It is with deep sadness and heartfelt gratitude that uGospel shares the passing of a true pioneer, Hoyett W. Owens Jr., who transitioned from time to eternity on Friday, September 5, 2025, after an extended illness.
Mr. Owens was truly a Renaissance man—a visionary whose expertise spanned media, communications, and music. His remarkable career included work on special projects and event management with CBS-owned TV stations, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and TLC. He made history as General Manager of Chicago’s legendary WVON-AM, overseeing its shift from music to talk radio, and went on to found I Like It Communications, where he directed music for the nationally syndicated TV show Blues Going On. His company also produced the Quaker Oats Voices of Tomorrow and the Wrigley Gospel Choir Competition, the platform that launched the career of gospel powerhouse Tye Tribbett. In addition, he founded All Printing and Graphics, which became the largest African American–owned printing company of its time.
Of all his accomplishments, one of his most celebrated contributions came through Owens Morris Communications, the agency of record behind the 2004 launch of TV One, where his team led distribution, marketing, advertising, programming, and special events. Urban One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes reflected on his impact, saying, “Hoyett Owens was of critical assistance to our company in the early formative years of TV One. Although marketing was the priority of his contract, Hoyett was always available to assist wherever and whenever needed. I thank GOD for placing him in our lives, and we are eternally grateful for the blessing of his knowledge, strategy, and work on our behalf.”
Never one to slow down, Mr. Owens launched Faith-Based Communications in 2012, a full-service marketing agency and events management company dedicated to the African American faith community. With McDonald’s as a trusted client, the firm produced the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour for eight years, further extending his influence in gospel music and faith-driven spaces.
After maintaining dual residences in both Chicago and Jackson, MS, for four decades, he eventually settled permanently in Jackson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and soulmate, Betty Jo Owens, who passed in 2020. Reflecting on his loss, longtime friend Jerry Mannery shared, “If there was one word to describe how those who loved Hoyett are now feeling, that word would be ‘Bitter-Sweet.’ Bitter, because Hoyett is absent from us. Sweet, because he is now with the Lord.”
Hoyett Owens summed up his own life best, declaring, “I’m a very confident man who loves God, and I am passionate about gospel music and entertainment. I’m truly doing what I’ve been placed on this earth to do.”
His Homegoing Service will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM at New Horizon Church International, 1750 Bobby Rush Blvd., Jackson, MS 39204. The service will also be streamed live on YouTube.
Hoyett W. Owens Jr.’s legacy in gospel, media, and culture is one that will live on forever.