A Story of Reinvention

In the early 90’s, singer/songwriter Darron Story’s first taste of fame came as a member of the R&B group “Lo Key?” Their debut ballad, “I Got A Thang 4 U” on Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis’ Perspective Records took them to the top of the charts. Darron’s journey to epiphany and beyond was birthed while attending Florida A&M University as a member of the “Screamin’ Demons” horn section of the “Marching 100 Band”. Unsure of his future, he returned home to Kansas City, Missouri. A road map reminiscent of six degrees of “industry” separation may best describe his journey to the now. A gig  for a national music retailer in 1988, lead to an opportunity a Retail & Radio Promo Rep for BMG Distribution which taught him the “real deal” record business and prepared him for his future as a recording artist.  After a lengthy stint in the non-profit sector and an appearance on Oprah 1996, he had an epiphany that lead him to embrace his God given gifts and transfer them to other mediums.

 Life after Lo-Key? took an interesting turn down a parallel path via a homemade aircheck Darron submitted at a radio job fair (remember them?!). The aircheck garnered a call from Dale Carter, PD at Country KFKF, which lead to yet another opportunity few African-American’s are afforded today….an airshaft on country radio. From 2004 to 2007 he lived every sports fan’s dream as host of local sports talk radio shows on KCTE and WHB. Another chance encounter lead Darron to the small screen as the creator and host of two long-running web and TV series, Kansas City After Hours and Straight Out of KC. Darron says he always felt comfortable behind a mic whether singing or not. Studying news anchors and many nights spent begging his parents to allow him to stay up late and watch Johnny Carson were put to good use in honing his broadcast media skills.

In late 2007, Darron joined the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, as a hometown ambassador of sorts, which opened the door for him to foster his passion for community service. He’s board member of Habitat for Humanity and other various charities. He’s also the Founder and CEO of Change the Key, a music education and outreach program for disadvantaged youth.

Always one to diversify and seize the opportunity to broaden his horizons, the current chapter of his “story” is largely influenced by Jerold Jackson, PD of KMJK (Magic 107.3). Darron has returned to the airwaves as the new host of KMJK’s Sunday gospel show “Magic Inspirations” while pursuing a media communications degree and serving as worship leader at South-Broadland Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

In closing he says, “I’m excited to being doing radio again and especially promoting Gospel Music which has always been a part of my life. I want the music and commentary to inspire the listeners and of course get them thinking about their relationship with God. My Program Director, Jerold Jackson has been amazing and I can’t thank him enough for this opportunity. He has big plans for the show so I’m just going to follow his lead and do the best show I can every week!”

Magic Inspirations airs Sundays, 6am-12pm on KMJK(107.3) and iHeart Radio.