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Monday, January 30, 2012

7 Questions For...

Bev Johnson
Radio Show Host, Talk Show Host, Community Leader
by DIVINE Staff Blogger Tiffoni Mitchell

You cannot talk about Memphis radio without mentioning the name of Bev Johnson. She has been a major player in the game of radio for many years with many more to come. DIVINE Magazine caught up with Memphis’ “Queen of Talk” for a one-on-one conversation about life, career, education, community service and what’s on the horizon for this radio mover and shaker.



DIVINE:: Greetings Ms. Bev Johnson how does it feel to have come so far in this career? When you look back over the years what comes to mind?

Bev Johnson:: It feels really great to have come this far by faith. When I look back over the years I would have never thought I would be in radio as a career and for so long. In this business, I have seen people come and go, as well as seeing the business change.


DIVINE:: How did you begin your career in radio?

Bev Johnson:: I began my career in Jackson, Mississippi at Jackson State University while I was a graduate student there in 1976. I have always said that it was a fluke that I’m doing what I am doing now. I was at JSU getting my masters degree and really wanted to go into TV as a reporter. Being a graduate assistant in the Mass Communications office, I was filling in for a student from D.C. on WJSU. Carl Haynes the program director at WJMI heard me and offered me a job as a disc jockey. I turned him down initially and he later found me in Memphis after school was out and offered me the job again. My grandmother told me, “Baby, never turn down an opportunity!” So I called him back and told him I would be back in school in the Fall and would take the job. So I began as a DJ working the midnight to 6am shift, but I still had the desire to be in news, and kept worrying Carl about it. When the opportunity became available, I became the morning news anchor on the AM & FM stations WJMI & WOKJ.


DIVINE:: Who have been your role models in life and career?

Bev Johnson:: My role models have been Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg, who began her career at WDIA, left and went to Detroit and worked at several stations and ended up owning her own station. Carol Hal, who was one of the first black women to anchor on WHBQ-TV here in Memphis in the 70’. Lastly, Carol Simpson formerly of ABC News.


DIVINE:: How did you get your start in radio here in Memphis? And what is the 25th Anniversary that I have been hearing you talk about?

Bev Johnson:: I wanted to get back to Memphis or even go to Atlanta, so I sent a tape to both cities. Memphis (WLOK Radio) called me first and I accepted the job. Once I started working wouldn’t you know WAOK in Atlanta called but I stayed in Memphis. I am celebrating 25 years doing The Bev Johnson Show--my talk show. I was the first in the city to begin talking about relationships; the year after Oprah. I have been employed at WDIA now for 28 years being hired as a news anchor. It will be 29 years in September and 36 years in August in the radio business.


DIVINE:: In addition to “The Bev Johnson Show” on WDIA AM 1070 you also teach and have a cable talk show. Tell our readers about that.

Bev Johnson:: The cable show “Affairs of the Heart” started a year after the radio show and we focus on male and female relationships. It airs on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. on Comcast Channel 17. Dr. Dorothy Jeffries and Dr. Warren Harper who are both psychologists and who have appeared on my radio show helped me launch the cable show. I also teach writing and oral communications at Southwest Tennessee Community College where I have been since 1990. I've also taught at my alma mater Rust College in the Mass Communications Department. I love teaching and interacting with the students because I learn so much from them.


DIVINE:: How are you giving back to the community?

Bev Johnson:: I give back to the community through mental health counseling. I give to my Women’s groups and my charity helps my church’s higher education ministry send young people to college. My business alongwith Heart 2 Heart Counseling and Collaborations work together to give back through mental health counseling and working with people who may not be able to afford it. I also participate in several community service projects work with my sorority Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated.


DIVINE:: You end your talk show everyday with these words “And Ya’ll keep the Faith.” How does faith play a part in your life and career? And what is next for you?

Bev Johnson:: Faith plays an important role in my life. I wholeheartedly believe in faith and what it does. When I say, keep the faith, I mean that because it’s what gives you a sound mind and helps you to endure each day. What's next for me--I really want to get started on a book and talk about my experiences in this business.


DIVINE:: Here at DIVINE Magazine we want to inspire and encourage our readers. What words of inspiration and encouragement can you give?

Bev Johnson:: My encouraging words would be to tell people, “To Thine Own Self Be True”. Learn how to love yourself first and then you can love others. My motto is “As you treat yourself, you will treat others”. And never give up!


Ms. Bev Johnson, it has definitely been a pleasure talking with you today. I think it would be appropriate to leave our readers with the words that you leave your listeners with at the end of your radio talk show each day…."And ya’ll keep the Faith".

STAY CONNECTED TO BEV JOHNSON

Listen Daily: http://www.mywdia.com/

Friday, January 13, 2012

7 Questions For...

Laquintin Alston - Preacher Kid
CEO Of Preacher Kid Production/Booking Agency


DIVINE::Tell our readers about Friday Night Live.
PK::Friday Night Live is the most talked about exciting late night Pre-Stellar Awards Party/Showcase that everyone attends prior to the Stellar Awards Event in Nashville, TN. Friday Night Live features national and indie artists who sing snippets of their new music and fellowship with their fans. People love it!!!

DIVINE::Who are some of the headliners at this exciting event?
PK::Just a few headliners are Wess Morgan, Amber Bullock (Sunday Best Winner), Shari Addison (Sunday Best Winner), James Hall, Nikki Ross and so many more!!!



