping the community with knowledge, mentorship, and the tools to make informed decisions for generational change.
Wellness
Addressing mental, physical, and spiritual health — and easing the burdens of individuals and families touched by cancer and childhood trauma.
Wealth
Building economic power through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and access to resources that help Black business thrive in our communities.
The Journey
From Northside to the Nation
Northside Roots
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. A proud graduate of Northside High School — the city that shaped his voice, his values, and his mission.
Education
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Communications from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — the academic foundation for a life in media and advocacy.
The MAD Morning Show
Pioneered the flagship morning show on the Sheridan Broadcasting Network — proving gospel radio could not just survive but win in a large FM marketplace.
Early Morning Praise Party
Launched Michael Adrian Davis and the Early Morning Praise Party Show on iHeart Radio's Hallelujah stations — expanding his reach across the Mid-South and beyond.
Best in Black Radio
Voted the Tri-State Defender's Best in Black Radio Personality of the Year for five consecutive years — a testament to his authentic connection with the Memphis community.
A Personal Loss
After the passing of his wife, Vera Anette Washington Davis, to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Michael deepened his commitment to cancer advocacy and community service — channeling grief into purpose.
Voice of MSCS
Brought The MAD Morning Show to WQOX 88.5 FM — the Voice of Memphis Shelby County Schools — featuring music from Marvin Sapp to Marvin Gaye, weekdays 6–10 AM CST, streaming worldwide.
The MAD Foundation
Established the Michael Adrian Davis Foundation to advocate for childhood trauma, cancer support, and Black business — anchored in Wisdom, Wellness, and Wealth.
The Foundation Grows
The Michael Adrian Davis Foundation deepens its reach across Memphis — expanding programs in childhood trauma advocacy, cancer family support, and Black business development.
"Wisdom, Wellness, and Wealth — these aren't just words. They're the three things every family in Memphis deserves access to."
— Michael Adrian Davis, Founder
Join the Mission
Be Part of What Michael Is Building
The MAD Foundation, the Fantastic 5000, the United Heritage Fund — none of it works without the village. Join the movement Michael started and help write the next chapter of Memphis history.