Although some might think that broadcasting on the radio in Austin
continuously since 1981 (and - knock on wood - for only two stations) is
an achievement, I view it as being lucky and blessed. After all, there's
plenty of music and radio lovers who know more than I about those topics. But I was
- and have been - in the right place at the right time. It's also been
said that you make your own luck.
You see, I had no intentions of being behind a radio microphone when I
was at the University of Texas at Austin from 1977 - 1981. But in my
final year of studying journalism, while writing a music column for The
Daily Texan with Louis Black (who has gone on to be the Editor of the
Austin Chronicle and one of the founders of SXSW), I criticized KLBJ-FM.
In 1980 they had gone from being a free-form radio station to a more formatted one - no crime and certainly one of the last to succumb as
radio became big business. In my naivete I took them to task for changes
that ultimately made them a financial and community powerhouse - and
they said if I knew so much I should do my own show. "Critic's Choice,"
which began in the Spring of 1981 with a variety of music journalists
being given a token attempt to prove their musical tastes were superior, ultimately became mine. And over the years I rose through the ranks of
KLBJ from part-time to overnights to nights to evenings to music
director - and departed for KGSR in 1990.
At KGSR I was offered a two-year contract and creative freedom - and
here I am so many years later - still on in afternoon drive from 2 to 6,
and still integrally involved in the station as Content Manager. I
pronounce it "con-TENT" manager, as I have never been happier having
more of my energy than ever at KGSR devoted to music and community. A
radio station is an always-evolving entity in all ways. Like in life,
you've got to ride the (air)waves.
I help choose the music we play, I get to produce our "broadcasts" CD
series
(which has raised over $1.5 million for the SIMS Foundation, providing
low-cost mental health care for the Austin music community), I get to
book KGSR's "Blues On The Green" free concert series - and most
importantly I get to be on the radio!
Career highlights? Well, besides surviving (knock on wood again), I am
most proud of my contribution to the station's commitment to the Austin
community. I also LOVE getting to know musicians. A sideline for me has
been producing promotional interview discs for national distribution for
the major labels. I have gotten to work with Paul McCartney, Neil Young,
Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, Steely Dan, Rickie Lee Jones, Tom Petty, Yoko
Ono, Jackson Browne, and countless others in this capacity, working not
only on the interview, but on the artwork and the editing with my
partners Bill Johnson and Jerry Tubb. WHAT A THRILL! Some of these
interviews (Ringo Starr, Jackson Browne, Sinead O'Connor) are available
commercially, some are aired internationally - and many are found on
EBay! Most are transcribed and can be read - accompanied by audio
sampled - at www.kgsr.com.
Heck, I've even gotten to sing onstage with Pete Townshend & Ian McLagan,
Ronnie Lane, Loudon Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, Steve Forbert, Shelby
Lynne, Alejandro Escovedo, Billy Bragg, Jimmy LaFave, Doug Sahm and many
of my other friends and heroes. Sometimes I feel like I must be living
someone else's life...
Most days (hey I'm human!) I LOVE coming to work and being part of such
a great team of people all committed to making KGSR and Austin the best
we can. I pinch myself many days, and wonder how a kid from New York
City wound up with such a dream gig. Did I mention I am lucky and
blessed? Hey - I've gotta go! My song is fading and dead air is no
fun...
Jody Denberg
KGSR Content Manager
Afternnon Drive Host 2-6 p.m.
ALSO, check out Jody's KGSR SUNDAY MORNING playlist blog for weekly playlists of the program (9am-Noon every Sunday)!
CONTACT: jody@kgsr.com
