Popular radio show started in Tucson returns for 30th anniversary concert

A popular radio show started in Tucson that heavily features R&B ballads is coming back to town this month to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

The Sunday Night Slow Jams 30th anniversary party and concert is set for Friday, June 21, at Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita.

Originally started in Tucson by DJ and show host R Dub, aka Randy Williams, the show is now heard on over 200 radio stations in 17 countries.

Mayor Regina Romero even proclaimed June 21 “Slow Jams Day” in Tucson to commemorate the anniversary.

Williams says he never could have imagined Tucson would have a Slow Jams day and feels honored by Tucson continuing to show him love and loyalty.

“All of my dreams have come true because of the city of Tucson,” he said of the show he started at 16 years old in the summer of 1994, according to his website. “Today, those dreams are still coming true.”

“I feel, just, extremely blessed and so very thankful,” Williams said.

The all-ages show will feature performances from Slow Jams mainstays 112 and Hi-Five, according to a news release. The show begins at 8 p.m., however, attendees are encouraged to come when doors open at 6:30 for a special meet-and-greet.

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“We’re thrilled that R Dub! has chosen to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Slow Jams right here in Tucson where it all started,” Buzz Jackson, program director of Slow Jams’ Tucson affiliate 97.5 FM, said in a news release. “Slow Jams is a ‘destination’ radio show and the success of 97.5 The Vibe is in large part due to being part of the Slow Jams family.”

At age 13, the DJ said he wrote a letter to his older self, asking questions about the success of his career and what he had accomplished. “I opened the letter when I turned 40 years old, and it brought me to tears,” he said. “As I read the letter, it’s 13-year-old me telling me of all these dreams, and every single one of them came true.”

The radio host says one of his favorite aspects of hosting the show has been watching his fans tune in every week. He often gets call-ins from listeners who grew up with the show and are now raising their own kids on Slow Jams.

“We’re just lucky to have a lot of people like that, that grew up with the show and are now passing it on to the new generation,” he said.

Attendees can expect the show to be a little different than a typical Slow Jams concert. Williams says that he wants to celebrate by getting to talk with new and old listeners, grabbing drinks and taking pictures with audience members before the show starts.

“This is a 30-year anniversary, so we’re going to hang out a little bit,” he said. “It’s going to be more than me just jumping on stage and announcing the next artist.”