A long time ago… in a galaxy far, far away….. My journey began back in November of 1989 as I hit the late-night airwaves as The Nighthawk Randy James on Power 96.9. From there, I quickly moved me into the 7 to Midnight shift. Let me just say that as I honed my skills and polished my pipes (get your minds out of the gutter! It’s a radio thing!), I had a lot more fun than the law allows. And we’ll leave it at that as I am not exactly sure of the statute of limitations. After a brief stint at 93QID a year later, I returned to Power 96.9 and strapped myself in. From that point on, I began learning everything I could soak in about radio. I ventured into radio sales, and even had a stint as an award winning News Director, recognized by the Associated Press. Along the way, Power 96.9 became Classic Rock KZMZ 96.9 and I moved into the afternoon drive. The evolution of Classic Rock radio in Central Louisiana was one of the most thrilling parts of my 25-plus year career. Along with Terry “The Man” Manning, the late Niki Allan and Roxy Lane, we enjoyed the ride like Rock Stars. After a brief stint as Program Director at Magic 93.9, Central Louisiana radio legend Lovely Patricia invited me to join her staff at then True Country LA103.5. When Lovely calls and asks you to be a part of her team you jump at the opportunity and don’t look back. That part of the journey began in 1997. Along the way, I have enjoyed much success as a top-rated radio personality. One of the highlights I will always cherish was being a part of the Carson Crew Morning Show on LA103.5. Along with Mike Carson and Miranda Lee, the three of us enjoyed success as the highest rated morning show ever in Central Louisiana. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the process of building stations and honing talent while wearing many hats. Operations Manager, Music Director, Community Liason, Program Director, News Director, Custodial Engineer, etc. When I say I’ve done it all in radio, you can believe it. Sharing my journey over the years has been some awesome and amazing talent. The late Mad Dawg lit the fire inside me for which I will be forever grateful. As I mention the Dawg, there are others who have gone on to that great Trillion Watt Power Station in heaven. I have been both blessed and fortunate to have worked with the Ole Jaybird, Niki Allan, Little Joe Lusk, Rick Stephens and the Mad Dawg, along with station owners Roger W. Cavaness and Kim Jones. Much thanks to my mentors, Terry “The Man” Manning aka T-Bone, Cindi B. Goode, Kim Love and Lovely Patricia. Also along for the ride has been Jessica James aka Candi Clutch/Val Starr, Dixie Lee, Shy Tyler, Mike Carson, Miranda Lee, Pat Cloud, Uncle Larry and Hollywood Harrison. Hollywood and I have had a friendly rivalry for several years. Much respect Wood! And of course, I can’t forget Jamie Jo, Eva Grace, Tori Paige, Sarah and a host of others. One of my proudest moments came a few months ago when an industry publication did a feature story on one of folks I helped introduce to radio and groom, The Country Boy Mark Porter. The story was how he had parlayed his success at 95 Country in Natchez, Mississippi into becoming a radio station owner. And thus, my friends, the second part of my journey begins. With a heavy heart, it has come time for me to say THANK YOU and farewell. April 1st, I will begin the next chapter in both my career and my life. I have accepted a position as Operations Manager and Asst. General Manager to join The Country Boy at 96 Country KIOX in El Campo, Texas. Not quite sure how they will take to a Saints and LSU fan with a pony tail, but they are about to get a One-Two Punch from a couple of Home Boys ready to show them what successful radio is all about. Look out Texas! It has been both a pleasure and an honor to have entertained and served my home community for so many years. The next couple of weeks on LA103.5 will be a bittersweet. I thank you all for your support as I have lived my dream out loud. Each and every one of you has played a bigger part of my life than you will ever know. Thank you and God bless you! ~ Randy James
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 16:09:47 +0000
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