"I'm in love with music and the microphone." - Mason
I have grown up listening to Mason's distinct voice on Detroit Radio and during Detroit Pistons basketball games. So I was beyond excited to sit down and chat with him about the story behind his name, his loyalty and love for Detroit, as well as his thoughts on the Idlewild Music Festival where he will be one of the hosts.
John Mason (real name Earnest Wooten) is the public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons games at The Palace of Auburn Hills who is best known for his 18-year career as the host of Mason in the Morning show on WJLB, and for his colorful introductions, and is credited with coining the popular chant "Deeeeee-troit basketball!" Mason's flamboyant voice has been requested at many sporting events, and he was chosen to serve as the PA announcer at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas. In addition, he also served as the announcer for the international ALL-STAR game in Cyprus & Turkey in 2005. Mason is very popular with his announcing during nationally televised games. When the NBA on ESPN or the NBA on ABC features a Detroit Pistons home game, both networks put him on TV when he introduces the starting lineups.
Mason is also a radio personality in Detroit, Michigan. He was the host of the extremely Popular "Mason in The Morning" on WJLB for 18 years. He was also host of his own radio show on 102.7/105.9 KISS-FM. Mason left WDMK in July 2006 as his contract had expired. Mason was offered an intriguing contract from the Cleveland Cavaliers, his former hometown. He declined the offer, saying the Pistons gave him the raw shot to craft his art in their gym. The Pistons have also given Mason the opportunity to serve as PA announcer for an NBA title contender. When Mason replaced longtime Pistons PA announcer Ken Calvert before the start of the 2001-02 NBA season, Detroit soon became a perennial contender for the NBA Championship. Mason saw the Pistons win back-to-back NBA Eastern Conference titles in 2004 & 2005, and most notably saw them win the NBA title in 2004, upsetting the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games. From 2003 to 2008, Mason saw his Detroit Pistons make an impressive 6 consecutive appearances in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Mason also won a television Emmy for an entertainment video show (Urban Chartbusters) on the local NBC station WDIV Detroit. Mason has also been an aclimed motivational speaker in prisons throughout Mich and Schools and universities in Ohio and Mich Mason leaves WGPR to roll out an afternoon drive Talk Show on WCHB DET.
Mason is currently the host of The "Mason and Coco in The Morning" show on 105.9 KISS FM. Listen LIVE every weekday from 6am to 10am.
For more information about the Idlewild Music Festival Visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org
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