WDET is introducing two new music programs to its weekend schedule.

Beginning August 8, listeners can tune in for The Carte Blanche Show with legendary Detroit emcee Phat Kat aka Ronnie Euro on Saturdays from 8-10 p.m., followed by Segues with Ralph Valdez on Sundays from 7-9 p.m.

Saturdays: The Carte Blanche Show with Phat Kat

Saturdays | 8-10 p.m.

Hosted by Detroit hip-hop veteran Ronnie Euro, better known as DJ Phat Kat, The Carte Blanche Show is a two-hour musical journey through soul, funk, R&B, hip hop and beyond, spanning the 1970s through today with a deep groove rooted in the sounds of the 1980’s.

Inspired by the groundbreaking programming of Detroit radio visionaries like Electrifying Mojo and Jeff Mills’ The Wizard, the show refuses to be boxed in by genres or playlists. Instead, it follows one guiding principle: great music.

Drawing from the soundtrack of his own life, Phat Kat blends timeless classics with current artists who are evolving the culture. The result is an unpredictable listening experience built around discovery, connection and Detroit’s tradition of fearless radio.

A pioneer of Detroit’s underground hip-hop movement, Phat Kat first rose to prominence as one half of 1st Down alongside the late producer J Dilla, becoming part of one of the city’s most influential musical partnerships. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has collaborated with artists including Slum Village, Black Milk, Dwele, Elzhi, Guilty Simpson and Obie Trice while helping define the sound that put Detroit hip-hop on the world stage.

Today, he continues to perform internationally while bringing his passion for music—and his eclectic record collection—to WDET listeners every Saturday night.

Sundays: Segues with Ralph Valdez

Sundays | 7-9 p.m.

For lifelong Detroiter Ralph Valdez, every great song leads naturally to another.

Segues explores the unexpected musical connections between artists, genres, cultures and eras, creating a listening experience that’s as surprising as it is rewarding. Whether it’s jazz flowing into electronic music, punk into Afrobeat, or soul into experimental sounds, the journey is driven by curiosity and thoughtful storytelling.

A veteran Detroit broadcaster and passionate vinyl collector, Valdez grew up listening to adventurous radio—from CKLW and WABX to CBC’s Brave New Waves, Electrifying Mojo and, of course, WDET. His new program celebrates that same spirit of exploration, proving that no sound is too unexpected and no musical path is off limits.

Valdez, who also organizes underwriting for WDET, has a long history with Detroit Public Radio, previously hosting programs including Dimension, Radio Free Earth and The Ralph Valdez Program. A graduate of Cass Technical High School and former student at Parsons School of Design in New York, he also co-founded Detroit punk pioneers The Algebra Mothers, whose recordings were later reissued by Jack White’s Third Man Records.

A weekend built around discovery

These additions continue WDET’s long tradition of championing adventurous music programming and Detroit artists.

Tune in to The Carte Blanche Show Saturdays from 8-10 p.m. and Segues Sundays from 7-9 p.m. on 101.9 WDET or stream live wherever you listen.

After more than seven years of reporting and anchoring the news at WDET, Russ McNamara has resigned from the station.

Since joining WDET, McNamara has helped keep Detroiters informed through thousands of newscasts, breaking news updates, and in-depth reporting on the issues shaping our region. As a Senior News Editor, he helped ensure our team of journalists’ work met WDET standards. McNamara also served as anchor for All Things Considered – Detroit.  

His work helped tell the stories of Detroit and Southeast Michigan during a period of tremendous change, from major civic events and elections to the challenges of the pandemic and constantly shifting national and local politics. We are grateful for his dedication and the many contributions he made during his time at WDET. 

We thank Russ for his years of service and wish him success in the next chapter of his career. 

Jerome Vaughn to anchor All Things Considered – Detroit  

Beginning immediately, we’re pleased to announce WDET News Director, Jerome Vaughn, is taking over as the new host of our NPR afternoon drive time magazine.  

For decades, weekends on WDET have had a familiar soundtrack.

Through Jay’s Place, Jay Butler has welcomed generations of listeners with a thoughtful blend of blues, soul, and R&B. His unmistakable voice, passion for music, and genuine connection with listeners have made Jay’s Place one of Detroit Public Radio’s most beloved programs.

Now, after an extraordinary broadcasting career spanning more than six decades, Jay has decided it’s time to retire.

Jay’s final broadcast of Jay’s Place will air on Sunday, August 2, ending one of the longest-running and most cherished music programs in WDET’s history.

A life on air

Known to generations of listeners as “The Blues Man,” Jay’s journey behind the microphone began in Jackson, Tennessee, when he was just 15 years old. What started as a chance visit to a local radio station became the beginning of a legendary career that would take him from Tennessee to Detroit, where he became one of the city’s most respected and influential radio personalities.

Jay arrived in Detroit in 1966 at WJLB, where he would later serve as Program Director, helping transform the station into one of the market’s top-rated broadcasters. During the 1967 Detroit riots, he remained on the air for 24 consecutive hours, providing information, reassurance, and a trusted voice during one of the city’s most difficult moments.

His career extended beyond radio as well. Jay worked with United Artists Records and Playboy Records, helping promote legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, The Spinners, and Luther Vandross. His voice even appeared in the classic 1976 film Car Wash. Throughout his career he championed the music and artists who helped define Detroit’s sound.

In 2006, Jay brought his signature style to WDET with Jay’s Place: The Very Best of Oldies But Goodies and Blues That You Can Use. Along with the music came one of his most beloved traditions—the Motor City Roll Call—where listeners’ birthdays, anniversaries, and names became part of every show, creating a uniquely personal connection that made everyone feel welcome.

Throughout his 20 years at WDET, Jay has done far more than curate exceptional music. He has preserved Detroit’s rich musical heritage, shared the stories behind the songs, and built a loyal community that has gathered with him every Sunday for nearly two decades.

His contributions have earned widespread recognition, including induction into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015 and a Special Tribute from the Detroit Music Awards honoring his lifetime of service to Detroit music, broadcasting, and the community.

“Jay Butler is a radio legend, and one of the most influential and important figures in Detroit media history,” said Adam Fox, Program Director for WDET. “He brought extraordinary knowledge, warmth, and authenticity to every broadcast. Through his music, his stories, and his connection with listeners, Jay created a true community. His impact on WDET and on Detroit radio is immeasurable, and we’re honored that he’s shared this chapter of his remarkable career with us.”

As Jay prepares to sign off for the final time, we invite listeners to join us in celebrating his remarkable career by tuning in for his final two broadcasts:

• Sunday, July 26
• Sunday, August 2 – Final Broadcast

Share your appreciation

Join us in thanking Jay for his work. Fill out the form below or email wdetdigital@wdet.org. You may also leave a voice message through the WDET app on your phone by tapping “Open Mic” in the bottom right corner of your screen.