BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

After practicing his craft, at the age of 13, Milliner became known as Randall C, and was playing music for Mr. Charles “Gay Pappa” Miles.

Since WTMP went off the air in 2011 after 57 years of broadcasting, all of its staff members had to find something else to do.

Randall C was no different. He is now employed as a cook at a local hospital, and also has his own entertainment company.

“Since WTMP closed, things have picked up tremendously for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love radio and I miss it, but I’ve had a lot of working coming in.

“To still be in demand at this age (55) is a blessing.

“I really started working at WTMP in 1972 at the age of 15. I moved from station to station, always coming back to WTMP. A lot of people who opened doors for me aren’t around anymore.”

Randall C said his love and passion for music is why he’s stayed with it all these years, and he’s proof that hard work does pay off.

“I’ve collected a lot of classics along the way. Jim Murray was my mentor, and I remember him telling me to develop my own personality and not try to copy his. He told me to be my own man, and that meant a lot.”

Randall C said the journey hasn’t come without a lot of pitfalls along the way.

“Because I had become so popular at the station, I found myself partying with a lot of celebrities, and that meant using drugs. That mistake nearly ended my career, because I was at the top.

“I left for a while to get myself together, and I eventually worked my way back to the top. I started doing some Gospel music, and I really enjoyed that.”

Randall C said when he did return, he discovered technology had changed everything, so he had to enroll into the Columbia School of Broadcasting to learn how to use all of the new equipment.

“I remember when I started at WTMP, Louis Muhammad was the manager, and he allowed me to intern there and later gave me my own show.

“When I started cleaning up my life and got off the streets, they gave me a second chance, and I will forever be grateful for that.”

Randall C said he believes Tampa will have an African American radio station again, and it may or may not be WTMP.

“We were a powerful voice in the community for a long time, and now all that’s left is the Florida Sentinel Bulletin.

“Looking back, I remember Tom Hankerson and Tracy Collins had just left the station, and the ones that remained gave me great guidance.

“It’s important to leave a legacy for the next generation.”

Randall C said he gives a lot of thanks to St. John Progressive M. B. Church and Pastor Bartholomew Banks for their support through his ups and downs.

“I will end by saying this. Never look down on a man unless you’re going to reach down and help him up.”