A big thank you to Fast Freddie for taking the time to do these questions!!!!
1. What made you decide to be a DJ?
I went to college to study journalism. I started working at the radio station at Kent State as a reporter in 1975. When I saw how much fun the dj’s were having I thought I’d give it a try. I never knew that you could make a living playing music, talking to people on the phone and hosting parties… I though wow.. I want to give this a try.
2. When did you start djing?
I always had a big record collection and when I was in grade school if the weather was bad we would stay in at lunch time and I would play records. At the time I never knew that it was something you could do for a living and I never gave it much thought at the time..
3. Which do you like better, live events or being in the studio?
I enjoy hosting live events because you get to meet and connect with the listeners in person. That is something I enjoy. Plus you are more free to do and say what you want. There are a lot more rules when you are on the air. But I like being on the air too because you reach way more people.
4. What's one of your favorite memories?
I have so many memories I can write a book and maybe one day I will. One of the best memories is being a part of the team that help put CD-106 The Wolf on the air back in 1988. Not everybody gets the chance to help build a successful radio station from the ground up. Being a part of the Big radio morning show was awesome. I was a part of a great team and we did so much crazy stuff.
April Fools jokes, prank calls… parody songs about local places and people. We did a lot of crazy things that were never done on the air in Youngstown. Having Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters come to Warren of the dedication of Dave Grohl Alley was major. That was reported around the world.
5. I know you've met lots of musicians. Who is on your bucket list to meet in the future?
Meeting Johnny Cash was a highlight. He was as cool as I thought he would be. I have met many performers over the years including Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin and Angus Young of AC/DC. I would really like to meet Jimmy Buffet, Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney.
6. Do you play any instruments?
I don’t play an instrument but I wish I would have applied my self as a kid. That is one thing I wish I knew how to do. I admire people with musical talent. Maybe that’s why I got into radio. I like music so much and I enjoy being a part of the music scene so being on the radio allows me to do that even though I don’t play an instrument.
7. What upcoming events will you be at?
In the near future I will be at bike nights at The ice House and The Lubes in the area. I will be at several benefits to help raise money for people in need, I will be hosting some shows at the comedy club, I will be at the burger cook off in Youngstown.. and the list goes on. It's a 24-7 job. I'm alway on the go.
1. What made you decide to be a DJ?
I went to college to study journalism. I started working at the radio station at Kent State as a reporter in 1975. When I saw how much fun the dj’s were having I thought I’d give it a try. I never knew that you could make a living playing music, talking to people on the phone and hosting parties… I though wow.. I want to give this a try.
2. When did you start djing?
I always had a big record collection and when I was in grade school if the weather was bad we would stay in at lunch time and I would play records. At the time I never knew that it was something you could do for a living and I never gave it much thought at the time..
3. Which do you like better, live events or being in the studio?
I enjoy hosting live events because you get to meet and connect with the listeners in person. That is something I enjoy. Plus you are more free to do and say what you want. There are a lot more rules when you are on the air. But I like being on the air too because you reach way more people.
4. What's one of your favorite memories?
I have so many memories I can write a book and maybe one day I will. One of the best memories is being a part of the team that help put CD-106 The Wolf on the air back in 1988. Not everybody gets the chance to help build a successful radio station from the ground up. Being a part of the Big radio morning show was awesome. I was a part of a great team and we did so much crazy stuff.
April Fools jokes, prank calls… parody songs about local places and people. We did a lot of crazy things that were never done on the air in Youngstown. Having Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters come to Warren of the dedication of Dave Grohl Alley was major. That was reported around the world.
5. I know you've met lots of musicians. Who is on your bucket list to meet in the future?
Meeting Johnny Cash was a highlight. He was as cool as I thought he would be. I have met many performers over the years including Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin and Angus Young of AC/DC. I would really like to meet Jimmy Buffet, Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney.
6. Do you play any instruments?
I don’t play an instrument but I wish I would have applied my self as a kid. That is one thing I wish I knew how to do. I admire people with musical talent. Maybe that’s why I got into radio. I like music so much and I enjoy being a part of the music scene so being on the radio allows me to do that even though I don’t play an instrument.
7. What upcoming events will you be at?
In the near future I will be at bike nights at The ice House and The Lubes in the area. I will be at several benefits to help raise money for people in need, I will be hosting some shows at the comedy club, I will be at the burger cook off in Youngstown.. and the list goes on. It's a 24-7 job. I'm alway on the go.