By Fred L. Jones, Jr.
fjones@theoklahomaeagle.net
Native Tulsan Chris Forte’ (a.k.a. Chris Reynolds) knew early in life that his love for music and his family’s involvement in the entertainment industry would lead him in the same direction. During his senior year of high school at Booker T. Washington in 1982, he landed his first job as a weekend air personality on KXOJ-AM/Cable FM 102. He continued to work in radio while attending college at the University of Tulsa/University of Central Oklahoma. In 1986, Chris took up residence in Los Angeles, and his broadcasting career continued at Stevie Wonder’s KJLH, where he polished his delivery and gained his major market experience. After a successful run in LA, Chris’ next stop was Houston and KMJQ, where he became Music Director and the host of the highly popular Quiet Storm program. His smooth delivery and ability to communicate with the listeners made him a wanted talent in other parts of the country.
In 1991, he was offered an opportunity to become Music Director and “Quiet Fire” host on Urban AC Magic 95.9 in Baltimore, Md. While doing a one-week promotion called “Quiet Fire” Couples by the Bay and broadcasting his evening show from Sandals Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Chris met his lovely wife Andrea. They now have two wonderful children, Christen and Caleb. The couple moved to Dallas, where Chris’ duties as “Night Moods” host and Music Director continued for about three years. Chris’ first Brand Manager/Program Director job came in 1998 at WDZZ in Flint, Michigan, where he spent five years leading the station to some of its best ratings ever. In 2003, he was offered an opportunity to move to Buffalo and become the Brand Manager/Program Director/Midday Brand Ambassador for 93.7 WBLK.
Chris looking back over his career stated: I truly achieved my MAGNUM OPUS over the past 14 years as Brand Manager/PD, and midday personality at the station.
“The ratings on the station speak volumes to how we were able to touch the community in a real and emotional way; in fact, our recent Fall ratings were the best for the station in over two decades, we accomplished #1 in virtually every demo and all day-parts.”
“To the BUFFALO community, I would like to say thanks for all the love and support that you have shown me since the very beginning and WBLK could not have achieved any of this had it not been for our loyal WBLK family. As my family and I turn the page to another chapter in our lives, just know that our BLK family will forever be in our hearts.
We are looking forward to our move to Dallas in June.
