JoJo Wright was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Dubbed as the “radio geek” who hung around the local radio station, JoJo started his climb to the top at a young age. In fact, his first gig came when the overnight host at his hometown station got arrested for writing bad checks. “The guy was doing overnights, the cops showed up and handcuffed him and it was a big scene,” states JoJo, “They asked me if I could fill in, and I did.” JoJo held on to the gig, learning about radio and gaining the experience needed, without taking any classes.
This radio opportunity led to many more. “It’s all about networking. I did an air check, ‘a radio version of a demo’ and started sending them out to every radio station. I was fortunate to work at many radio stations, and was at each for a short period of time.” JoJo had gigs in Texas, Anaheim, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where he met his wife, Dena. JoJo headed back to Texas working for a station in Dallas, and eventually made his way to San Francisco, working for three years at KYLD “Wild 107.”
JoJo made his way to Los Angeles in 1997, working for the popular KIIS FM, and has found much success since then. JoJo was the winner of the 2003 Radio Music Awards Top 40 Air Personality of the Year, and was nominated for the same award in 2004 and 2005 as well as for Billboard Magazine in 2001. He was recently nominated for a Marconi Award – awards presented by the National Association of Broadcasters to the top radio stations and on-air personalities. Taking his show on the road with up and coming entertainers, you may be familiar with JoJo Jam, a concert created by JoJo and brought to life by KIIS FM. JoJo Jam has been around for the last decade and has featured artists such as Rihanna and Ashlee Simpson.
One of JoJo’s career highlights was meeting the King of Pop, the late Michael Jackson, at a charity event/birthday that KIIS FM had asked him to host at Neverland Ranch. “I was so excited, there were tents everywhere. Michael Jackson is the most famous guy ever!” states JoJo. “They called me to the stage and I introduced brothers Nick and Aaron Carter and then former professional boxer Mike Tyson. Then I got the word to introduce Michael Jackson, and I couldn’t believe it. The crowd went wild. I presented him with a huge cake.”
After a series of events, cake somehow went flying. “Michael did one of his signature ‘spins’ and I looked at him and said, ‘hit me!’ Michael had some mad ninja cake skills because I was covered in cake! It was definitely a career highlight. I’ll never forget that moment,” states JoJo.
JoJo’s style is unique, and there are no doubts celebrities and fans love and adore him. “I guess I have a way about asking questions,” states JoJo. In fact, during the Democratic Primaries, JoJo got the opportunity to talk to the then Senator Barack Obama. JoJo asked him, “If elected president, could he have access to Area 51?” Yes, he actually asked that!
While famous for his radio show, JoJo is set to become television’s next breakout star. JoJo co-hosted the Fox 2006 Teen Choice Awards Red Carpet Live Pre-Show with Jillian Barberie and has also made multiple appearances on CNN’s Showbiz Tonight, to name a few. He was even a celebrity judge on the NBC reality series FAME. “There’s something fun about being in front of the camera. I feel comfortable,” states JoJo, “Television is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I am working on having my own breakout show.”
Not only does JoJo entertain his daily listeners, but it’s pretty certain he’s the same at home. His wife, Dena, described JoJo in one word, “loco.” And crazy he is. JoJo and Dena, along with their adorable 16-month-old daughter Sophie make their home here in Santa Clarita. “This place is beautiful. We have so much out here. There’s just something about it, you can chill out and relax. I like the charm of this City.”
From celebrity interviews, to famous food fights to appearances on television shows, there’s no doubt that JoJo is a star on the rise. “I’m just driven,” states JoJo. Combine that with his talent and you’ve got success.
For more information, visit www.jojowright.com.
|
|
