One of Chicago's earliest African-American disc jockeys, Herb "The

Cool Gent" Kent, has died at age 88 after a seven-decade career.

The radio station where Kent worked, iHeartMedia's V103 FM Chicago, said Sunday that Kent died Saturday evening. The company didn't provide details in an online statement but said he hosted his final broadcast on Saturday morning.

"We are so thankful for the privilege of working alongside such an historic figure as Herb Kent for the past 27 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Herb's family, friends, and loved ones," said iHeartMedia Chicago region president Matt Scarano in a statement.

Scarano said, "His passion for radio and work ethic was second-to-none."

Kent was born and raised in Chicago and his career in radio spanned 70 years, working at, WVON, WJJD and V103, where he was still working and hosted a show Saturday morning.

In addition to his radio work, Kent was also active in the Civil Rights movement. He hosted a program with Stevie Wonder for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's last visit to Chicago.

In 1995, Kent was inducted into the Museum of Broadcasting's Radio Hall of Fame and he also has a street named in his honor, "Herb Kent Drive," in city's Bronzeville neighborhood.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

a big void in radio

RIP.
Just last week, Houston lost a legendary DJ of their own. Skipper Lee Frazier. He was also in his 80s.