JD Diva’s UNTOLD STORY: How I Got My Start In Radio
Today (August 20th), we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of National Radio Day. It almost seems like yesterday that I graduated from college (NC A&T) bright-eyed and bushy tailed. It was 1989 and I had landed my first professional radio gig.
The station was 102 JAMZ. It was a fairly new format called ‘churban’. That meant it was a mix of contemporary hits from artists like Whitney Houston or Paula Abdul and some urban (Black) artists like Heavy D and MC Lyte.
I was to do mornings. I was on with two radio veterans – both were in their 40’s and 50’s. I felt like a fish out of water. In fact, I wasn’t even sure I was supposed to have the job. My friend, who was like a big sister, had turned the job down. She referred me instead.
Clearly, divine intervention as I wasn’t even prepared for the interview. I had simply accompanied my friend who was turning down the job and then she pointed to me. I didn’t have a resume or aircheck tape with me. (that’s your voice on tape)
The Program Director said, “No problem. Step into this room and read this script.” I did. He liked it and offered me the job. Clearly, God was at work. I mean, who does that??!!
Anyway, that was the beginning of what is now my 30+ years in the business. I’ve worked at four radio stations my entire career. Some say that’s a blessing, others may think I got short-changed. I prefer to view it as a blessing. Many of my friends either never made it in the business or got in and figured out it wasn’t for them.
Nonetheless, I do believe God had a plan all along. I’ve simply been a passenger, watching my career unfold and ready to receive what’s next.
#NationalRadioDay
