Tribute to Tornado

by Terry Matthew | Published April 2007 | Features Archives

Roy Little - known on radio and in comedy clubs as "Big Daddy Woo Woo," and better known in the Chicago House Music scene as "Tornado" - passed away on February 22, 2007 at 7:32pm. Tornado, known for his larger-than-life personality, his kindness to up-and-coming talent and his soft touch in the community, passed away from complications of a stroke he suffered in November 2006.

Tornado got his start in the music industry after leaving school in Ohio. He was a host and DJ at a number of clubs in the early days of Chicago House Music, following a similar career trajectory to mainstream radio as Pharris Thomas.

In the mid 1990s, Tornado was hired by WGCI 107.5FM as host of "Old School Sundays" with Raymond Wade, aka "Ramonski Luv." In 2000, the two moved to V103 102.7FM for the "Friday Night Old School Mix." Tornado hosted his show solo for awhile after Ramonski moved to a different time slot before teaming up with Hot Mix 5 pioneer Kenny "Jammin'" Jason.

As a stand-up comedian (what some said was his true passion), Tornado also made numerous appearances on network TV, including stints on the locally-produced Jenny Jones Show.

Friends, colleagues, and DJs have stepped forward with tributes to Tornado, remembering the light-hearted man with an unusual sense of kindness. "He always gave me a slot when he was hosting a show," one old school DJ told us. "The bigger he got on radio, that just meant he could help more of his old friends."

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