Former Southfield High radio personality Pat St. John, who graduated in 1968, has taken his outgoing personality to a much wider audience since broadcasting 40 years ago on the school’s radio station, WSHJ 88.3 FM.
He hosts his own daytime show on Sirius radio CKLW-800 AM every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. He also does character voice-overs.
He‘s been married to his wife, Jan, for 34 years, and has two daughters, Karson and Tierney. He lives in New York.
Here’s what St. John has to say:
How have you utilized what you learned during high school?
What I realized and learned during my high school years (let’s put it that way) was to always follow your dreams. Since I was a little kid I always wanted to be a DJ. Before I got involved with the station, every chance I’d get I’d go down and look through the glass at the people on the air and wished I could be doing that. I finally got around to asking how I could get involved. I finally did.
What are your fondest memories?
My fondest memories would be every second I was on the air, learning how to do it, and getting just a little bit better at it every day. Another fond memory was seeing (the band) The Who in the Southfield High gym.
Do you actually listen to Southfield High’s radio station?
I don’t get back to Michigan very often these days, but when I do, I always make sure I tune in to see what’s happening. WSHJ was very important to my career, as it was real radio experience, not just a class.
You were the first student ever to host a show on Southfield High’s radio station. How does it feel to see the radio station grow?
The man most responsible for WSHJ was a man named Tom Kiple. He fought to get the station funded and on the air the year before I joined. He gave me my break by getting me to get my FCC license, then adding me to the staff. It was a big break, really, because I didn’t have any of the classes associated with the station. I guess he just saw something in me that made him believe in me. It does feel great to see WSHJ grow and develop. It was just a 10-watt little station back then, and I’m so glad it’s still going and stronger than ever.
Who has been your favorite person to interview on your show?
I’ve been so lucky to interview almost all of my musical heroes. From Little Richard to The Beatles, from Stevie Wonder to The Rolling Stones, from The Allman Brothers Band to ZZ Top. Tough to choose a favorite. Perhaps James Taylor who was just wonderful, or Leon Russell, who’s always been one of my absolute favorites. (Look him up; he’s an amazing talent.) My latest interview was with Van Morrison.