SGNScoops Magazine DJ Spotlight

The DJ Spotlight is shining bright on Dana Russell at WDYN 980 AM and 94.9 FM, out of Chattanooga, Tenn.. I tuned into his program and was extremely blessed.

Recently I spoke with Dana and asked him a few questions about his job in radio. He is a genuine person who loves gospel music.I am sure you will be blessed by hearing more about this month’s DJ Spotlight, Mr. Dana Russell.

Vonda Easley: What is your current radio position, station, and station website? Dana Russell: I’m the weekday morning host of “Sonrise,” on WDYN 980 AM and 94.9 FM. We also stream online at our website, www.wdyn.com.

Easley: At what age did you know you wanted to work in radio? Why? Russell: I didn’t really plan to work in radio. God guided me there. I’ve been a licensed auctioneer since 1980. I began singing gospel music shortly after I was saved in December 1986, with a couple of local groups, but mostly as a soloist. You can’t tell by looking at me, but I’d rather sing than eat. I sang to all kinds of churches and groups but had a passion for the elderly and shut-ins.

In the fall of 2012, a friend said I had a strong voice and was rarely at a lack for words, and asked if I’d like to volunteer for a little fill in DJ work for a Christian station in Ringgold, Georgia. That quickly turned into me volunteering every Monday morning for WBFC and sharing great gospel music.

All the time I was there, I was praying for the Lord for provide some financial stability for me to continue my ministering in song to many area healthcare facilities.

In August of 2016, General Manager Tom Sneed of WDYN contacted me and asked if I would be interested in taking over for the retiring Hall of Fame broadcaster Earl Freudenberg. I was shocked to say the least, with my limited experience in radio. But when I prayed about it and realized the hours would not interfere with any of my regularly scheduled appointments to sing for the shut-ins, from eight to 10 visits every month, I knew this was God’s provision for me. I’d be able to continue to minister to the elderly and add a whole new audience to minister to in a different way. He is an amazing God that answered my prayers in a whole different way than I expected.

Easley: If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go? Russell: I’d love to go to the Holy Land and walk some of the places my Savior walked. Everyone I’ve talked to