10 Questions with ... Greg Simms

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• 1989-1994 KFMB (B-100)/San Diego this was the beginning and I did everything - even delivered the mail!
• 1994-1999 KFMB (Star 100.7)/San Diego MD/middays.
• 1999-2000 KYSR (Star 98.7)/L.A. MD, APD/MD/middays.
• 2000-2002 KZON (Zone 101.5)/Phoenix mornings with Dave Smiley.
• 2002-2009 KFMB (Star 100.7 & 100.7 Jack FM)/San Diego afternoons and mornings. 2014 to present KRTH (K-Earth101)/L.A. MD/afternoons.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

I was 19 when I started at B100 in San Diego. I had no life, so I was at the radio station 12 hours a day, making myself available and willing to do anything. People kept telling me, you need to move to, like, Bakersfield or Fresno and practice being on the air and suck for a while, but I said, "No thank you, I'd rather suck right here as long as I can." LOL!

2) What led you to a career in radio?

Driving in the car with my dad listening to Jim Healy do his daily 30-minute sports report on KMPC. I was mesmerized at the lightning-fast pace, constant sound bites and drops, and the humor - it was the whole package. A little later on, listening to Rick Dees on KIIS FM was probably the biggest influence.

3) You've been in the business for awhile. To what do you attribute your longevity?

God's favor! Seriously! There are so many more talented people than I am, and yet I still keep getting put in these incredible situations. That's Divine favor!

4) What have been the most significant changes in your job, and the business in general, since the early days of your career?

Well, let's see ... I'm still playing Modern English - I Melt With You, Simple Minds - (Don't You) Forget About Me, and Journey - Don't Stop Believing, AND still using the DOS version 12.53 of Selector ... so nothing has changed! LOL!!!

5) Who are some of the greatest jocks and programmers who you've had the privilege of working with over the years?

Tracy Johnson, Jeff Detrow, Tommy Sablan, Chris Ebbott, Angela Perelli, Larry Morgan, Ryan Seacrest, Dave Smiley, Joe Cipriano, Randy Lane. These people were pivotal and aspirational in my "career," but there are so many amazing people who have had a profound impact on my life that I worked with over the years.

6) How do you keep your station sounding fresh despite the fact that you're locked in playing 30-40 year old music?

Understandably, the music sets the mood and tone of K-Earth101; it's the main reason why people come. That being said, in our contests, promos, and on-air work we stay away from being "nostalgic" and relying heavily on "memories" and "the good old days." Instead, our presentation is very pop culture. Our morning show will give away Taylor Swift or Coldplay concert tickets when they're in town. Currently, we're giving away two 2017 Chevy Camaros to one person. So, even though the music is 30-40 years old, it's certainly not an anchor holding us to the past. It's upbeat, fun and familiar - the same goes with the presentation.

7) What current music do you wish you could play?

I think "current music" has been in a slump for about two or three years and isn't very exciting - so I wouldn't want to be playing it (okay, how crusty did I just sound?).

8) What artist would we be surprised to find on your personal playlist?

Englebert Humperdinck - After The Lovin.' Every time I plug in my phone to my car that song comes on. (I think I downloaded it for a bit about 10 years ago).

9) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

KIIS FM in Los Angeles. I loved the era of Ernie Anderson sweepers and the FirstCom jingles. I used to park outside of their high rise at Sunset and Vine and try to look up and see the studio.

10) What advice would you give people new to the business?

Be available, don't complain, and be willing to do ANYTHING!

What's the best sweeper/liner you've ever heard?

It was a Bubba The Love Sponge old one that went, "It's NO panties Thursday. Buff Muff and Free-Ballin.' Let your silky hairy-scary run wild." LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!! I'm not sure if it was a "call to action" or if people actually showed up at the station to have it verified. It was probably around 1992 and I'd never heard anything like that on the air ever!!! It left a mark, definitely paints a picture!