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November 16: Miss Sophia story
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s the link to the Miss Sophia story
Sonia Murray suggested it back in August. I was about to work on it, but then Katrina hit. I then had some delays getting clearance from V-103 to talk to Miss Sophia. Then it sat around awhile.
Unfortunatley, the story is only about 20 inches. I would have preferred 25 to 30. And in print, it’s on the bottom of the Living front page, on the left hand side, one column with no photo on the front. (The photo is inside) I don’t know why the editors didn’t like it enough to give it better play but those are the breaks.
I have plenty of leftover material that landed on the cutting room floor. Joe Taylor, who plays Miss Sophia, started doing the character about 20 years ago. He originally called himself Vanessa, after Vanessa Williams. After she was dethroned for her nude shots, he changed to Sophia McIntosh, named partly after Sophia Loren and the computer company.
There’s also a controversy over Tyler Perry’s Madea character. Wanda Smith thinks Perry stole the character from Miss Sophia. Miss Sophia won’t say that on the record but does note that Perry did she her shows a few years back before he created Madea. Perry told Oprah on her show that Madea is a mix of an aunt and his mom. That got cut, too. So thanks this blog, I can at least get it in here.
Frank Ski also acts uncomfortable or exasperated on the air when she’s on. Ski says it’s an act. In fact, he had a drag queen on his show in Baltimore a decade ago.
Bottom line: she is a naturally funny person. Her admirers on the drag queen circuit note that she has a knack for spontaneous humor, which helps make her a great emcee at shows. Many comics repeat the same jokes over and over. She can be extemporaneously amusing and that does take natural talent.
Miss Sophia is also eternally grateful to her soul sister Wanda Smith for helping give her such a big platform to perform, even for just five minutes a day. The two, Taylor said, are two peas in a pod.
Comments
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By Yalanda
November 16, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this
One more big fear for The Bert Show: tomorrow everybody go and stand in the unemployment line. Then maybe Friday, the morning show can get back in the game and rule this town. This morning’s air bag bit, sure it kept me checking back to hear Bert get hit in the face, but that was too long.
Should have had Bert pull up besides Kimmer and yell at him - now that’s a fear.
By JaiLynn
November 16, 2005 09:38 AM | Link to this
I like Miss Sophia. The character allows for a break in the morning from Frank’s constant preaching. I am glad shim finally got a chance. I don’t know about Perry stealing the character but he may have borrowed a lot of material.
By TC
November 16, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this
Yalanda, I keep trying to follow you, girl, but you lose me everytime! I swear you’re writing in code!!
I’m getting used to Miss Sophia and her antics. Frank’s “act” sure is convincing; he really sounds put off by Sophia.
By Yalanda
November 16, 2005 10:52 AM | Link to this
TC:
You gotta be a pre-set junkie to follow me. I listen to everybody during my commute - not just one station. The Bert Show, once known for the best bits in town, continued a bit this morning where they each are facing their fears. Bert’s fear was of air-bags. So he was to have one go off on him. Anybody listening was probably like me shouting at the radio “get it over with”. Break after break - nothing. Finally when approaching the exit of my 1 hour commute, the bit was over.
Keep in mind I said Bert Show used to have the best bits in town. They are mellowing out over there. Same with Crash. Back in the day he used to cause a chemical reaction in my funny bone.
By Sonja
November 16, 2005 10:57 AM | Link to this
I also like Miss Sophia, and thank you Rodney for the story. I disagree with the lady in your story who thinks V103 has lost its substance because of Miss Sophia. I think V103 has lost its substance with some of the music the station plays. Miss Sophia is a breath of fresh air. I am stressed in my everyday life, and I enjoy listening to Miss Sophia to relieve stress. Now if Frank would shut up sometimes and allow Miss Sophia to talk more, I would enjoy the show more.
By Sonja
November 16, 2005 11:01 AM | Link to this
P.S. Rodney, you still have not told us the details on what happened to the Magic Man, why is there so much secrecy? RODNEY: I don’t know what exactly happened. I don’t think much did. The station didn’t want him anymore. He left. I don’t think anything salacious occurred. I’ve tried to reach out to Magic Man through mutual contacts but no luck so far.
By Eric B
November 16, 2005 01:39 PM | Link to this
Frank needs to get over himself…the dude is funny! However, I am wondering Mr. Ho why you never profile any other Infinity personalities—-you know WAOK and DAVE are also part of Infinity. Why not profile some of those folks—- RODNEY: Who would you recommend?
By Sarafina
November 16, 2005 03:03 PM | Link to this
Rodney- Great article on Miss Sophia, not a big fan but I’ll give her another shot! How about some background on L on Ryan Cameron’s show? She has pleasantly surprised a lot of people! Glad to see just being loud and ghetto isn’t the only way a black woman can be accepted! RODNEY: True. Elle is very eloquent, very sweet.
By Jerron
November 18, 2005 09:59 AM | Link to this
Miss Sophia sounds like a drag queen named “Shirley Q. Liquor”. And I can do without her rolling her tongue when she says V103…that is annoying.
By Jerron
November 23, 2005 10:20 AM | Link to this
Can someone please explain to me why Miss Sophia was allowed to help interview Bernie Marcus this morning on V103? This is the most embarrassing thing to happen to Black folks in Atlanta since Freaknik!
By Josh
November 29, 2005 03:35 PM | Link to this
This comment is for Jerron. Have you and Miss Sophia dated and had a bitter break up because you sure are hating on her. Maybe you should wake up to 107.9 from now on.
By Jerron
November 29, 2005 04:29 PM | Link to this
Josh- Based on your comment, I can only assume that you enjoy wallowing in the ignorance that is spewed from V103 each morning. You probably think Frank Ski is the best source of news in this city, and I would assume that you truly believe that he has enlightened you during his 7 years in this city.