On Monday, October 20th, at 7:00 pm, Jerome Myles, Sr., Music and Program Director and Assistant to the Operations Manager for WPRL 91.7 FM at Alcorn State University (ASU), was honored as one of the Best Soloists in the City of Natchez. The award ceremony took place at the International Kingdom of Covenant of Churches (IKCC) where Myles is a member and active participant. The recognition came during the organization’s annual conference, which featured several nights of events celebrating community leaders, musicians, and pastors across Mississippi.
Myles who has dedicated decades to Gospel music and radio broadcasting, received the honor in front of family, friends, and community members. The award recognized Myles for his years of dedication and service to the art of Gospel singing and his commitment to uplifting others through his music. The IKCC, which is an organization made up of more than 400 churches, hosted the event to honor individuals who have contributed significantly to their communities. The recognition was especially meaningful for Myles, as it represented his first time being publicly celebrated in his hometown for his singing career.
The organization’s founder and pastor, who is also a former classmate of Myles, decided to dedicate this year’s conference to acknowledging local artists and long-serving musicians. He shared with attendees that the idea came from the message, “charity starts at home.” This approach shifted the focus of the conference toward recognizing those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many years. Myles shared the stage with several other local legends who have been influential in Natchez’s Gospel music community, creating an emotional evening of appreciation and unity.
Born and raised in Natchez, Mississippi, Myles began singing at the age of twelve in his church’s Junior Choir. His early years in church allowed him to develop his vocal talent and a strong love for Gospel music. From the Junior Choir, he advanced to the city choir before joining a Gospel quartet group at fifteen. By sixteen, he was traveling with the group across the country as its youngest member, encouraged by his mother, who supported his passion for music and ministry.
Myles’ career continued to grow as he recorded several studio and live albums, earning respect both locally and internationally. His performances have taken him to different states and countries, allowing him to share his faith and music with a wide audience. Despite his many travels and accomplishments, he has always remained humble, often performing without payment or recognition. “I just love what I do,” he said, emphasizing that his purpose has always been to use his voice as a gift to bless others.
In addition to his music career, Myles has made a lasting impact on Alcorn through his leadership at WPRL 91.7 FM, the University’s radio station. As Music and Program Director, he manages daily programming and ensures the station provides both educational and cultural value to its listeners. He also mentors students in Mass Communications, teaching them about professionalism, production, and the responsibilities of working in media. His guidance has helped many Alcorn students gain hands-on experience and prepare for future careers in broadcasting.
Myles continues to balance his faith, career, and love for music while remaining grounded in his roots. Even after more than fifty years of singing, his dedication to Gospel music has not faded. “I’m going to do what God has given me this gift to do,” he said. “I love what I do, and I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can.”
