Red Jones
Red Jones was born in Baird, Texas. His aunt worked at the local radio station and at the age of 14, Red started sweeping, taking out the trash, doing anything that needed to be done to get his chance to be on the air. When he graduated from Weslaco high school, he enrolled at The University of Texas, graduating with a degree in radio and television. While in Austin, Red worked at KVET. After college, Jones joined the Army and worked with the Armed Forces Network in Germany for three years.
In 1956, upon returning stateside, Red went to Houston and worked with Top 40 radio icon, Gordon McClendon at KILT. Red was named one of America’s top PDs by the Gavin Report while in Houston.
In 1961, Red moved to WQXI to be its program director. In 1963, he went to WDGY in Minneapolis a year, but, returned to WQXI as Assistant Manager, Program Director, and morning man. While there, Red did afternoons, mornings, helped establish the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network, and launch WKXI FM (now WSTR). While Red was PD WQXI AM, he was recognized by Billboard Magazine as one of the nations’ preeminent Top 40 stations and Red received accolades as one of the best personalities in America.
Red left WQXI and worked at WFOM in Marietta. Then he headed to South Georgia (Valdosta) to be a co owner of a station there. He also managed WLAG in LaGrange before moving to Carrollton.
In 2011, Red retired as morning man on WKNG in Tallapoosa, the city for which he was named Official Goodwill Ambassador, years ago. Red was one the most senior on air personalities in the state and throughout his career mentored many aspiring radio professionals.
Red, Harley Drew, and Sam Hale at the 08 Induction Dinner
Sam Hale, Clif Jones, Red, and Randy Brown atthe 08 Induction Dinner
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