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One of Gospel Bluegrass greatest fans, Alan Butler, calls Carrollton, Georgia home and plays music on Rejoice 89.1. We placed Alan under the DJ Spotlight and here is what he had to share with us:
Vonda: What was your first job in Southern Gospel Music and what is your job now?
Alan: My first job was with WKNG AM on Sunday airing Southern Gospel Music. Currently, I air the Pickin’ and Grinnin’ Bluegrass Gospel Time. Two hours of Bluegrass Gospel Music on Rejoice 89.1 every weekday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm ET.
Vonda: What is your favorite memory during a show?
Alan: A man I never met, that was a member of a dear friend’s family, had passed away earlier in the week. The day of this man’s funeral, the Lord impressed me to do a tribute to this gentleman. It was nothing but a few words of scripture and a song. This turned into a full-blown church service; just me and the Lord, and a microphone. During the crying fit from feeling the Holy Ghost, a phone call came in. I didn’t know this, but the family of this man was sitting on the front porch of the house he lived in listening to this. Every member of the family wanted to speak to me and express their appreciation. It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I said more times than I can count: ‘I am not the one to appreciate. God gets all of the praise. He is the one who did it. Not me’. Just an unbelievable feeling of love from many people I have never even met.
Vonda: Who is your all- time favorite Bluegrass Group?
Alan: That’s a tough one. I can’t just pick one. I have met Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Dailey and Vincent, and Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Of all three of these favorites, they all share one thing in common: a love for God. They know where their talent came from and they have a deep appreciation for their gifts. There are so many I have never met but are my favorites as well. Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver is another one right there at the top. Now, I do have a favorite new group that has hit the forefront of the genre, Eagle’s Wings. They are another group with a sincere ministry and love for God. I love the old fashioned subjects in their writing. Mr. Watson’s Store, Road Back Home and In The Shadow of his Wings, are all highly requested songs on the program.
Vonda: If you were not a Radio DJ, what would you most likely be doing?
Alan: I would be preaching or evangelizing. This DJ gig is my ministry. It has been since the first day on WKNG, and will continue to be treated as that until the Lord moves me. He made me a middleman for other preachers and artists to get their messages and songs to the listeners.
Vonda: What are your goals for the coming year?
Alan: To make the Bluegrass Gospel program the very best it can be. That can only be accomplished with prayer and seeking the Lord. Whatever task the Lord sends my way, I will do it. I am just the vessel for Him to reach the listeners.
Thanks for taking time to chat with us this month Alan! Be sure to listen to Alan Butler’s program, Pickin’ and Grinnin’ Bluegrass Gospel Time on Rejoice 89.1. If you are not within range of this station, you can listen to Alan online at http://www.rejoice891.com/pages/4898551.php?
By Vonda Easley
First published by SGN Scoops in August 2014. For current DJ Spotlights and SGN Scoops, click on the SGN Scoops mainpage.