Ray Curenton-Dillinger is the newest member of Nashville Public Radio. As the organization’s Membership Coordinator, Ray will be communicating one-on-one with listeners. Expect to hear from him soon!
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Fraiser was my favorite sitcom on TV at the time, so being a psychiatrist was definitely at the top of my list for a while. If WPLN News ever does a call-in counseling show, I’m your guy!
2. What made you want to work for Nashville Public Radio?
I spent three years working in membership at WAMC Northeast Public Radio in Albany, NY (also 90.3 FM!), and what I love the most about public broadcasting is the fact that it’s community-centered and community-supported. Educational public services are precious to me — radio, TV, libraries, schools — so to be part of a thriving and growing organization like Nashville Public Radio is such an honor.
3. a) Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? b) Any favorite Nashville restaurants so far? c) Any places on your “must try” list?
I absolutely love food, way more than I should. As a pizza lover I, of course, live for Slim & Husky’s. My husband and I are also big hot chicken fans and Prince’s is dangerously close to our home. And, of course, The Cupcake Collection when I’m craving something sweet.
4. What do you like to do for fun outside the office?
I’m an independent R&B singer-songwriter, so when I’m not at work, I’m still “at work” trying to finish the new music I’ve been working on for the past couple of years. And beyond being a music maker I’m still very much a music fan so I’ve always got in earphones listening to just about every genre from any decade. I also have four fur babies—two lap dogs and two cats—all of whom (deservedly) take up so much of my attention.
5. Where else have you lived besides Middle Tennessee?
I mentioned upstate New York — the Capital Region and further south in the Hudson Valley. I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, where almost all of my family still lives, so in many ways I still consider that area “home.” And I spent a year living in western Massachusetts.
BONUS! What’s your go-to karaoke song? (Not that we’d ever make you sing it.)
“Hold On” by Wilson Phillips. Bridesmaids, anyone?
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM