This month has been one that I have to admit that I take a
considerable amount of pride in. It was this month back in 1991 that I began
training at WDKN for my first job ever.
2016 minus 1991 equals = Seriously?
For the past quarter-century, my career has been one of
amazing highs and a few lows along the way. The thing that amazes me the most
about it is that is still is going on. Whether it be radio or journalism, I
have been blessed to do what I do for a living. It’s broken my heart a few
times along the way…..but if I had to change a thing about it, I wouldn’t. The
highs have exceeded any lows that I might have had.
I remember the moment where I knew what business I wanted to
go in. It was February 1986. I had won tickets for a Hank Williams, Jr. taping
at the Opry House. I went along with my brother Randall, and my father. We had
some time to kill, so we went by the Opryland Hotel and walked around. I
remember walking by the studios of the Music Country Radio Network (the same
studios that WSM now occupies) and I was mesmerized by looking at the man in
the studio. I remember buying a copy of Country Song Roundup that night at the
gift shop inside the Hotel. Johnny Cash was on the cover. For some reason, this
was the night that I knew I wanted to do something in the business,
particularly radio.
Five years later, I got my wish. From April of 1991 until
March of 2009, my main job during that time was at WDKN. It was a constant
tutorial on the term “On The Job Training.” We were pretty much allowed to
paint with a blank canvas – LOL – as long as we didn’t ask for money. Looking
back, it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had. I made so many of my best
friendships there – ones that I still treasure greatly to this day. I learned
the art of interviewing, as well as how to do a sports broadcast. Truth be
told, I loved every aspect of radio – except for sales. I hated it – with a
passion. To think about going to a client asking for their sponsorship is
something that I still get my stomach in knots about. But, other than that, it
was a great eighteen years. Then, one morning (3-19-09, to be exact), it was
over. The station closed – with three hours notice.
Looking back, there was a great deal of bitterness about
things for a long time. I did learn from the experience, however. No matter how
invincible you might think you are – you’re not. Anybody can be easily
replaced. I was. Humbling tool? Maybe. But, it all works out. I have been
working for WNKX for seven years this month, and am now Sports Director for the
station, which is something I love. Everybody moves on….eventually. I wish I
would have handled the events of 2009 differently, as I went through a deep and
dark depression. But, I wouldn’t have been where I am now, and I wouldn’t
change things a bit.
My other career began in 2001. I started writing a weekly
music column for the local paper in town. Eventually, that led to some
different websites and publications, such as New Music Weekly and Music City
News. I also started sports writing in 2006. I remember my editor, Tim Adkins, telling
me that he needed about 600 words on a football game. I thought ‘How in the
world am I going to come up with six hundred words?’ Ten years later, my
various editors probably wonder ‘How can we get Chuck to keep it at 600 words?
(Note….This sentence makes it 643 words – Proof I can still be long winded.)
In 2011, the biggest thing that happened to me was going to
work for Billboard. I’ve talked about this in another blog, but it was a week
that I truly needed something big to happen – and indeed, it did. I’ve been
blessed to travel to places near and far, and talk to entertainers that I never
for a million years thought would know who I am. I don’t take any of it
lightly.
Just this weekend, I was asked by a promising young writer
for advice. I have to admit, though that felt nice, I was at a loss for words.
I’m still trying to figure my career out. Though I write for about five or six
different places, and also do some publicity work, as well….I still want to
rise myself. Put me in a room with my fellow writers, and I don’t feel like I
can sit with the cool kids in class – or the really smart ones. (And, no…..I’m
not telling who I consider to be in each class!) But, we are all trying our
best to be ourselves. And, maybe at age 42, I’m doing my best “Me” that I ever
have. I’m proud of what I do. I hope my passion for it shows up.
Twenty-Five years. It’s been a fun ride. I only hope that I
can continue to do good work in the future – and who knows, get invited to a
few more events. As I said, I don’t want this ride to end!
