The City of Natchez recently honored community leaders at its annual “Kick-Back at NAPAC” event, where Jerome E. Myles Sr. was among the distinguished recipients of the Key to the City. Mayor Dan Gibson presented the honor to Myles and other notable individuals, including William Fred Marsalis, Judge E. Vincent Davis, Cleveland Moore, Bishop Robert & Betty Cade, and Dr. Benny Wright.
Myles, a Natchez native, serves as the Gospel Music Director for WPRL 91.7 FM “The Gold” Radio Station. He is a 1979 graduate of North Natchez High School and earned an Associate of Arts in Music and Communications from Natchez College in 1982. Myles began his radio career at the age of 17, following a job shadow at a radio station when he was 16. He has been in radio for over 40 years, and has dedicated 25 years to Alcorn State University.
Myles expressed surprise upon learning of his Key to the City recognition. He recalled attending the same event the previous year when his brother-in-law and brother received the honor. He noted that he hadn’t thought about this for a whole year until his wife called to inform him about the honor. “Man, that was mind-blowing. I couldn’t believe I was being recognized,” Myles said of the moment he learned he would be a recipient.
Myles has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Most Influential Person in Natchez, Mississippi (1998); State Wide Gospel Announcer of The Year at the 27th Annual Gospel Music Awards in Jackson, Mississippi (2005); a Resolution Award from the Mayor and Board of Alderman in the City of Natchez (2005); and Best Underwriting Commercial (2005).
Myles emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, stating, “That’s my way of showing my appreciation because someone reached out to help me and get me where I’m at today”. He believes in being passionate about one’s God-given gifts and putting God first. “Whatever gift that God has given you, be passionate about it,” he advised.
He is married to Dr. Elizabeth Myles and is the father of four children: Jerome Jr., Derrick, Devyn, Kobe, and Tyler. He and his wife were among the first to bring an outdoor gospel fest to the community of Natchez and have organized programs and concerts benefiting the United Stewpot. Myles and WPRL staffers also lead an annual toy drive, which celebrated its 19th year last year, supported by the communities of Jefferson and Claiborne Counties. Myles credits his wife, Dr. Myles, who recently retired from Alcorn State University, for her significant support, including managing his singing ministry and collaborating on their “Marketing with Myles” radio show.
