WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

She’s been the Queen of our hearts for many years. We know the voice, now let’s really get to know the woman behind the voice. 

I’ve known Renee for over 30 years, yet most of what you’re going to learn about this Winston-Salem native; I’m learning for the first time as well. Here’s my 12-question interview with the legendary Renee Vaughn.

When did you catch the radio bug? And take us from that day to where you are now in your journey.

“I guess you can say the bug for the radio came by accident. The shorter version of this journey happened my senior year of college at East Carolina University where my roommate at the time – shoutout to Monica – who basically said she liked the sound of my voice and wondered if I thought of majoring in communications … the rest is history. And from there I had a good friend by the name of Alvin Stowe, aka AC Stone, help me put an audio resume together on cassette back in those days … lol … and a wonderful General Manager Mutter (Evans) took a chance on me and hired me, under incredible tutelage along with then Program Director Mark Raymond. Miss him much.

“So, I officially started at an AM heritage station, WAAA 980 Triple A … there from 1992 to 1997. Then ventured in my first FM market in Fayetteville, Foxy 99 WZFX FM with PD Bobby Jaye, where I first started in overnights and after my sweet roommate and dear radio sister D’Cherie Lofton moved back to Greensboro, was moved up to middays, a 10-to-2 shift if I remember correctly. Then the call to come back home to the Triad occurred when 97.1 WQMG was looking for a morning show producer of the Tom Joyner Morning Show after a super talented Tolly Carr left to pursue his sports/TV opportunity at WXII. After some awesome training from my other radio sister Jeanene Davis – she will kill me for the misspelling – I started this incredible journey at QMG from 2000 to 2005. Then doing a stint in Talk Radio at FM Talk WZTK Burlington as a show producer. I went back to work at QMG after Shilynne Cole gave me another opportunity to work again at 97.1. And I dare not leave out working with the Radio Rockstar Phil Allen. I’ve been back with QMG from 2006 until today.”

You have become Winston-Salem’s local girl who became a Triad superstar and hero. How does it feel to be loved and admired by so many people?

“Even if I wasn’t a Triad superstar, which I personally consider odd … I love the last 42 years I have spent living here, meeting some of the sweetest and most loving people I know, now and over the years.”

What are one or two of your fondest memories since you’ve done radio here in the Triad? 

1. “Finally getting to work with super talented Busta Brown (smile).”

2. “Working with two individuals I miss so dearly – AC Stone and D’Cherie Lofton. Gone but NEVER forgotten.”

Share with us some of the charitable and community service work you’ve done that’s dear to your heart. “Formerly the Sims, now Carl H. Russell Recreation Center Family Reunion that celebrated many areas of Winston-Salem families that reside in the Happy Hill community, when I used to celebrate holidays, which I no longer do since being baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness. The Annual Peace Toys for War Toys, an event that encouraged families to exchange war-related toys for peaceful ones. Currently the annual I Am A Queen’s back-to-school giveaway drive that supplies kids with the needed resources to have a successful school year.”

What have your parents instilled in you that helped mold you into the phenomenal woman you are today?

“Being raised mostly by a family of wonderful women … I could work hard and strive to be the best at whatever I choose to in life … I guess radio chose me instead of the other way around. So, it’s a blessing to use me to encourage and inspire others.”

Please share with us one of your greatest challenges as a child and one as an adult that has helped you endure in this business.

“Not having siblings … I missed out, being my mom’s only child. But still loved being spoiled … lol …  and as an adult, new and unexpected challenge of being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and currently on dialysis, but remaining positive because a transplant is the next major step.”

Who would you love to interview and why?

“All women of color who paved the way for me to be in this business of radio. Many past and present continue to inspire and motivate me to pass the torch.”

 Share something FUN about Renee Vaughn that you’ve never shared until now.

“Renee Vaughn would LOVE to become a world traveler …. so many places I have yet to visit, so I am always open for suggestions!!”

What are your top three songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s and your top five songs on QMG today?

“Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” and “Bad” albums. Today, it’s Ledisi, “I Need to Know,” Beyonce, “Cuff It,” Boney James/Lalah Hathaway, “Coastin,” Lizzo/SZA “Special October,” and London “Back to You Place.”  He sounds so much like Marvin Gaye.”

 Who is your celebrity crush and why?

“Do I really have to answer this?!?! I have to get back with you at a later time … (wink wink)!!”

When you decide to retire from radio, what’s next for Renee V?

“Voice work for both radio and television.” 

When you’re having a rough day, what scripture or quote gives you the strength to keep pushing on?

“2 Corinthians 4:8-9, we are hard-pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement; we are perplexed, but not absolutely with no way out …. and this daily reminder: THE PERSON WHO KNOWS GOD BEST WILL TRUST HIM THE MOST IN TIME OF TEST.”

My phenomenal Person of the Week, my dear friend Renee Vaughn.