10 Questions with ... Mark “Chillin” Dylan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Original KOKY/1978 KWTD, KHLT (Adult CHR), WHRK/WDIA, Memphis WOWI/WBSK, Norfolk-Va. Beach, KIPR, Little Rock, KSSN/KMVK (Hot Country), WBLX/WDLT, Mobile, Ala KOKY/2000-

1. What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

As a teenager, Bobby O’Jay gave me an opportunity on the legendary WDIA. I was so nervous, I misread a Las Vegas vacation liner into a chance to win a “trip” to Memphis (as if my audience wasn’t already there).

2. What motivates you?

Outstanding wisdom, tutoring and encouragement from a very talented group of mentors.

3. Is there anything you would like to share with young broadcasters?

Take it far more seriously than ever before…Stay focused on forward movements with a strong mentality on traditional radio principles…Community, empowerment and educating younger generations should remain a high priority for us.

4. Would you share the names of some who have influenced your radio career?

The legendary foundation of broadcasters, the late-great Frankie Crocker, George “Boogaloo” Frazier, Shelly Pope and Charles “Madhatter” Merritt were huge influences while living and working among them, My living mentors remain very important every waking day, Bobby O’Jay, Melvin Jones, Steve Crumbley and “Broadway” Joe Booker have opened doors and taught me volumes of things that they were never obligated to teach me, I’m way blessed 24/7 on that level. The foundations they’ve constructed over the decades all have been based on community trust in their respective markets.

5. What was the motivating factor for you to get into radio?

Love for my music, and the potential to do positive things in lower income segments of cities…Empower the less fortunate people.

6. If you got out of radio, what would you do?

Possibly the Record “side” of our industry or possibly owning a music/culture retail outlet.

7. What would you say is most important?

Time management is always a challenge; being focused on the task, not so much.

8. Do you think radio will always be relevant?

Radio will and should remain very positive. Huge amounts of pride (every format) in what we all do for a living…Plenty of patience has been needed and necessary, and hard work has unfolded.

9. What do you like about radio today and what do you miss?

The absolute transition from analog to digital the industry was bound to take place I loved the “old” reel-to-reel production equipment from back ‘n da day, definitely I’ve embraced the digital concepts we’ve seen as well.

10. Would you share some of the air personalities you loved listening to?

Broadway Bill Lee, Frankie Crocker, Hal Jackson, Jimmy Smith, Lawrence Gregory Jones, JD Black, Gary Young, Doug Banks, and my all-time favorite “peer” generation talent Rick Party.