20 Questions is our opportunity to talk with various people in the country music industry. Everyone from musicians and singers to concert promoters and radio personalities.
This month we talk to Ben McKee, who is the friendly voice in the afternoon on Akron’s country radio station, WQMX 94.9FM.
- Where did you grow up and go to school?
I grew up in DuBois, Pennsylvania. It is like 10 miles from the famous groundhog Phil. I went to The University of Pittsburgh.
- Did you take part in any extracurricular activities while going to school?
In high school I played baseball, basketball and was a cheerleader for a year. Then in college, more of a spectator. Played summer league baseball and worked a lot. Ultimately fell in love with the microphone and followed this crazy road
- What was the first record you ever purchased?
I was more of a mixtape kid… trying to get that perfect playlist. Recording it off the radio or a family member/friend. I think my 1st album was Oak Ridge Boys – Fancy Free… I loved “Elvira”.. maybe Thriller. The First record I actually purchased with my own money was probably Huey Lewis – Sports.
- What are some of your other musical influences?
I love Alan Jackson, George Strait, Eric Church, a lot of 90’s and older country…new country plus 80’s Hair, Rock, Pop… I am all over the place. Still haven’t found that perfect mixtape. 🤣
- Did you have any DJ’s growing up that helped set the course for your future?
Jim Krenn, Scott Paulsen, Randy Bauman on WDVE. I can still recite bits they did. (J.T., Tom Petty’s Parody Runnin Down A Beer, Bon Jovi’s – Mall Guard Anthem – Wanted Sunday Till 5 and Ralph The Cat), Soaked up as much as I could during my internship from Michele Michaels, Ravey, Alan Cox, Jim Merkel and Producers like Brian Price and also later Kurt Schenk (Write Creative) helped me so much production wise…all gave me time that they didn’t have to or realize that they were helping a guy that probably has no business being in radio for this long to keep having fun. But I sure appreciate them for it and they are all true professionals. I have learned and respected plenty from current and past colleagues also. List would be long!
- When did you decide that radio was what you wanted to do as a career?
I have always been drawn to radio. I was talking on those mixtapes too. In college, I wanted to be on my college station. They told me I couldn’t be involved til my Jr. Year. So I figured why not go get experience til then or at least find out what I needed to do. I received an internship where I could make a demo and try to really learn hands, or voice on…
- Where was your first radio job?
Sunny 106 (WDSN) an Adult Contemporary Station in my hometown. It was/is very community oriented and a Crystal Award winning station. Learned a ton there.
- What other places have you worked in radio?
Interned at Clear Channel Pittsburgh (PA), WDSN DuBois (PA) WRRK Pittsburgh (PA) KPUS Corpus Christi (TX), Cougar/Mix 97.1 Mentor/Ashtabula (OH), WONE/WNWV/ WQMX Akron (OH).
- What is your favorite part of your job?
WQMX helps a ton of charities, which is huge. Personally, the studio is therapy for me. I feel at home there. About a year ago WQMX focused on “Certified Local”. For me that meant talking to the audience live and making them the center of attention. That is my goal. It started with a young boy named Forest calling and asking “how he could get on the radio?” We talked and he said if he could play Kenny Chesney on his recorder, would I play it on the air? I agreed. He hung up?? I thought he was going to learn some KC. He called back about 30 minutes later and played his recorder over the phone. I thanked him and played it and the Chesney Song he wanted. He was so happy. Really it could be a contest, question or traffic tip… I want listeners on the air. It is their station from 3-7pm. Feel Good Friday is probably the most amazing and favorite to me! On Friday, I ask listeners to reach out with a little life moment (birthday, anniversary, new branch on the family tree), community event or just a humble brag! It’s so fun being a part of a listener’s day and life and an honor that I do not take lightly. It is a community and that is what WQMX is as a whole. If it makes the person sharing smile, makes me smile, it may make someone else smile and vice versa! Who doesn’t want that….
- How does your family like you working in radio?
I get a lot of eye rolls from them. That could be my cheesy sense of humor. When co-workers and friends ask them about something I said, they seem to like it, or are like why did you talk about that? 😁
- You worked mornings for a decade and now work afternoons. Which shift is more enjoyable for you and your family?
I enjoyed mornings. The schedule with all my other duties (Program and Production Director) in Texas was crazy. Afternoons are fun. Listeners are awake and very interactive. I still have production and I do miss many of my son’s soccer games but he understands. I think mornings are well represented where I am at with some well tenured veterans in Scott & Sarah. I always say “time for the B-Team (Ben)”. Second fiddle isn’t bad, at least there is a fiddle.
- Is there anyone you have met or interviewed that was very memorable??
I interviewed Scotty McCreery. It was like we hung out for years. There isn’t much better than that. JoDee Messina (gave me social media tips for my pre-teen son at the time because she had children dealing with it at the time.), John Cena was super cool too. A great speaker and could tell he was destined for greatness! Rob Halford of Judas Priest/ Bill Clinton were way out of my league, when I had the opportunity to interview them. I think my favorite was Weird Al, I made him laugh. Weird Al is one I have loved for a longtime and was pretty nervous to interview him.
- You have lived in the area for over a decade. What about Northeast Ohio makes it a place you enjoy living?
The people! I love the Metroparks, 4 seasons, food, sports, there is always something to do in Ohio. But the peopñe make it home. Ohio as a whole but more importantly Northeast Ohio is proud! And rightfully so. I love living here. And it wouldn’t be a concert if the artist didn’t yell “O-H” or my neighbors, co-workers, friends and basically everyone! “I-O” 🤣
- Did you have any other jobs growing up?
Sure did. Poured foundations on my Grandpa’s footer crew, full service gas station attendant, busboy, pizza delivery, summer grounds maintenance at a gated community, student librarian in college, worked retail, ticket booth for the LE Crushers, delivered uniforms, warehouse specialist for a medical company.
- What would be your dream job if you weren’t in radio?
I always said centerfielder for the Red Sox or Guardians. Little long in the tooth now. I would probably want to own the whole dang team.
- What advice do you have for someone thinking about pursuing a job in radio?
Know it is a tough business. Fun, but tough! I have been lucky enough to work for live and locally owned stations. On-air work aspects of your everyday life, it is relatable. Most people spilled coffee on their shirts this morning. Don’t focus on 1 aspect of radio you will be voicing spots, and a number of other things. Being versatile behind the mic, it will help you in the long run. In front of the mic, be honest and have fun. The listeners can tell when you are full of it and not having fun.
- Do you have any favorite sports teams??
Guardians, Red Sox, Cavs, Crew, Steelers and Penguins…
- When you’re not working, what activities do you enjoy?
Attending sporting events, concerts, cooking, finishing a project around the house and it may sound weird since at work I listen to music but no matter what I am doing I usually have music playing.
- What is a perfect day off for Ben McKee?
I don’t take many off. I went to the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh and The World Cup in Philadelphia this year. But a perfect day off for me is watching my son play soccer and spending time with family. Grilling and throw in some beers in the garage to celebrate.
- Favorite 2026 concert and any shows coming up that you are looking forward to?
I am usually on-air for the shows. Countryfest, Neon Nights – Are DO NOT MISS. I had a blast at last year’s Dusty Roots Backyard Bash too. My favorite shows are the WQMX Charity Shows. They are like no other for the artist, fans and listeners Could be an up-and-comer or a fun act to support charity and the shows are always unique and intimate. Gavin Adcock and Tucker Wetmore were probably my favorites so far this year. But Zach John King and Cole Goodwin are next in December. I am most looking forward to Hardy in 2027 at Countryfest.