DIVINE::The Friday Night Live event is hosted by Wess Morgan & James Hall. Why are these guys such pillars to the Christian/Gospel music industry?
PK::James Hall is a phenomenal pioneer in the Gospel game and he has inspired many choirs across the world. Wess Morgan has one of the most touching testimonies in the country. Both of these guys are up for Stellar Award Nominations.

DIVINE::How often will the Friday Night Live events be held?
PK::Friday Night Live is an annual event and this is the 3rd year. I believe that it will continue for years to come.

DIVINE::Will fans be able to purchase a DVD/CD that will capture the lineup of phenomenal singers who will perform at the Friday Night Live event?
PK::Yes, fans will be able to purchase a copy of the DVD.

DIVINE::What other activities will take place during this event?
PK::There will be many activities/events going on this weekend. The Stellar Awards are a big deal in the Christian/Gospel community. This is a prime weekend for Gospel Promoters to show out and show our skills of event planning. I have tons of parties and events planned this weekend.

DIVINE::What other events does your ministry, Preacher Kid Production, have in store for 2012?
PK::For 2012 we will be hosting our Annual Christian All White Party and I'm so excited. I also have tons of great concerts planned throughout the year.

Stay Connected To The Preacher Kid
& Preacher Kid Production/Booking Agency



901.650.1110

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

7 Questions For...

Charles Winton

CEO of Kingdom Alliance Entertainment

Charles Winton has been dedicated to bringing men and women the best in Christian entertainment for the past 3 years through his company, Kingdom Alliance Entertainment. This year won't be any different as Charles prepares to unveil a lineup of excellent events for the Christian/Gospel community. The first event of the year is the Memphis Celebrates Gospel concert taking place this Saturday, January 7, 2012. Charles took a moment from his schedule to speak with DIVINE Magazine about this weekend's event.  


DIVINE:: Tell our readers about Memphis Celebrates Gospel.                                     CW:: Memphis Celebrates Gospel is a concert geared towards promoting artists and talent in the Memphis and surrounding areas. Although we're highlighting Memphis artists, we're not limited to Memphis artists only. Eventually, we would like to bring in national artists to participate in this celebration. Our main objective is to celebrate gospel music, all forms.


DIVINE::Who are some of the headliners at this exciting event? 
CW::Some of the featured guests are Memphis' own: Cedric King and the King Sisters, Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis, Lisa Knowles, Michelle Prather, Supa Mario, Pastor Linwood Dillard and The Voices of Citadel, Melrose Baptist Church and many others!

                        

DIVINE::Why did you develop the Memphis Celebrates Gospel event?                      CW::Memphis Celebrates Gospel was a vision God gave me to celebrate gospel music. The goal is to bring all types of genres together, under one roof, and celebrate the gospel music.It doesn't matter what form, the goal is to celebrate the talent God has given artists to express their God-given talent. This night is designed to celebrate the gifts and the music!


DIVINE::Why are events such as Memphis Celebrates Gospel so important to the Gospel community? to Memphis?
CW::Celebrating gospel on a whole, is important because we're in a day and time when it's not politically correct to speak or sing about the Gospel. So, everytime we get an opportunity, we should celebrate the Gospel of Jesus of Christ through the expression of music.I think it's especially important to Memphis because we have a lot of talent here in this city, and it's just good when we can come together and celebrate each other, and not be envious, or jealous, but rather, use the gifts God has blessed this city with and come together and represent Memphis all under one roof!


DIVINE::You named some of Gospel's greatest singers as well as some up and coming artists who will be performing at the event, what is it about their style of singing that will make this event memorable? 
CW::I think each artist has their own unique gift that God has given them. When they operate in that gift, it becomes a blessing to the body of Christ. Such as, the smooth, soulful sounds of Lisa Knowles, and the the Church sound of Michelle Prather, who will take you right to chhuuuuch, like my grandma used to say. Also, the quartet sounds of Cedric King and the King Sisters appeal to those who love quartet singing. So, when you take all of these talents and put them together, you're setting up for a Gospel Explosion!! one that will be remembered.


Don't Miss Memphis Celebrates Gospel
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Greater Community Temple
5181 Winchester Road
7:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION


DIVINE::What other activities will take place during this event?
CW::We're also honoring different people who have contributed to the Gospel music industry and the Kingdom as a whole. We will honor Tracy Bethea, 95.7 Hallelujah Radio Personality, for her contribution to gospel music. Also, Pastor Ricky Floyd for his contribution to Kingdom ministry, service, and the plethora of ministries that Floyd's church offers in the community. Lastly, we will pay honor to Barron McGlothlin, booking manager for Perfection. Oftentimes, we give credit to the artist, but leave out the managers and booking agents who work tirelessly to help the artist reach their potential.

DIVINE::What other events does your ministry, Kingdom Shows, have in store for 2012?
CW::We're expecting great things in 2012, we're still looking forward to hosting our Fall edition of The GospeLounge, a Christian networking set. Also, we have our Heart of Worship 2012 event and we're planning a special Easter Concert. Needless to say, my wonderful staff & I are extremely excited about the great things we're planning for 2012!



Stay Connected To Charles Winton & Kingdom Alliance Entertainment





www.myspace.com/kingdomallianceent

Kingdom Alliance Entertainment Offers: 


•Event Planning (church, personal, business, etc)

•Artist Management (booking & promotion)

•Promotions (event, business, etc)

•Catering (Silver Platter Catering)

Call 901.217.1241 or Email info@kingdomallianceentertainment.com