Host Profile: Radio Stu
Name: Stuart C. Jones
Radio Name: Radio Stu
Show: Peace, Love & Radio, a special marathon feature
Day Job: Professional Engineer, UVa Class of 1981
How long have you been a host at WTJU? 1980-81, 1984-1985, 2017- today
Why did you become a WTJU host?
I was a UVa student looking for an extracurricular activity. I had all of these mix tapes I’d assembled of music that commercial radio stations wouldn’t play anymore. I thought it would be cool to broadcast them. I went to WUVA and they laughed at me. I went to WTJU and they loved the idea.
Why should someone tune into your show in particular?
The music of the 1960’s was great. It’s nice to hear the original versions of stuff that has been covered over and over again. You won’t hear these songs anyplace else!
Tell us about one of your biggest gaffs while in the studio:
Cueing the wrong track is easy to do. Cassette tapes were the worst, since (unless you were at the beginning of the tape) there was no indication of what song was up next.
Favorite moments in the air studio?
I always feel a great sense of accomplishment after sharing something I really love with people. I love it when people call in to say that they liked something I played.
If you could interview anyone on air, dead or alive, who would it be? Jesus Christ
What are your guilty pleasures (Music or otherwise)? cartoons meant for kids
How has it felt being a radio host during this pandemic?
For me it’s really no different that before, except that I miss seeing people in the office and the studio.
What are your passions outside of music?
I appreciate an automobile with style. To me, most cars built after 1973 are lacking in that area.
Why does WTJU matter?
A lot, if not most, music just isn’t commercially viable, yet it deserves to be heard. WTJU is one of the few radio stations that broadcast and celebrate it all.
How have you seen WTJU change in your time here?
The computer automation makes some on-air tasks much easier. When I started we were just cueing up records and writing in paper log books.
What could WTJU do better?
Sometimes I wish rock ‘n’ roll could be heard earlier on weeknights, but that’s OK; I enjoy jazz too.
Would you rather be a famous singer or be able to bring your favorite deceased singer back to life?
If I want to sing, there’s nothing stopping me from pursuing that. “You got to pay your dues if you want to sing the blues,” Ringo once sang. I’d revive John Lennon if I could.
