10 Questions with ... John Bell

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started with Z100 in 1983 when we signed the station on the air. I am the last of the original employees and I have been their Public Affairs Director and co-host of the morning show through a dozen incarnations.

1) You were with Z100 from the very beginning. How did the opportunity initially come about to join the station?

I was with the station WVNJ when it was purchased and became Z100. I auditioned to become part of the original crew and Scott Shannon added me to his team.

2) You worked at Z100 through four PDs, three buildings, four owners and countless jocks and morning show incarnations. To what do you attribute your longevity?

It may sound trite, but I always gave them my best. I tried to contribute in any way I could and I think I built a rapport with our audience that has survived to this day.

3) What were some of the standout moments from your years on the morning show at Z100? Who were some of the coolest guests?

There were so many ... going "From Worst to First" with Scott and the crew back in 1983 ... Mariah Carey, just out of high school coming on our show ... Stevie Wonder showing up one day unannounced with his keyboard ... riding the wave with the New Kids on the Block ... meeting Will Smith, the coolest ever ... along with Lady GaGa and Leona Lewis, and so many others.

4) What's it like sleeping in? How are you staying busy?

Haven't adapted to sleeping in yet, but it must be beautiful waking up to sunlight. I stay busy writing and communicating with friends and family, and working with dozens of charities.

5) Have you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

Not yet ... lol ... but I am looking forward to that. I love to cook, so I think I will start hosting a series of dinner parties.

6) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

Nothing special. I believe that life is about possibilities, and caring for the people you love. That has always been my motivation for rolling out of bed.

7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer opportunities. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

Yyou have to really find something unique. Being a 75-year-old Black guy doing Top 40 worked for me ... lol.

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Proving that what I have done, could be done ... the barriers we all think are there can be demolished if we ignore them.

9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?

You know it ... I love this business.

10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

Do this only if you can't think of doing anything else.

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

"A Course in Miracles."