This week’s featured DJ is Gavin Rankins, a senior graduating this spring with a degree in Animal Science. He has been a part of the WEGL DJ team since the beginning of his freshman year. His two-hour show runs on Fridays and displays some of his favorite country music, including country music from the 80s and 90s, traditional country, and some Texan country as well.
Continue reading below to get the inside scoop on long-time DJ Gavin Rankins.
When did you first hear about WEGL?
At Camp War Eagle the summer before his freshman year Gavin had the opportunity to meet the WEGL station manager at the time as he was handing out guitar picks and promoting the station around campus. Gavin, who started playing guitar at 11 years old, has always enjoyed both music and sports, so upon hearing about WEGL his interest was piqued.
How long have you been with WEGL? What’s your favorite memory?
Shortly after hearing about WEGL, Gavin quickly joined the station and began his show his freshman year. His favorite memory from the past four years was having the opportunity to interview aspiring country music star, Shane Owens on his show.
What type of music do you like listening to the most?
Gavin loves listening to traditional country music which is the inspiration for his show.
What’s your favorite way to listen to music?
Gavin’s favorite way to listen to music is using his CD player to listen to his vast CD collection at his family home. He also enjoys tuning into the classic country station on the radio.
Do you have an all-time favorite artist or sports team?
Some of his all-time favorite artists are country music legends, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Keith Whitley, and Randy Travis. He shared that two of his favorite albums are “It Just Comes Natural” by George Strait and “Here in the Real World” by Alan Jackson. When he is not listening to music, Gavin also enjoys watching sports. He is a huge Auburn fan and is also a fan of the professional football team, The New England Patriots.
If there was one artist/band you could see live in concert, alive or dead, who would it be?
Gavin explained that if he could see one artist or band live in concert, he would love to see George Strait. Witnessing a live concert by the 69-year-old country icon is on his bucket list.
Are you involved with any other organizations on campus?
Gavin is currently the Chairman of the Young Farmers organization, which aims to create awareness of the issues that young farmers face today and develop a better understanding of the agribusiness and current farm programs. He was also a part of the 3-year program Emerge, which is Auburn’s student-run leadership program that works to give students the tools they need to lead on campus, in the community, and in their future careers.
What do you want your listeners to know about you and/or your show?
Gavin would like readers and listeners to know what he is passionate about. He is heavily involved in agriculture and wants to be able to fix the common disconnect that most people have about where food comes from and what agriculture really is and how it works.
Listeners can tune into Gavin’s show to not only jam out to country music but to learn. Each week Gavin poses trivia to listeners. The subject matter of the trivia varies each week from questions about Auburn athletics to questions tied to events of the week.
What are your plans post-graduation?
After receiving his degree in Animal Science, Gavin plans to return to his family’s farm to run it alongside his 20-year-old brother.
FUN FACT ALERT!
Gavin is from Cusseta, Alabama which has a population of 121 and is home to one of the world’s largest firework warehouses.
