Watch CBS News

Behind The Mic: A Dream Job That Had Its Start In Advertising

DETROIT (WWJ) - "I'm kind of the unofficial spokesman, these days, for the lottery, " Eric Head told WWJ Newsradio 950's Sandra McNeil.

Head got his start very close to the home of broadcast radio.

"My dad was working as a staff announcer at WWJ in 1969 and he used to bring me to the station all the time," said Head.

He said he absolutely loved the trips to visit the station with his dad.

After college at the University of Windsor, he became a writer for an advertising firm - and when he recorded demos for the ads he wrote --advertisers liked his voice.

His career was born.

"You don't have to shower or shave," he laughed, saying this is his dream job. "I would love to play middle linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers but other than talent, size, strength and speed - I had what it took."

His advice to other people interested in pursuing a voice-over work:

"Read everything, anything you can get your hands on - read an obituary column - read it out loud and make it sound like you are telling a story. Make it sound unread."

After 30 years of voice over work, Head says that he is constantly reinventing himself.

"Kind of like Sam Elliot; I'll do my best."

Head gets about 2,000 auditions a year between Detroit and Los Angeles and says if he books 10 percent of those ... it's a good year.

 

They're the voices behind the microphone. and all this week we're highlighting those who make their living voicing the spots you hear everyday. Tune to WWJ all week to hear their stories, and READ MORE HERE.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.