By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

To do what you love and get paid for it is the best job to have in life.

To be recognized and voted the best for your work by your fans is buttercream icing on the cake.

Ron Foster was recently recognized at the 2014 National Quartet Convention to be in a very exclusive group in Southern Gospel music, “Top 5 Large Market DJ” in America.

The 2014 Singing News Fan Awards are the industry premier fan-voted awards.

Readers of the Singing News Magazine choose their favorites who were honored at the convention in Sevierville, Tenn.

“I have been in the Top 10 for years, but this was my first time the fans chose me to be Top 5,” said Ron. “It was a great honor to sit and be recognized with my wife Kim at the convention.”

For over 100 years, Fosters have lived on Highway 47 between Columbiana and Chelsea. The “Foster” land was first settled by great-grandfather Levi Foster (1888-1928), then grandfather Henry born in 1912, onto father Roland, son Ronald Roland (Ron) and hopefully to grandson Austin.

The last three generations all graduated from Shelby County High School.

Ron started singing solos at age 7 at Bethesda Baptist Church on Highway 47 where his father was the preacher.

There is a strong musical DNA gene in the Foster family.

The Foster trio of Roland, Ron and Austin has blessed all who have heard their blood harmony.

Ron’s DJ career began in 1997 at WGTT AM 1000 watt station, next WJOX, formerly WVOK, FM 50,000 watt station, and in 2000 to WZZK 104.7 FM 100,000 watt station. Ron’s Sunday Morning Gospel Jubilee is every Sunday from 5-10 a.m. and has been No. 1 in the Arbitron ratings for the last five years.

“I play the Top 40 and classic Southern Gospel,” said Ron. “I also interview great artists as Bill Gaither. My show is upbeat and fast. Music can lift your soul to the sky, and the plain and simple words can give the gospel to the lost. I always end my show with what I truly believe, ‘Keep a song in your heart and I promise things will get better.’”