Kirby David Carmichael
Photo Credit: CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR
About Richmond's Honorary Street Name Designations
Honorary street names can be found throughout Richmond, and are intended to memorialize individuals for their civic, cultural, humanitarian, or historically significant contributions to the Richmond Community. These designations typically apply to a portion of a street, such as a city block, and are designated by Richmond City Council via the passing of an Ordinance. Honorary street names do not replace the existing name of a street and do not require an alteration to maps or addresses.
Kirby David Carmichael
“The Tall Man of Soul” fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a radio announcer and disc jockey, and used his voice to give back to the Richmond community.
While in high school, David Carmichael worked part-time at an AM radio station in Vineland, New Jersey, and performed as a disc jockey for most of his high school dances.
In 1964, Kirby Carmichael was drafted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged after two years of admirable service.
In 1968, Kirby David Carmichael submitted an audition tape to a radio station in Richmond, Virginia, which resulted in a job offer and his relocation to the city. From 1969 to 2002, Kirby Carmichael became a fixture of Richmond radio, working at stations WENZ-AM, WANT-AM, and finally WRVQ-FM (known as Q94 FM), advancing professionally along the way.
While he loved being a radio personality, Kirby Carmichael also took his job seriously, and used radio as a way to reach out to and help the Richmond community. During the holidays, he helped organize donations of clothes, food and toys for families in need. To help raise money for the old Richmond Community Hospital, Mr. Carmichael broadcast live on the air for 72 hours.
For more than 25 years, every Sunday night, Kirby Carmichael hosted an event the Skateland roller skating rink. Geared towards area youth, this weekly event promoted roller skating as a healthy recreational activity that could keep young people out of trouble. It is believed that more than 50,000 skaters a year would participate with Kirby and his guest recording artists, who would sign autographs and roller skate with the youth in attendance.
Designation Area:
The 1100 block of Front Street in honor of Kirby David Carmichael.
Download the Council Ordinance:
Learn more about this Honorary Street Designation by downloading a copy of the legislation. The Council Ordinance below is in PDF format:
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