Long-time, on-air radio personality Joe Bullard unexpectedly left the airwaves last month with no public explanation, leaving listeners to mistakenly speculate the departure was a retirement.
It’s not clear what led to Bullard’s departure from 96.1 Jamz (WHBX-FM), an urban contemporary station owned by Cumulus Media. Bullard, whose last day was June 17, had been with the station since August 1997.
“While his departure was unplanned on his part and ultimately bittersweet for us all, we as a family have enough faith to know that God makes absolutely no mistakes, even in this,” according to a statement obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat on behalf of the Bullard family. “Joe will now have unlimited time to do what matters most to him and that is spend more time with his family and true friends.”
According to Bullard’s Instagram profile, he was a program director for “Tallahassee’s #1 Big Station 96.1 Jamz.” He was a featured radio personality who appeared from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.
When contacted by the Democrat regarding the nature of Bullard’s departure, the company declined to provide specifics.
“Thank you for reaching out to Cumulus Media. As a matter of policy, the company does not comment on employee matters, but I can confirm that Joe Bullard is no longer with the company,” said Lisa Dollinger, principal at Dollinger Strategic Communication, responding on behalf of Cumulus Media.
Bullard’s career in radio has been recognized throughout the years with several awards and acknowledgements. In 2022, he was inducted into the Black Radio Hall of Fame and, in the same year, received keys to the city for Tallahassee and Quincy.
On June 22, one week after Bullard went off the air, the Voice of the Marching 100 was lauded by the Rev. RB Holmes Jr. as he asked the veteran radio personality to stand during Sunday services.
Holmes, from the pulpit, applauded Bullard for his long career and shared how he’d miss hearing Bullard on the air. The public praise prompted many from the congregation to rise to their feet and extend a standing ovation.
“Joe Bullard is not on 96.1 any longer” said Holmes, to the congregation. “But, my God, what kind of impact he made in radio. What kind of impact he made across this country … I want you to know how much we respect you. We love you. Your legacy will never die.”
In recent days, loyal listeners and residents took to social media with their thoughts regarding Bullard’s departure from the station. Comments ranged from a mix of support for his “retirement,” while others demanded answers.
“If there’s no Joe Bullard, there’s no 96.1 FM for Chuck Hobbs,” said Tallahassee attorney Chuck Hobbs, who’s also a content creator for the “Hobbservation Point.” “From my childhood days of taping his R&B sets on WANM-1070 AM to today, Joe has remained an icon in the radio/music business, the legendary voice of the ‘Incomparable’ FAMU Marching 100, and a dear friend of the Hobbs family ‘in storm and sunshine.’ “
The family statement hinted that Bullard may find a new home behind the mic.
“Is this the end of his radio career? He is listening to God and following his voice on that too…”
Since 1975, Bullard has been the voice Florida A&M’s marching band. He plans to continue his work in the role for the upcoming football season, marking his 50th anniversary as the band’s announcer and the smooth baritone voice known for delivering quips and verbal strikes toward the opposing team’s band.
Bullard shared how he landed the prominent voice-over job in a December 2024 article on andscape.com, where he said it all happened by accident. The article said Bullard, a FAMU alum, followed his roommate to band practice, “where the legendary Florida A&M band director William P. Foster asked Bullard to fill in temporarily for FAMU’s band announcer at the time during a Thursday night practice to time the halftime show.”
He earned a permanent position as the band’s voice announcer at the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami.
“[Dr. Foster] said, ‘Congratulations, Mr. Bullard, you’re now the Voice of the Marching 100.’ [The former announcer] would come to practice and then you wouldn’t see him because he thought he was going to get it back. But Dr. Foster made that decision,” Bullard said, in the article.
Bullard family releases a statement regarding departure
The Democrat obtained a statement on behalf of the Bullard Family. Here it is in full.
“Joe “The Almighty” Bullard unknowingly signed off of 96.1 Jamz for the last time on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Officially on all records, it’s listed that he resigned.
He has been with Cumulus Media since August of 1997 and considered an ‘at will’ employee. (no contract)
Regardless of it all, we shall accept it as God’s will and divine protection and also an open door for a fresh beginning.
While his departure was unplanned on his part and ultimately bittersweet for us all, we as a family have enough faith to know that God makes absolutely no mistakes, even in this!
Joe will now have unlimited time to do what matters most to him and that is spend more time with his family and true friends.
Is this the end of his radio career? He is listening to God and following his voice on that too…
He still plans to be the voice of the Marching 100 until God tells him it’s time on that too… this year makes 50 years for him as the announcer.
He has given his time, talents, and touched so many hearts and lives everyday by way of the radio air waves and Columbia Records/Sony Music since 1973 so that makes it over fifty years. This spans to so many all over the world but especially here in Tallahassee and he has earned the title of a true “hometown hero” and “legend” that is leaving an unforgettable mark and legacy.
His daily reminder will forever play out in our hearts:
‘Tough times don’t last but tough people do. God never meant for us to face the tough times alone that’s why he gave us each other. Take it from me, worry about nothing, pray about anything, and thank God for everything.’
Let’s congratulate him on a job well done! Let’s keep him lifted in fervent prayer daily as he navigates this his new normal for now that he has EARNED, and been blessed to receive and enjoy all while still on this side of heaven…Amen.”
Contact Economic Development Reporter TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com and follow @TaMarynWaters on X.