10 Questions with ... Cadillac Jack

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KMLE/Phoenix-1997, WWWW/Detroit-1998-2000, WMZQ/Washington, D.C.- 2000, WXTU/Philadelphia- 2000-2006, KCYE/Las Vegas- 2007-present

1) Your first job was at a small radio station in Wilmington, Illinois after going to broadcasting school, correct? Why did you decide to do this in the first place?

I loved to hang out with my friends in Chicago as a kid listening to WLS and WMET winning stuff. I befriended some '70s jocks like Captain Whammo and Bill Branigan. I always was fascinated about the magic of radio.

2) How do you like working in Sin City? What do you like best about living and working there?

I am a night owl so there is always something to do in Vegas. There are great shows and some of the best restaurants in the country here. Beasley is a great company and we are a family here. My GM Tom Humm and PD Justin Chase are awesome and I am not saying that to get a raise (Actually, yes I am!). The staff here in Marketing and Sales as well as programming is amazing, it's a great cluster. I am learning more every day and I love the daily challenges.

3) Your first major market gig was in Vegas, wasn't it? Tell us about that.

No, it was actually Chicago. Things started to happen for me once I got into Country in 1997. I was part time in Chicago after working full time at suburban stations like WBUS. First big full time gig was Nights/APD/MD at WWWW Detroit, which led to WMZQ Washington, WXTU Philly and then back here to Vegas.

4) You have worked in several great major markets in addition to Las Vegas, such as Detroit and Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, plus you've been nominated for and have won some prestigious awards-what are some of your proudest achievements in the business?

The fact that I am blessed and still working. I was always very proud to be nominated for ACM and CMA. I am proud too of winning Billboard Music Director of the Year in 2002.

5) You are the host of Westwood One's Stars of Country. How did that opportunity come along?

I was at CRS in 2003 and a couple of Westwood One people mentioned Charlie Cook (then with Westwood One) and brought me up as a possible host. It all worked out. Charlie taught me a great deal over the years and is a good friend.

6) You started in a Dance format. How did you end up doing Country? Did you always like Country music?

I came to Vegas from Chicago in 1996 to do afternoons for Hot AC KMZQ. I got fired a year later. Then I took a part-time position at KWNR for Tom Jordan, which led to part-time/fill-in at Jeff Garrison's KMLE in Phoenix. He had nothing full time and recommended me for the Detroit gig. He taught me a lot also! He's a genius in my opinion.

7) Radio is a lot different now from when you first got in-what changes have taken place that you wish didn't have to change?

I hate the fact that there are fewer jobs and it's sad that a lot of kids wanting to get in the business are finding it difficult to break in. There was a time you could start at a small station work hard and move to a bigger market.

8) It has to be tough in that town to get away and unplug. What do you do and where do you go to re-group?

It can be tough. Sometimes I do a staycation, go to dinner and play some poker. I love when family and friends come to visit. I love to go fishing! I also like to head back home to Chicago for a weekend.

9) Do you live on or near the strip?

I just have a house about 6 miles from the strip. It's like living in Suburban Phoenix.

10) If you weren't in radio what would be your dream job?

A police officer.

1) What are some of the great places to eat that you've discovered that you take your record label friends to?

Del Frisco's is my favorite, it's a great steak place off the Strip at Flamingo and Paradise. I also love Panevino on Sunset Blvd (the best Italian) and Simon at the Palms Hotel.

2) If we were there for a few days, where OFF the strip would we have to see?

You should see Red Rock Canyon, take a boat trip on Lake Mead or visit Mt. Charleston.

3) What new music are you listening to right now that you love, either Country or non-Country?

I love The Band Perry, Gary Allan, Lady Antebellum and George Strait. I also love Enya, Dashboard Confessional and 70s Rock and Pop!