Timothy "TJ the DJ" Jackson: Lansing’s Living Legacy in The Chronicle News 39th Anniversary Black History Spotlight

Courtesy Photo from the 1980s — Timothy “TJ the DJ” Jackson behind the board at WXLA 1170 AM, featured in The Metroplex News. A true pioneer of Lansing’s golden era of Black radio.

Before the streaming era, before “going viral” was a thing, there were voices that moved the city, not just through the airwaves, but in spirit. One of those voices belongs to Timothy “TJ the DJ” Jackson—a name that stands tall in the archives of Lansing’s Black radio history.

A proud graduate of Lansing School District’s Radio & Television Production Program and later a standout at Lansing Community College, TJ’s journey began behind the mic—but quickly became something much deeper. His smooth voice, commanding presence, and encyclopedic knowledge of music earned him slots on both WLCR and WLCC, where he held down everything from midday grooves to afternoon jazz. At the same time, he was grinding behind the scenes—working as an intern at WXLA 1170 AM, and soon after, becoming a trusted weekend newscaster.

But TJ didn’t stop there. His talent, passion, and hustle made it impossible to ignore.

When my father, Larry “Jay Price” Carter, affectionately known as the “Morning Mayor,” became General Sales Manager at WXLA, TJ’s rise was inevitable. He went from weekends to middays, then to afternoons and evenings—a dynamic force in any time slot. He helped take the station from zero ratings to the #1 AM station in Mid-Michigan, thanks to an all-hands-on-deck approach that included owners, managers, and a powerhouse on-air team.

More Than a Voice—He Was Family

For my family, TJ wasn’t just a radio staple—he was family. A longtime friend of my father, he was a fixture on our summer road trips down South, always cracking jokes and carrying that infectious, ageless laughter. I’ve known him since I was four years old. His presence was always a source of joy, storytelling, and community connection.

And it was TJ who helped usher in another Lansing legend: Brandon “DJ Crazy Caz” Henderson.

Back when Caz was a 14-year-old spinning under the name DJ Crazy Cash Money, TJ was there. He didn’t just give him rides home—he helped rebrand him into the name that would define a generation: Crazy Caz.

A Chronicle Celebration

While we honored Crazy Caz in a recent hardcopy Tribute Edition, we are proud to celebrate Timothy “TJ the DJ” Jackson in this 39th Anniversary Edition of The Chronicle News.

He is one of our hometown giants—a man who laid the groundwork, lifted the next generation, and brought music, culture, and joy to the soul of Lansing.

 Scan the QR code or click the link below to hear the full interview.

🎙️ Listen Now: Sunday Chronicle Episode 97 – TJ the DJ

In this special episode, Timothy “TJ the DJ” Jackson sits down with Host Yanice Jackson to reflect on his legacy in radio, his impact on Lansing’s Black music scene, and the memories that shaped his journey.

Scan the QR code to hear the full interview.

Scan to listen: TJ the DJ on The Sunday Chronicle – Episode 97