For 25 years John Dowd Jr. has been known as Jay Beau Jones, a respected radio programmer and on-air talent. Dowd has now authored his first book, Heroes, Mentors and Friends, which in his words, “takes us on a journey of heartfelt stories about positive people reminding us why we got into the business we love called radio. It also takes a look at the journey of who we are on the inside, helping us enrich our lives on the outside.
John Dowd, Jr.
For twenty-five years the radio and record community has known John Dowd Jr. as Jay Beau Jones, veteran programmer and air personality in such markets as New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Hartford. His successful career has paved the way for him to meet some wonderful people through the years. Now, Dowd has embarked on his latest venture and taken his stories and friendships from his many years in radio and put pen to paper to write his new book, “Heroes, Mentors and Friends.” The book, in Dowd’s words, “takes us on a journey of heartfelt stories about positive people reminding us why we got into the business we love called radio. It also takes a look at the journey of who we are on the inside, helping us enrich our lives on the outside.” FMQB recently had the opportunity to chat with Dowd about the book and discuss what lies ahead for the future.
What was the inspiration for you to write the book?
I always felt since I was very, very young a spiritual spark inside that has guided me. In the book I call it “The Inside Me.” We all have it. It’s the highest part of us. It’s that part that comes out when we are the most happy and at peace. It’s that part of us that drives us to become who we are in the inside, not our jobs or our things or even our reputation. It’s the highest part of us.
This feeling began to emerge when I saw a lot of our friends in our business having to reinvent their careers because of the business climate. I wanted to remind myself and others that while we all love radio, we are more than our jobs.
When did you start working on it and long did it take to come together through the process?
The actual hands on writing started in 2010 but the real focus kicked in this time last year.
You write that you knew radio would be your career at the age of 7. How did you know and what/who were your early influences that led you in that direction?
The influence was just a feeling, but a very powerful one. It was awakened when I saw the inside of a TV studio in Boston when I was seven. I share this story in the chapter called “Courage Little Partner.” Our intuition is maybe our most powerful gift. Everything around us was once in someone’s imagination. If we want to achieve something, once we can feel it, I mean really like feel it from the end, like it already happened and hold that feeling with passion, it will manifest for us. I’m not talking “hope” or just wishing for it. I’m talking about feeling it like it’s done where we assume the feeling from the end. My dad was a very positive loving guy. I learned a lot from him on how to remain positive during adversity. He was a very powerful influence.
The first industry name that comes up in the book is Guy Zapoleon. How did Guy became one of your mentors and what impressions did he make on you that stuck with you throughout your career?
Guy is simply brilliant! I’m a big believer in the concept of synchronicity. Author Carl Jung says: “In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.”In other words, to me the things in life that happen to us while we can manipulate them a bit are scheduled to happen. In the book I share how synchronicity connected me to Guy. It’s a great story. Guy is a mentor not just to me but to our industry. Guy taught me not only programming and music strategies, he was generous in sharing lessons that he learned. For example, I would share with him a feeling or need about a music rotation and within one second he would clarify it for me and come up with a solution. Those who know Guy know that a book can be written about him and his contributions to our industry.
You had the opportunity to work with another mentor, the late Steve Rivers. What did you admire and learn most from Steve?
Steve was a hero, mentor and friend to all of us. I was honored to be hired by him in Chicago. A concept or thought that took me twenty minutes to explain, took Steve sixty seconds. Whether it was cut to cut programming, or high level research strategies, he just knew what listeners wanted and just as important, how to execute it. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a book on radio greats and why they are great? I think you are inspiring me Mark! “Heroes Mentors and Friends” takes that journey, but not all the way. We need a book that salutes radio greats.
Two more greats that I must mention: First is my friend and mentor Steve Kingston. Steve gave me the gift of cracking the mic “from the top of the Empire State Building” the (still) amazing Z-100/New York. Like Riv, Steve’s lessons were invaluable. Also radio has a great programmer in Greg Strassell. Greg and Mark Hannon hired me to program the legendary WBMX/Boston. They are great radio leaders and heroes to me.
You played a pivotal role in helping an aspiring DJ at the time named Danny Bonaduce. How did that relationship come to be?
Danny came on after me, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at WEGX in Philly. Then PD Charlie Quinn had the brilliant idea of hiring Danny. In the book I share the story of how Danny’s new found fame and career reinvention was INSTANT from the moment he cracked the mic at WEGX.
I was impressed at how natural he was in front of a TV camera and audience. I felt that during his Partridge Family days his character portrayal of Danny Partridge was really like the Michael J. Fox and Kirk Cameron TV characters, a kid that was more of an adult. I saw enormous talent in Danny. At the same time of his rebirth, he was very genuine and appreciative. All of this was new to him. We became friends and helped each other. Radio station staffers as you know become a family. I talk about it in the chapter “The Power of the Word.” A few simple words of love and encouragement can save a life. Imagine how powerful we can be.
Who are some of the more dynamic radio personalities you’ve worked with during your career?
