It's been over 8 years since I've played Dusty Music on the radio in Chicago. Before I started playing Gospel music I was on the turntables playing Dusties. The reason why I am writing today is because I must have done something good as a Disc Jockey because several on-airs at the radio station tell me of how some of the listeners still recall - "Reggie Miles" playing music. And that just blows my mind.
Here's how it started. I was finishing edits on my research paper, I opened Facebook and a chat message appeared. It was from a DJ who I remember listening to the Dusty Show I hosted many years ago. The conversation was a written exchange of respect for both past and present.
The gentleman informed me that a listener stated she just loved the way I played music. I was amazed that after all these years a person still remembers the way I played music. And it made me wonder if I was just that good or is radio just that bad? And let me make this point clear, I'm not referring to the personality that informed me of the inquiry. As a matter of fact the gentleman is outstanding as a personality and a student of Dusty Music.
When I manned the tables and controlled the microphone -- Radio was different. Today with radio listeners have to digest what is served there are no choices on the air. Radio sounds the same across the nation. How boring. Back in the day, I was a "free form" DJ that tried to structure a presentation that was different from the rest. Man I hated to be a follower on the box. When I started playing Dusties, Richard Pegue and Herb Kent ruled. And I wanted a place among them. I had one mantra and that was to be Lottie Dottie able to play something for everybody. DJ's are not like that anymore they are specialist in specific styles. Entertaining a group from 6 - 60 is no more. You have to be one or the other. And I prided myself on being able to play something to move anyone whether if was Disco, Steppers, Funk, Soul, Jazz, Gospel or Blues.
What really separated me from other jocks on the radio and in the streets was not my knowledge of music but my ability to dance and party. I could dance with the best of them. I knew what it took to keep the party going. My mother was my biggest fan and teacher. I played the music that she liked even as a young child. The experience taught me how to read people and feel what they are feeling. Every now and then I would break a hit but that was not my strong suit, I played the hits on the box and kept the floor packed at sets. I tried to reach and connect with people (the ladies) that were in the set. First!
During the early days as a "steppers jock"and a radio personality, I was never intimidated by other personalities. As a matter fact, I would get fired up at the thought of being paired with the best of best. I loved being on box and in control of the party. People that did not know me, went around telling stories about me being "arrogant." Reality is I'm a kind person who can be a bit focused however some people did not want to understand that I was all about focusing on my craft and touching the individual. I put my heart into every moment of playing the role as a radio and DJ personality. There is a difference between a DJ and Personality. I am Blessed to be both.
So being remembered is such an awesome thing to me because out of sight means out of mind. And to have someone remember what you've done when someone else is doing the same thing. My God what a tribute.. To God Be The Glory.
