10 Questions with ... Jeff Davis

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started learning radio at Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City. My first paying radio gig was WPAP/Panama City. I left to do mornings at WTAL and WGLF/Tallahassee. Then I came back to Panama City and spent 8 years doing afternoon drive and eventually programmed WPFM. I left there in 1988 to work for Elektra Records, then MCA in Atlanta for almost 9 years and Epic for 5 years. I crossed over to Country 6 years ago and have been at Big Machine for the last 2 years.

1) You got your start in radio at a college station in Panama City, FL. What originally drew you to radio?

I worked at the ship yard when I was 16. I did roofing for 2 days. I worked at a pizza place, cleaned pools and did hotel maintenance when I was 18. When the lady at Gulf Coast Community College said they had a "Broadcast Journalism" department and a radio station on campus, I thought it sounded like a lot of fun. And apparently the deep monotone voice, that my high school coaches used to make fun of me for, was a good thing.

2) After spending eight years at WPFM/Panama City, you got your first gig on the record side. Do you miss anything about being in for radio?

I loved being on the air. Hot rockin', flame throwin'. Nailing the intro, hitting the post, radio in the '70s and '80s was so different than it is now. We did a lot of theatrics. Christmas shows with all the DJs involved. Practical jokes. And we were a beach station. So Suntan contests were happening every weekend.

3) Your bio states that you got your first label job at Elektra Records after you met the Sr. VP of Promotion at a convention in Washington D.C. How did you convince him he needed to hire you?

Yes, Brad Hunt, Sr. VP of Elektra Records. Jim Davenport set us up to talk. We had a drink, smoked a cigar and talked about life. I'm not even sure how it happened but he offered me a job a few hours later driving around the Washington DC/somewhere in Virginia area. We were lost at the time. It was way before GPS. I'm pretty sure we got back to the hotel by locating the North Star or by finding moss on the north side of a tree.

4) Winning rookie of the year in your first year at Elektra and then Promotion Man of the year twice after that is not too shabby. What do you think are the biggest keys to your success?

I had just come from 13 years in radio. I think that was a big plus for me. Radio is almost like a fraternity. If you've spent time in the trenches, loading speakers for remotes, doing production during a 5 minute song, taking meter readings or pushing your van back to the station, you're a member for life.

I was also very enthusiastic about the gig. I'd drive anywhere, get on a plane anytime and go get it done. I loved my job. I still do.

5) When you made the switch to the Country side of the industry in 2004 with Equity Records, were there any big surprises? What do you think the biggest differences are in working Country promotion versus Top 40?

No real surprises. Country radio and the artists are the nicest folks in the world. This world anyway. I'll let you know when I meet the others.

The relationships that Country artists and Country radio have with their fans and listeners is unmatched anywhere in the business. They are constantly giving back. And it pays off with lifelong partnerships and friendships.

6) You have worked with such a wide variety of artists, like Meatloaf, Celine Dion, Anita Baker, Elton John, Wynonna, Shakira and many more. Name a few records over the year that you have really been standouts in your career.

What is going on with Steel Magnolia and Jaron and the Long Road to Love is amazing. You can feel the buzz at radio. I live for that.

"Boondocks" from Little Big Town. I was part of a 5 person promotion team at Equity that took that song to #5 and helped to reestablish them. The follow up, "Bring It On Home" went to #1. That was cool.

"Heaven" by Los Lonely Boys - At the time there was nothing close to that sound on the radio.

"One" from Metallica. In 1988 they were getting very little mainstream rock airplay. Our efforts got them into afternoon and morning drive.

I also got a Metallica add, an Anita Baker add and a Gypsy Kings add in one week at one station. That was pretty cool.

7) You mention in your bio how important relationships are to you. Who would you list among your mentors and what is the greatest lesson they have taught you?

Bruce Tenenbaum at MCA taught me to be persistent. Never stop asking. He is a great promotion man.

Jack Purcell at The Big Machine. The man is always working. He has taught me more about reading charts and interpreting research than anyone I've ever met.

While I was in radio, it was Skip Bishop. He taught that life shouldn't be taken too seriously. It's only life, after all.

8) How many Taylor Swift concerts do you think you have attended? What's the greatest extreme you have seen a fan go to to meet Taylor?

Wow, Taylor shows, probably 15-20 at least. There are fans waiting out by the buses at every show, waiting to see her. Trying to get pit tickets or tea party invites. They are out there in the 90+ degree heat, the rain, the cold. It doesn't matter. Hours before the show. True fans.

9) If we were to visit your home of Atlanta, where would we need to visit? What restaurants should we make sure to hit?

You gotta go to the US Café. They have the best burgers in Smyrna, Ga. There is a small sushi place called "Minato" on Spring Road. Tell them to make a "Cowboy Hat" for you. It's not on the menu.

10) What would your dream job be outside of the music industry?

When I was in my 20s it was to play 3rd base for the Cardinals. In my 30s it was to own a radio station. In my 40s doing voiceovers for movie companies.

1) You list "cooking stuff" as one of your interests. What's your signature dish?

Ah, the Watermelon Salad for sure and a mean Brunswick Stew that makes grown men weep.

2) What are the most played songs on your iPod currently?

"Up on Cripple Creek" by The Band or something from Randall Bramlett or the Allman Brothers. There are lots of Beatles songs, too. I also listen to the new Steel Magnolia CD a lot.

3) What was the first concert you ever attended?

That would be Paul Revere and the Raiders, with my sister and some of her friends. Mom made me wear a suit.