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10 Questions with ... Big Ray
July 7, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I have been a Record Rep for various record companies (Motown, Frontline, Wutang Records, just to name a few). Then in 2000 I did a morning radio show on heritige station WFLY (FLY92.3) (Brian, Ellen, & Big Ray Show). In 2003 I got my own morning show on WAJZ (Jamz 96.3). In 2011 moved to Atlanta to work at V103 and in 2018 I became interim PD for WAOK. Later in 2018 I went to Radio One and WAMJ to do the overnight show. Currently I am on air with the legendary Ryan Cameron and syndicated in 8 markets.
1. Would you share with us all the things you are doing these days?
Other than smoking cigars --working on my digital show “Couchtime with Big Ray” and doin radio for the people.
2. Who did you grow up listening to?
Pat Prescott on WBLS , to me that was fun radio. The Star & Buc Wild Show taught me to always keep it 100%.
3. What path led you to radio?
At that time I was actually kinda done with the music industry, I moved to Albany NY and linked up with my friend and mentor Sugarbear who was the PD at WAJZ Jamz 96.3. He offerd me a board opp job to run Tom Joyner, and the rest is history.
4. What are some of the challenges with everything you are doing?
I over think everything and it messes up my time management.
5. Would please share a funny story from your career?
Back in 2002 our station had a concert and the group Profyle was performing. One of the members had jumped off stage and was right at the barrier where the crowd was when a fan grabbed him by his shirt and then other girls did the same so he was litteraly getting sucked into the crowd. Security was right there but they were too busy enjoying the show. So here I come jumping off the stage like a fat super hero and had to carry him outta the crowd and back to the stage. I was giving the security “the side eye” all day like “really?”
6. Who have been influencers and mentors in your career?
Andre Cousins, he’s like my industry dad to this day. He taught me how to beleve in myself. Sincere Thompson, he showed me how to have swagger and how to build my brand.
7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
Social Worker (wait,, I’m doin that now) or a Sign Spinner (They’ve got skills).
8. How do you see radio’s future?
Personality radio is coming back, PPM has taken the personality out of the present. No one knows radio people any more, they just know what the prize of the day is.
9. What do you think is your greatest strength?
I’m personable and a great listener.
10. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Never say never because one day you just might.
Bonus Questions
How do you enjoy yourself when you are not working?
A good cigar, if I could smoke while on air I officaly would be in heaven.
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