Angela Stribling, BET and radio pioneer, dies at 58

Angela Stribling, a pioneering broadcaster, radio personality, and jazz vocalist, has died at the age of 58. Her husband, Dr. Ken Washington, confirmed she passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2026, following a two-year battle with brain cancer.

Stribling was a prominent figure in Black media, particularly known for her work with Black Entertainment Television (BET). She co-hosted the program ‘Screen Scene’ and was instrumental in launching BET Jazz, hosting shows such as ‘Jazz Central’ alongside legends like Ramsey Lewis and Lou Rawls.

In the radio industry, she was a fixture in the Washington, D.C. area, notably as the first woman to host the original ‘Quiet Storm’ on Howard University’s WHUR. She also hosted ‘Pillow Talk with Angela’ on WHUR and SiriusXM. Beyond broadcasting, she was a classically trained jazz vocalist who performed internationally.

Tributes from colleagues, including veteran journalist Ed Gordon and media icon Donnie Simpson, highlighted her warmth, talent, and significant impact on the media landscape. A celebration of life is expected to be held in Washington, D.C., at a later date.