WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sunday, September 27, 2026) — WHUR 96.3 FM is mourning the loss of longtime broadcaster, singer, television host and beloved member of the WHUR family, Angela Stribling, whose warm, soothing voice became part of the soundtrack of Washington-area radio for decades.
This statement was released this morning from her husband Ken Washington, Ph.D. “It is with broken heart that I share that my beloved wife, Angela Marie Stribling passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 26, after a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer. Her sister Darlene and I were by her side.” Dr. Washington went on to say “A Celebration of Life” for Angela will be held in Washington, D.C. A date and venue will be announced.
For generations of WHUR listeners, Angela Stribling was more than a radio personality. She was a familiar voice, a trusted presence and a gentle spirit whose warmth came through whether she was behind a microphone, on television or performing on stage.
Angela became an important part of the legacy of WHUR’s Original Quiet Storm, the groundbreaking format that began at Howard University in 1976 with the late Melvin Lindsey. Stribling became the first woman to host the Original Quiet Storm, carrying forward a tradition that has become an enduring part of Black radio and Washington’s cultural history.
Her relationship with the Quiet Storm was particularly meaningful. Stribling and Lindsey were close friends and professional collaborators. The two hosted BET’s Screen Scene together and also co-hosted On Time on Baltimore’s WJZ-TV. Their friendship and shared history became part of the story of the Quiet Storm itself.
But Angela’s career extended far beyond radio.
She was a pioneering television personality at BET, where she spent four years as a host of Screen Scene, BET’s entertainment news program. She later helped launch BET Jazz, hosting Jazz Central alongside Ramsey Lewis and Lou Rawls, as well as BET Jazz Discovery and BET Jazz Scene. She also worked in Baltimore television as a reporter for Evening Magazine and co-host of On Time.
Her career began in Washington, where she worked as a news intern at WTTG-TV and at WOL-AM before joining WHUR. Her distinctive voice and warm, enthusiastic personality quickly made her a favorite among listeners
Angela was also an accomplished jazz vocalist. Classically trained from an early age, she performed at venues around the world and shared the stage with legendary artists including Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. Her musical career took her across the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa.
At WHUR, Angela continued connecting with audiences through her long-running program “Pillow Talk,” a late-night program centered on relationships, conversation and music. In a 2021 interview with The Washington Informer, she described her desire to genuinely connect with people and help them navigate their relationships and their lives.
That spirit of service was central to who Angela was.
She was known by colleagues and listeners for her kindness, grace, infectious laugh and willingness to encourage others. Her professional accomplishments were extensive, but those who knew her often spoke just as much about the person behind the microphone.
“Angela Stribling was a remarkable talent, but what made her truly special was the person she was. Her voice was beautiful, her presence was calming, and her spirit was genuine. She had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and that gift extended far beyond the radio. Angela was part of the WHUR family, and her loss is deeply felt by all of us. We will remember her not only for the incredible career she built, but for the love, kindness and light she shared with so many people,” said WHUR General Manager Sean Plater.
Angela’s connection to WHUR was enduring. The station’s own archives describe her as one of the country’s most sought-after voices and document a career spanning radio, television, music, acting and national voiceover campaigns.
Her voice became familiar to audiences well beyond Washington. But for the listeners who heard her late at night, for the colleagues who worked beside her, and for the countless people she interviewed, entertained and encouraged, Angela Stribling was simply Angela — a beautiful voice and an even more beautiful spirit.
WHUR extends its deepest condolences to Angela’s husband, Ken Washington, Ph.D., her family, friends, colleagues, longtime listeners and her many fans around the world.
We mourn with all who loved her and celebrate a life that touched so many.
“Angela Stribling’s voice may be silent, but the warmth she brought to radio, television, music and the lives of others will continue to be heard,” Plater added.
