J.D. Ryan

John David "JD" Ryan was born in Fort Worth, Texas. His father was a nuclear engineer for Westinghouse, Texas A&M grad and U.S. Army Colonel. JD loved flying from the time he could walk and soled a glider at the age of 14. JD got his Power Private Pilots certificate on his 17th birthday and has flow for recreation ever since. JD's radio career started in college at Central Missouri State University where he received his B.S. in Aviation Technology in 1981. After college he moved back to Dallas Fort Worth and, due to an over abundance of professional pilots, began his career in radio/ TV. He started in 1981 as the morning show "van guy" for KPLX in Dallas. In 1982 he moved to the new top 40 station, KAFM, where they moved to #1 in DFW. Then in 1984 he moved to the #1 rock/ top 40 station, KEGL. When a local station challenged KEGL for #1, they hired JD and Y-95 went to the top of the ratings. In 1989 JD had an idea for a fun local entertainment show called HOT TKTS. He teamed up with another local radio personality, Russ Martin, and their TV show was picked up by the local FOX TV station. They had a successful run but eventually they both returned to radio. JD went to co-host a nationally syndicated TV show called "Billy Bob's Country"...a fresh look at country music from the World's Largest Honky Tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth, Texas. JD also starred in a Cinemax film called "Seduction of Innocence" in 1995 as an undercover police officer, Jim Chapman. In 1997, while working at the top country radio station in Dallas Fort Worth, KSCS, JD developed a cyst on his vocal cords and lost his voice for 2 years. Alone and depressed over losing the one tool he could not work without...JD searched for a doctor or therapist to help. After 9 long months of the "best" doctors, universities & voice clinics....just found Dr. Chris Sinard at Southwest Medical Center in Dallas. He diagnosed the cyst and did surgery. Recovery was almost a full two years as JD worked at a local production company and prayed a lot! One day in 1999, JD voice popped back in...not complete as strong as before...but a true miracle. Over time his voice has completely recovered and is better and deeper than before. JD does voice work now for local agencies as well as his own production company. In 2000, JD & Russ reunited for a talk show on CBS radio in Dallas, KLLI-FM. After a very successful 10 years at #1...the show was canceled due to a format change. JD was on year one of a three year contract so he packed his bags and traveled the world. He also attended The Travel Channel Academy in Washington DC in October 2009 to learn from their producers all the tricks of network "travel journalism". TV, film, radio....JD has done it all. Where will life take him next...only God knows....but it's gonna be fun!