SHELLEY “THE PLAYBOY” STEWART

Shelley “The Playboy” Stewart’s broadcasting career began in 1949 as a local radio personality in Birmingham, AL. He was a key communicator during Birmingham’s human rights struggles of the 1960s for young people involved in street protests there. He then owned a radio station and continued his prolific 55-year journey in broadcasting. He is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution for his radio career. In 2019, Shelley was inducted into the National Black Radio Hall of Fame. It was the same year he received a Proclamation from the Atlanta City Council commending him for his role in the success of Black radio in that city. In 2008 he was the first African American inducted into the Alabama Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.

While enjoying success on radio in the late 1960’s, Shelley Stewart created a second career in advertising, marketing and public relations. He would go on to work with numerous brands and businesses over decades. For his efforts in that industry, in 2017 he was recognized by the American Marketing Association with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the marketing profession. 

A year later, 2018, Samford University established the Shelley Stewart Endowed Scholarship supporting African American students in the School of Health Professions. He holds honorary degrees from both Samford University and Miles College. He is also President and Founder of the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation, a national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the dropout rate, honoring his late mother. To date, the Foundation’s tools are estimated to have reached 19 million children, educators, community leaders, and parents across 49 U.S. states.

In 2025, Shelley “The Playboy” Stewart was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.