Martha Steinberg Ruled Detroit's Airwaves with Love and Heart Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg was a trailblazing African-American radio broad
Martha Steinberg Ruled Detroit’s Airwaves with Love and Heart
Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg was a trailblazing African-American radio broadcaster and community leader. Born Martha Jean Jones on September 9, 1930, in Memphis, Tennessee, she began her radio career in 1954 at WDIA, one of the first stations with an all-Black staff. She earned her nickname “The Queen” during her time there.
In 1963, Bell Broadcasting in Detroit, WCHB, hired Martha Jean from Memphis’ WDIA. After three years on the radio there, she left WCHB for Detroit’s WJLB on October 24, 1966. Her influence extended beyond music; during the 1967 Detroit riots, she stayed on-air for 48 hours, urging calm and preventing further violence. She also advocated for African-American representation in radio station staff.
Martha Jean Steinberg
Her influence and presence in Detroit’s music scene made her a beloved figure among Motown artists and musicians. Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg had a connection with Motown and the Funk Brothers. She was good friends with the Studio A house band, the legendary group of session musicians who played on many of Motown’s greatest hits. The Funk Brothers themselves were instrumental in shaping the Motown sound, contributing to countless hits like “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Her friendship with the Funk Brothers highlights her deep ties to Detroit’s vibrant music scene. As a prominent radio personality, she played a significant role in promoting Motown’s music and artists, further solidifying her influence in the city’s cultural and musical legacy. Her collaboration with artists and figures in the local Detroit soul scene helped cultivate a new era for soul and R&B music during that time.
In the 1960s, Martha became a prominent figure in the Detroit nightclub scene, as well. She helped to promote national and local R&B artists and bands while on the radio. She also introduced many, many R&B acts on stage at dance venues and nightclubs around the Motor City, such as The 20 Grand, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Fox Theater, The Upper Deck (Roostertail) and the Chit-Chat Club.
Martha Jean became a transformative figure in Detroit’s music and community. Her influence extended far beyond her role as a radio broadcaster. She was a pioneer in promoting R&B and gospel music, giving a platform to artists and uplifting the city’s rich musical heritage.
In the 1970s, Steinberg became an ordained minister and began incorporating spiritual messages into her broadcasts. After WJLB transitioned to FM in 1980, she purchased WMZK-AM in 1982, renaming it WQBH (“Queen Broadcasts Here”) and focusing on gospel programming. Steinberg remained a beloved broadcaster until her passing on January 29, 2000.
Beyond music, Martha Jean was a beacon of hope and leadership. She also hosted a call-in program, “Buzz the Fuzz,” to foster better relations between the Black community and the Detroit Police Department. As an ordained minister, she founded the Home of Love church and infused her broadcasts with spiritual messages, inspiring countless listeners. Her station, WQBH, became a hub for gospel music and community dialogue, continuing her legacy of empowerment and connection.
Martha Jean Steinberg: A Tribute to ‘The Queen’
Audio Digitally Remastered by USA Radio Museum | Audio courtesy of Diane Lewis Steinberg, of St. Luis Obispo, California (daughter; Martha Jean Steinberg)
Martha, while on the radio, was also known for her iconic phrase, “I Betcha!” It became a signature part of her broadcasts, reflecting her confident and engaging personality. She used it to connect with her audience and add a touch of flair to her radio presence. Her catchphrase is fondly remembered by fans as a symbol of her unique style and of her profound connection with Detroit – a city she so loved.
In wake of her passing, The Detroit Free Press, on February 1, 2000, said this much about ‘The Queen’: “In an era where radio talk is filled with so much gripping, gossip, and negative venting, Martha Jean the Queen always tried to land on the upside. Oh, she called ’em as she saw ’em, and she was well aware of the political clout she could wield. But the last words were always a blessing, a message of peace, a reminder of the power of love. The Queen was a great believer of angels. Now she is one, no doubt watching over the community she loved so much.”
Martha Jean passed away on January 29, 2000. She was 69. But the impact she left behind is remembered not only in Detroit’s music history but also in its social and cultural fabric. She remains a symbol of resilience, compassion, and leadership.
The legendary soul radio personality remained a broadcasting staple for over four decades in the Motor City. During her decades’ reign on the radio airways she became a formidable voice for Detroit and its inner-city core. Her legacy includes induction into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, in Cleveland, the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame and the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. She is remembered as a pioneering figure in radio and a pillar of the Detroit community.
