Kelly K is a radio personality on 99.7 WDJX-FM and a Best of Louisville finalist for female radio host. She lives in J-town. And likes hot fudge sundae Pop-Tarts.
Earliest childhood memory?
“My little sister and I would make kung fu movies. She would be the star and move her mouth while fighting ‘bad guys,’ and I would ad-lib dialogue from behind the camera. Ketchup as blood equals cinematic magic.”
What song has been stuck in your head lately?
“The entire Frozen soundtrack. My kids have insisted on watching the movie every day since it came out on video March 18th.”
All-time favorite album?
“‘N Sync, No Strings Attached. Do NOT judge me. It makes me happy, and I know all the words and the ‘Bye Bye Bye’ dance.”
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I wanted to be on a sitcom. I used to act out scenes in front of a couch full of dolls as my audience. I also hosted radio shows at age six, interviewing those dolls and my little sister. Radio. Gold.”
The weirdest place somebody has recognized you in public?
“Underwear shopping. Awkward.”
Besides your current one, what’s the best job you’ve ever had?
“My first: morning show co-host at WAZY in Lafayette, Indiana. I was a 19-year-old college student at Purdue, and my partner was Rick Mummey. We were the ‘Mummey in the Morning’ show, and he was the best person to teach me the business.”
What Louisville band/musician would you pay to see?
“Villebillies. We’ve been following these guys for several years now. They have a new deal with a division of Sony Music, and I hope this is finally their ticket to the big-time.”
All-time favorite Louisville athlete?
“Former U of L quarterback Chris Redman. Anytime we had promotional appearances together, he was a sweetheart. And I had a crush back in the day!”
Your drink?
“Sophisticated answer: French martini. Real answer: Arbor Mist blackberry Merlot. Don’t. Judge.”
Best Louisville bar?
“Anyplace dudes will still hit on me. I’m blissfully married, but I like to know I’ve still got it!”
All-time favorite Louisville restaurant?
“Chocolate Bar in Westport Village. They have a chocolate SANDWICH. End of story.”
What Louisville dish have you eaten more than any other?
“I have devoured the tortellini at Pesto’s at Fifth and Chestnut a billion times in my 15 years at DJX. Pesto’s is such a little gem. It’s a short walk from the station, the food is great and the prices are so affordable. The owner, Esse, is such a sweetheart.”
Can’t-miss TV show?
“Anything related to the Bachelor franchise. It’s an embarrassing sickness. Except Bachelor Pad. That’s too much.”
What film has had the greatest influence on your life?
“What Dreams May Come. That movie WRECKED me. I remember crying uncontrollably for a half-hour after seeing it because it was soooo sad, yet beautiful…yet SAD! Robin Williams’ character’s life was destroyed in an instant, and it made me all too aware that your happiness can be ripped from you.”
Biggest regret?
“Not spending more time with my sister when we lived in the same city. She’s four years younger, and I was going away to school by the time I started to look at her as my best friend. Then I moved here. She now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her three kids. I miss her every day.”
Have any tattoos?
“Zero ink. I hate needles. If forced, I’d get my kids’ names and birth dates. But give me booze first!”
Bardstown Road, Frankfort Avenue or Market Street?
“I have a soft spot for Bardstown Road in the Highlands because it was the first area I explored when I moved here — and the reason I fell in love with the city. It’s such a little melting pot of awesomeness. I had lunch at Phoenix Hill Tavern after my first job interview here and thought it was the coolest bar I’d ever seen.”
Last live performance you saw in Louisville?
“Justin Timberlake at KFC Yum! Center last December. Mama needs to get out more.”
Fill in the blank: “_________________ Louisville” should be the next banner on the side of a building.
“‘Jennifer Lawrence’s.’ Duh.”
Where do you go to be alone?
“Shopping. Technically there are people around. But I get in the ZONE.”
What’s something nobody knows about you?
“I grew up in northern Indiana, so no one around here knows I was voted ‘best legs’ in high school.”
This article appeared in the July 2014 issue of Louisville Magazine. To subscribe, please visit Loumag.com.
Photo provided by Kelly K on WDJX Facebook Page.
