It’s early morning in Birmingham, the sun is breaking through the clouds and a smooth, singsong tenor voice booms through the radio: “Good morning, I’m Willis Pride and you’re listening to 610 WAGG…”

Pride is the new voice of Christian morning radio and for the past few months he’s been greeting listeners with his special blend of ministry and music all rolled in one.

“I enjoy what I do,” says the 44-year-old Centerpoint resident. “This is who I am.”

He’s filling the spot left by Leo Taylor, Jr. who recently retired. At least once a day, Pride gets a call from someone wondering about Taylor. It’s not easy replacing the radio veteran, Pride says. For many WAGG listeners, Taylor’s “Joy In the Morning” show was like their daily cup of coffee.

“I try not to be him,” Pride says. “He is an icon.” Since Pride stepped up to the reigns he is trying to make his mark on the airwaves, his way.

Pride’s style is more laid back, he says. Since he’s not called to be a preacher, he let’s the music do the ministering, he says. “That’s my calling.”

Pride had worked in Washington D.C. for years and moved to Birmingham to be close to his family. He’s been at Cox Radio since 2007 and has been able to wear several hats.

“When you enjoy what you do, you don’t mind going to work,” he says.

He’s on WAGG from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays. Pride enjoys sports, is single and looking to meet a lady he can marry and have babies with. 

When he thinks down the line about his legacy, Pride wants his to be that he loves what he does and served God.

“I want to continue to grow in Christ and on the air.”

You can check Pride out online at www.610wagg.com and on Facebook.