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By Vonda Easley
ReJeana Leeth is the manager of WZCT in Scottsboro, Alabama on 1330 AM. Be sure to read through to the end for the weblink to listen to the live streaming of this station. ReJeana is also a vocalist with Gospel artists, New Grace, and she has an amazing testimony of overcoming incredible odds. Read on as we shine the DJ spotlight on ReJeana Leeth.
Vonda: Tell me about a typical radio day for yourself.
ReJeana: In a typical day at the station, I fill many roles. Beginning in the morning at 7:30am, I am on the air. I start the day with a welcome and a prayer with our listeners. During the broadcast, I take prayer and song requests. I also update obituaries and opening and closings. Afterward, I work on logging and scheduling as well as bookkeeping and billing responsibilities. Part of my day will include recording service announcements and commercials. Holding and overseeing weekly sales meeting and interacting with the public are also included in my day-to-day activities.
Vonda: Of all your days in radio, was there one that was extra special?
ReJeana: My favorite memory in radio would be my first day on the air. Roland Walls was training me at WZOB. I had listened to him growing up and was excited to be working with him. He took me into the booth and showed me how to log, what controls did what and how to answer the phones and then left me by myself. Phones ringing off the hook and nervous as a cat, I began my radio career.
Vonda: What is your favorite place to eat?
ReJeana: I just love to eat, but if I were to pick one place I suppose it would be Cracker Barrel. I enjoy the home cooking and atmosphere. The friendly service is an added bonus.
Vonda: If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you like to go?
ReJeana: I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii. I love warm climates and would enjoy spending time in such a beautiful place.
Vonda: Share your testimony? We would love to hear!
ReJeana: Born in 1965, with spina bifida and clubfeet, I began my journey at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. I had several surgeries in the first years on my legs, due to the clubfeet. Then at the age of two my left kidney had to be removed due to atrophy. My early childhood was filled with more surgeries, braces, casts and special shoes.
At the age of four I began walking with the assistance of a child’s walker. This is also the age I began singing with my Uncle Ray Mitchell, my pastor Shorty Dover and his wife, Susie. Uncle Ray and Shorty would bring the guitar to the house and work with me, teaching me a song during the week to sing on Sunday. They were a constant source of encouragement.
I began school at age six; in casts, but I was in school – another milestone I was not expected to reach. My school years were filled with change and challenges but also included new opportunities. At 14, I sang by myself at a talent show at school and this began my solo career in Gospel music.
My career in radio began at WZOB in Fort Payne and I’ve worked in many areas of the business. I’ve worked at seven different stations through the years. Many of those years were spent at WBSA in Boaz, Alabama, when the Singing News nominated me for Small Market Radio DJ of the Year. Radio has been more than a job, it has been a ministry and for that I am grateful. I am currently managing WZCT AM 1330 in Scottsboro, Alabama and enjoying the new opportunity.
I was blessed to complete my first solo project, self titled, in 1984. I continued to travel to churches to sing on my own until joining New Witness in 1994, while also continuing my career in radio. ReJeana and the Blessed was the next group and then I returned to solo work until forming New Grace around 2009. New Grace has welcomed many talented singers through its span but the message has remained. God’s grace is sufficient for every need and worthy of our praise.
In my personal life, the changes and miracles also continued. Doctors had said by the age of 16 I would be in a wheelchair and IF I were still living, I would be in a nursing home, flat on my back by the age of 20. My reply was always, “I don’t have time to sit down, for my Lord.” I married Charles Leeth in January of 1992 and despite what the doctors had told us, we welcomed our first daughter Crystal in 1993 and our second miracle daughter Samantha in 1999. Thirty-three surgeries, scar tissue and numerous health issues haven’t kept me from living a blessed and fulfilling life. My theme song is “Walking Miracle” and that is what I feel I am, by God’s grace.
Thank you to ReJeana Leeth for sharing her story for us on the DJ Spotlight. Be sure to listen to ReJeana every day, streaming live on www.southerngospelam1330.com .
Vonda Easley writes the DJ Spotlight for SGN Scoops digital magazine every month. For the latest edition of SGN Scoops, visit the SGN Scoops mainpage.