OMG…I could write another book on that! I am blessed to have worked with the best. My hero Rick Dees let me fill in for him and with him on the countdown in 2007. What a gift. Larry Lujack was an amazing talent to work with. I got the chance to work withJay Thomas who is a great guy. Who doesn’t love Elvis Duran? I got to know Elvis a little at Z-100. Elvis was the night guy opposite me in Philly! I don’t know Ryan Seacrest but he’s a great modern day talent. He reminds me of a young Dick Clark. I’m a fan of Valentine who is a New England boy like me. Jo Jo Kincaid in Tampa is fantastic. My co-workers Kid Kelly, Human Numan, Magic Matt and JJ Walker on SiriusXM 70s on 7 are amazing radio pros. I listen to Matt and JJ and say “how did they just do that?” If you want to be blown away and feel good, listen to Kid’s show on SiriusXM Hits 1. Gary Craig on WTIC FM in Hartford is amazing. Heidi West on AC WSRS in Worcester is an unbelievable talent! My friend Dee Snider is a great radio talent. I love his syndicated House of Hair. Johnny Dark on WRKO/Boston was an early mentor and became a pal. What a great jock! My favorite voice talents are Chris Corley, Tony Russell, Joe Cipriano, John Plessie, Bill Saint James and Anne De Wig.
The chapter titled Renewal: The Awakening is very powerful and really resonates what is truly important in life. Can you briefly summarize how you got to that point in your life?
I got the rare chance to just stop. My kids were grown and I wasn’t in a relationship at the time. I was between career points. Nature, God, our source whatever, put the pause button on “work.” Remember I said that much of our life is scheduled. I had two paths to take: Pursue a 10th station to program, or try to complete a dream which was writing a book that I hope could help others. If someone handed me a station to program today it would be hard not to consider it because of my love for our business.
But a voice within told me to do something that I had never done. It told me to pursue it fearlessly with passion and enthusiasm. I didn’t attach myself to results. I just focused on the journey letting the details work themselves out. Some parts of the book, some words, I don’t remember writing. When I read those parts now, I know that the words came through me from a higher place. By the way that spark is in all of us. We just have to listen and allow it to come through. As you are reading this I’d like to share a quote from Henry D. Thoreau: “If we will be quiet and ready enough we find compensation in every disappointment.” To me that means there is no bad luck. We are spiritual beings in a human experience. If we want proof, examine the feeling we get when a toddler smiles at us, or the feeling during a morning jog, or a call from our kids or the feeling of appreciation when someone special does something unexpected for us. That’s love.
You’ve worked at many great radio stations during your long career. What are some of your proudest accomplishments and best memories?
I’m blessed to have so many that I’m humbled by your question. I don’t know where to begin. I did my first break on WORC in Worcester, MA playing “Vehicle” by The Ides of March. Now I play it on SiriusXM 70s on 7. I’ve been blessed to have worked with the best and learned from the best. Honestly Mark, I have so much gratitude that it all makes me proud and humble that I get to do this, still.
Ultimately, what do you hope the readers come away with thinking after reading the book?
That we are not our achievements, our possessions, or our reputations. We are one with an energy that is here before we are born and after we leave. We are on a journey to discover that true peace comes from within, not outside. We with one kind word can change a life or even save a life. True happiness can be found by putting others first. “What lies behind us & what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
The lesson – Our Spiritual Muscle: Like after a big work out, our muscles pump up, then diminish, leaving some growth on the muscle. Moments in time like this horrific storm in the North East, bring all of us together as one. We all put petty differences aside to feel for others and put others first. By the grace of God, in the next few days most of our lives will go back to normal with our power coming back on with our normal routines resuming. Those who were not affected got to witness it through media and social networking. Over the last few days, our collective spiritual muscle grew. Is this a lesson? Let’s keep our spiritual muscle, our growth alive and never forget who we became over the last few days. That’s who we truly are. That’s really the message inHeroes Mentors and Friends.
Are there plans for a second book?
Yes! Twenty five pages in.
So now that we know your real name, how did you come up with Jay Beau Jones?
At WHTT in Boston, morning guy Bruce Kelly started calling me “Jaybo” so I started using it on the air. Charlie Quinn hired me in Philly and asked me to keep Jay Beau but add a last name. I thought Jones worked and had a sticky ring to it.
Do you have plans to get back into programming again?
Just like every great radio station “Heroes Mentors and Friends” is a collection of meaningful stories. I feel like I’m programming every day sharing a great message. I’m a jock again on 70s on 7 on SiriusXM to which I’m so grateful for. As far as day to day programming, you’ll be the first to know if/when it’s scheduled!
As someone who sees and understands the power of faith, what words can you impart to those who struggle with life’s imperfections?
This next thought is hard to grasp at first but once we do, peace and happiness begin to pursue us rather than the reverse: “There are no imperfections. If you don’t like the way something looks, change the way you look at it.” – Wayne Dyer
[eQB Content By Mark LaSpina]
