Jay Coffey has been Rockin’ n’ Rollin’ for decades. He began as a bass player in San Francisco Bay Area rock bands. His radio career began at KFIV, Modesto, California when he was hired by Program Director (PD) John Chappell on October 5, 1973. Jay says that John gave him a chance when no other PD would even speak to him. John guided the rookie Jay Coffey through the first few weeks and then made him his go to weekend dJ. Incidentally although he tweaked the spelling a bit, Jay’s last name came from Coffee Road in Modesto. Jay says, “I owe a debt of gratitude to John Chappell who set me on a wonderful career path that has lasted over 47 years.
Where it all began for Jay over 47 years ago.
Jay’s resume is quite impressive. He attended De Anza Community College in Cuppertino; after getting his start in radio at KFIV he quickly climbed the broadcasting industry ladder as on air talent and in management. In June of 1974 Jay went to KOBO, Yuba City where he spent three months. The owners then transferred him to KKIQ, Livermore and he was there until 1976. From KKIQ Jay went to KMBY in Monterey and in October of 1977 moved to a weekend slot at KIQQ, Los Angeles. One year later he went from weekends to being their full time afternoon guy. Jay worked at KIQQ until late 1985 when he went to KHJ, Los Angeles. He was then transferred to KHJ’s sister station KEARTH 101, Los Angeles where he was a fixture for the next 20 years as on air talent, music director, assistant program director and eventually, program director. Jay has also worked at KBSG, Seattle as program director, KFRC, San Francisco as afternoon talent and most recently is with Dial Global/West Wood One as mid day air talent . Jay is dedicated to making radio fun and informative for his listeners.
Jay Coffey, half a century in broadcasting.
Aside from radio Jay is a lifelong lover of Golden Retrievers, he also acquired a soft spot for miniature Schnauzers thanks to his wife Janet who’s been a Schnauzer enthusiast since her childhood days in Long Island, New York.
KFRC, San Francisco – 2007 – Here’s a sample of Jay Coffey’s on air talent:
Hi, Mimi. Jay Coffey is still on the air, making us at the Museum proud. Here’s what he just told us: “I work for Westwood One on their Classic Hits Format. I’ve been with the company since 2013 and do my show from my home studio. I’m on several stations from New York to Hawaii. WXBX Kool 95.3 in Rural Retreat Virginia runs our entire air staff. I’m on east coast time and my shift is 10a to 3p.”.
I’m sure you can go to the Westwood One website and find a station near you. Thanks for reaching out.—-The Modesto Radio Museum
What station is Jay Coffey on now!
Hi, Mimi. Jay Coffey is still on the air, making us at the Museum proud. Here’s what he just told us: “I work for Westwood One on their Classic Hits Format. I’ve been with the company since 2013 and do my show from my home studio. I’m on several stations from New York to Hawaii. WXBX Kool 95.3 in Rural Retreat Virginia runs our entire air staff. I’m on east coast time and my shift is 10a to 3p.”.
I’m sure you can go to the Westwood One website and find a station near you. Thanks for reaching out.—-The Modesto Radio Museum