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Don Elrod, music director of WGTJ in Gainesville, GA is under our DJ Spotlight this month. Known by listeners for his professionalism and his distinctive voice, Don has been active in radio broadcasting for more than half a century. Here’s what I asked him and what he had to say!
Vonda: What is your favorite food and your favorite place to eat?
Don: There’s not much I don’t like but a medium rare, thick-cut prime rib is certainly one of my favorites. Although I don’t eat a lot of red meat I do enjoy an occasional prime rib! My favorite place to eat is “Praise the Lord BBQ” in Buford, GA. Everything on the menu is to die for. The ribs and pulled pork are two of my favorites and the sides are fantastic too. I also enjoy the beautiful religious themed decorations and wall art. When I’m on the road I love eating at Cracker Barrel.
Vonda: Tell me about an amazing day as a radio DJ… What happened?
Don: After 54 years in broadcasting it’s difficult to name just one amazing day but I’ll try. President Lyndon Johnson came to Gainesville on May 8, 1964 to promote his “War On Poverty” and I was part of the local media team, which covered his visit. It was an exciting day for our city and one I will never forget.
Vonda: What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Don: We love visiting Hilton Head, SC. Typically we go there in the off-season when it’s not so crowded. It’s a beautiful town with an abundance of excellent restaurants. And it’s only a five-hour drive for us.
Vonda: I’ve talked with you some in the past and I know God has done some amazing things in your life. Would you share your testimony with us?
Don: When I was 12 years old, my pastor, a wonderful, old-fashioned, fire and brimstone preacher, spoke on the subject of hell. It was in that service that the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sins and drew me to Christ. I’ve never regretted my decision to trust Him and I’ve never been the same. The Lord has kept me and blessed me and given me great joy and wonderful peace for more than 61 years. During that time I’ve been privileged to serve on the staff of several churches in our area and I’m still broadcasting for three radio stations in Northeast Georgia and singing every weekend. What a mighty God we serve!
Vonda: What is your favorite hobby?
Don: I enjoy reading about the early days of Southern Gospel music and about those who pioneered this genre we all love so dearly. And, I never grow tired of listening to the wonderful groups of by-gone days as well as the fantastic groups we are blessed with today.
Thanks to Don Elrod for sitting under the DJ Spotlight this month! You can hear Don daily on WGTJ on “Good News From The World of Southern Gospel Music”. Listen on your computer/device at http://streema.com/radios/Glory_1330_WGTJ
Don also hosts the “Solid Southern Gospel” broadcast on WMSL in Athens, GA on Saturday mornings. It also streams live at http://tunein.com/radio/The-Great-88-889-s36452/ .
First published by SGN Scoops in October 2014.
Vonda Easley’s DJ Spotlight appears in every issue of SGN Scoops digital magazine. For current issues visit the SGNScoops mainpage.