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10 Questions with ... J.D. Cannon
November 10, 2008
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NAME:J.D. CannonTITLE:MD/afternoonsSTATION:WFMSMARKET:IndianapolisCOMPANY:CumulusBORN:Waukon, IARAISED:Waukon, IA
Please outline your career so far:
I spent four years at WMAD/Madison, WI, about a year at KSO/Des Moines and 30 plus years here at WFMS/Indianapolis.
1) You grew up on a dairy farm and your whole family worked there for a living. How did you go from milking cows to becoming a radio personality? What made you decide to get into broadcasting?
I drew a high number in the lottery draft that year and decided not to enlist in the Navy after all. I was pretty sure farming wasn't for me and had always fantasized about being on the radio. I had a cousin who had gone to broadcasting school and sent me in that direction.
2) You have spent over 30 years at WFMS. That's got to be a record for the longest anyone has stayed at one station (or close to a record, anyway). What's your secret to longevity in an ever-changing business like radio?
I know it's not a record by any means. There were opportunities to leave, but for some reason I didn't and have really enjoyed my time here. I love what I do, the music and being on the radio. When you love what you're doing, why try anything anywhere else?
3) If I were to visit Indianapolis, what are some 'must-see' places I should check out? What is Indy known for besides the Colts and the Indy-500?
Spend some time downtown. Center Circle Mall is really cool - Eitelgorge Museum of Western Art, NCAA Headquarters and Museum, Indiana State Museum and the Zoo are all part of what we call the White River Park and you can spend several days seeing all of that.
4) Name three songs or albums that have influenced your life and tell us about them.
"Mama Tried" by Merle Haggard - my favorite air guitar and sing-along song of all time. He's one of my favorite artists too.
"The Dance" by Garth Brooks - still get chills when I hear it.
"Amarillo By Morning" by George Strait - I learned to two-step to this song.
5) Do you have your own J.D. Cannon Fan Club? Seriously, you must have a pretty strong following of regular listeners since you've been on WFMS so long. How have you connected with them over the years - do you get invited to weddings and graduations all the time? How is it different from the jock who does three years somewhere and moves on?
I do get invited to weddings - I was the best man at a listener's wedding once and I was at a cookout last Friday night. I hosted a listener cruise the past three years and it doesn't count against vacation time (yeehaw!). Also, lots of people bring by lots of food too. The listeners know me better than I know myself, and they feel like I'm a member of the family too.
6) Having been in radio for a while, I am sure you have had a few of those "wow, I have the coolest job ever" moments. Tell us about one of those that really sticks out in your memory.
The Kenny Chesney stadium tour was here over the summer, and I walked out to do the crowd welcome - it was my first time in the new Lucas Oil Stadium with the stage and all of the seats set up. It was an incredible moment! Another that comes to mind is when Garth Brooks came to our annual spring Country Music Expo and took part in our songwriter's panel. We still talk about that today.
7) There's a ton of new music out right now. What are some songs/artists you are excited about?
Jamey Johnson, Ashton Shepherd, Luke Bryan, James Otto and everything from Blake Shelton and Dierks Bentley. The new Sugarland album knocked my socks off! These are just a few - the future of the format is in good hands if we'll just give them a chance to succeed or fail.
8) What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?
I love to cook, do yard work and read mystery novels.
9) What is some of the best advice you've ever been given?
My first PD in Madison, WI (John Martin) told me to stop copying the Chicago rock jocks and be myself. My first PD in Indianapolis told me to shut up and play the hits.
10) You've been inducted into the Country DJ Hall of Fame, you've won the CMA Award for Personality of the Year and I heard that the mayor of Indianapolis even declared one particular day out of the year to be J.D. Cannon Day. What's next for you? Are you running for president in 2012, or do you think you'll retire back to the dairy farm soon?
Retirement is not in my plans - maybe you should check with Ops Manager Bob Richards about that. I love what I'm doing and plan to keep doing it as long as they'll have me.
Bonus Questions
1) Aside from Country music what do you like to listen to- and how do you listen? (CD, iPod, etc.)
I listen to public radio a lot these days. Being old fashioned I just have the CD player in my car and I don't own an iPod.
2) If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life story, who would play J.D. Cannon?
Billy Bob Thornton does an intro before the Colts kick off each game. I think he could shave his head, gain 40 pounds and be perfect for the part.
3) The CMA Awards are coming up soon- any predictions?
Let's see - I'll really stick my neck out here:
Kenny for "Entertainer Of The Year" again
Brad Paisley for "Male Vocalist"
Carrie Underwood for "Female Vocalist"
Rascal Flatts for "Vocal Group"Take those picks to the bank!
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