10 Questions with ... Jeff Foxx “The Foxx That Rocks The Box”

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Mornings in Cleveland, OH, WJMO, WDMT; mornings in Chicago, IL, WJPC; evenings, mornings and afternoons in New York, NY at both KISS-FM- 98.7 and WBLS 107.5. Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Soultown and the nationally syndicated Jeff Foxx Show.

1. Why did you decide to go into radio?

Because I have a face for radio! Seriously, I studied acting and then the opportunity for broadcast school came to me. I took advantage and my radio career was born. 2. What are you working on?

Right now, my daily syndicated radio program is growing. I am in 15 markets across the country. It’s syndicated by Mike Love’s Blue Tag Media. I’m still “rockin’ the box” on Sirius XM’s Soultown and WBLS in New York. I also am a bass player for my own band, the Jeff Foxx Band. We will have tour dates across the country opening for Marshall Thompson and the Chi-lites. I will be emceeing the induction of the Chi-lites when they are honored with their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this Fall . 3. Who did you grow up listening to?

When I was growing up, my family and I would gather around the radio and listen to Sam Weaver do magic on the radio. I also listened to legendary Cleveland DJs Mike Payne and Ken Hawkins. 4. Any advice for up-and-coming air talent?

Absolutely! I would urge up and coming talent to constantly air check themselves, visit comedy clubs, read as much as possible from hard news to pop culture magazines, listening to other air personalities is important, and never be afraid to ask questions. 5. Would you share one of your crazy radio stories?

I was working on the Isaac Hayes Morning Show in the late 1990s. Isaac wanted to introduce House Music artist Colonel Abrams on the air. I knew he didn’t know Colonel, so I asked him if I could do it. I’ll never forget, he said “no Foxx, I got it”. So, he leaned into the microphone and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I like to introduce a friend of ours who will be performing later on this afternoon. We all love him. Please welcome Colonel Sanders!” Obviously, I couldn’t laugh out, but on the inside, I was dying laughing. 6. What are you most proud of?

My beautiful wife of 35 years and my 3 talented and intelligent adult children. 7. Who have been some of your influencers and mentors?

The late Chuck Collins, who was the production director of one of the first stations I worked at in Cleveland. He gave me the opportunity to learn production skills and a chance to work. Radio consultant, Tony Gray, also opened the door for me to come to New York and work at KISS FM. And of course, my friend Sam Weaver, a wonderful co-worker and mentor. He was like a father-figure to me. He showed me how to sneak into a Cubs game without getting caught and how to raid the refrigerator at Johnson Publications cafeteria after hours. 8. What do you think about radio and the music industry these days?

I just miss the old days. Everything must change and I feel the music and radio in the 1970s, 80s and 90s were a heyday in Black music. I truly miss a well-staffed radio station with jocks on every time shift. I miss the confrontations at the jock meetings and the sleazy sales staff. Wow, those were the days. 9. How do you see the future of terrestrial radio and all audio platforms?

Terrestrial radio has a lot of company these days. I guess you can call it an extended family. Not always welcomed. But it all goes hand in hand. You must adapt to social media to be successful in terrestrial. The stronger your social media presence (pod casting, IG, etc.) the greater your terrestrial presence will be. 10. Would you share the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Tony Gray, NY Program Director, told me to make it in New York you need a hot handle. He advised me to use the handle, “Jeff Foxx- the Foxx that Rocks the Box.” I was reluctant at first. I thought it was silly until one day I was in line at a club in NYC. When I got to the front of the line, I told the bouncer I was Jeff Foxx. He then bellowed “Oh, You the Foxx that Rocks the Box”. I said, “Yes, yes I am” . But he still didn’t let me in. 35 years later, I still can’t get in.

How about sharing another one of your funny radio stories?

Sam Weaver and I worked together at WJPC in the mid-1980s in Chicago. I was holding down the overnight shift one Saturday morning and as I was waiting for Sam Weaver to relieve me, the elevator door opened. He scooted out of the elevator in an office chair and rolled into the air studio. I said “Sam, what happened to you?” He said he had sprained his ankle the night before playing basketball. He asked me to get a bucket of ice for his foot. When I brought the bucket of ice to him, Sam put his foot in it. I asked Sam, “will the bucket weigh the same when the ice melts?” I’ll never forget this. Sam looked at me with this excruciating expression. He said, “what the fuck do I look like, Mr. Science!!!” I’m still laughing about that to this day.