JC Kelly

I joined WSWO when I retired from full-time engineering. I spent my career developing reconnaissance systems for the Air Force, working as military, civil service and as a contractor. I still do consulting on systems engineering, currently for laser communications systems.

I play music for my Church in Fairborn. I play 6 string guitar and bass, and do our sound setups when needed.

I got my EE degree at University of Cincinnati, where I also met my wife. I was always interested in ‘how stuff works’ and managed to get jobs where I got to exercise that interest.

Early influences:

In early high school, a neighbor, Chuck, was Chief Engineer for WSTV in Steubenville, OH. He got me interested in ham radio and I pursued that for a number of years.

I spent my evenings listening to Cousin Bruce Morrow on WABC-AM, which we were able to get in Steubenville. I took up guitar at that time.

When I started at UC, I started playing folk music, and really liked Ian and Sylvia and Peter Paul and Mary. I went back to Rock and Blues music about 1975, influenced by  Dobie Gray, Eric Clapton, the Animals, and later Dire Straits, the Who, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Gerry Rafferty, and Mumford and Sons

First and only radio job:

In my last year as UC, I worked as a station engineer for WCIN-AM. I did a little production, some remote support, and transmitter watch.

What do you like about WSWO? 

I enjoy exploring the awesome WSWO library of music, and in supporting remotes. On my shift (Tuesdays from 11:00 to 2:00) I like to highlight artists who are having birthdays that week, and in providing artist background information for many of our songs. I’ve been enjoying myself here since 2014.