Celebrating Lansing's Own Timothy "TJ the DJ" Jackson in the Chronicle News Community 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 belonged to Timothy “TJ the DJ” Jackson—a name that stands out in the archives of Lansing's Black radio history.

A product 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, holding down everything from midday grooves to afternoon jazz. Simultaneously, he was putting in sweat equity as a radio intern at WDTB 1170 AM, soon becoming a trusted weekend newscaster.

But it wasn’t long before TJ’s talents skyrocketed. When Jay Price, affectionately known as the “Morning Mayor,” came on board as WDTB's General Sales Manager, TJ went from weekends to middays, then to afternoons and evenings—proving his adaptability and star power. 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.

For our family, TJ was more than a radio staple—he was family. A longtime friend of my father, Jay Price, TJ was a fixture on summer road trips down South, always cracking jokes and carrying that infectious laughter that never aged. I’ve known him since I was four years old, and his presence has always been a source of joy, storytelling, and community connection.

It was TJ who helped usher in another legend: Brandon “DJ Crazy Caz” Henderson. Back when Caz was just a 14-year-old spinning under the name DJ Crazy Cash Money, TJ not only gave him rides home but helped rebrand him into the name that would define a movement: Crazy Caz. “We gotta change your name,” TJ once said after a gig. And just like that, Caz was born—thanks to the mentoring eye and creative instinct of TJ the DJ.

While Crazy Caz was honored in our recent hardcopy Tribute Issue, we are proud to celebrate TJ the DJ in this 39th Anniversary Edition of The Chronicle News. He’s one of our hometown giants—one who laid the groundwork, lifted the next generation, and brought music, culture, and joy to Lansing’s soul.

Stay tuned, Chronicle readers. We’ll also be publishing photo highlights from the Crazy Caz Memorial Day Party—because this legacy? It’s far from over. It’s a beat that keeps on going.

Timothy “TJ the DJ” Jackson. The World-Renowned Big Fella. Lansing’s Living Legacy.