🎧 Dexter C on the Mix: Radio Roots, Caz, and Community Legacy

The Chronicle News
6 hours ago
2 min read

Courtesy Photo-Dexter Chandler, known to Lansing listeners as ‘Dexter C,’ brought smooth style and solid soul to the airwaves—from cable radio to WXLA to WQHH. A true gentleman of broadcast, pictured here flashing that signature smile outside Brooks Brothers.

Dexter Chandler, known on the airwaves as Dexter C, got his start in radio with one of Lansing’s earliest cable stations—99.9 WLAN. It was a unique platform, only accessible to those with cable TV or a special receiver.

“That’s where I met Jay Price,” Dexter recalls. “He was doing sales for Larry Red, and right away, he saw something in me. He introduced me to WXLA—and that’s where everything changed.”

In 1983, Dexter officially joined WXLA 1170 AM, marking the start of a decades-long career rooted in hustle, mentorship, and music.

📻 Jay Price and the AM Days

Jay Price quickly became a mentor and a guide, helping Dexter build his on-air identity and navigate the broadcasting business. Starting on 1170 AM, Dexter eventually landed the 10 AM to 2 PM weekday slot, spinning a mix of R&B and smooth soul.

“Jay always taught me how to move—how to transition into different stations and new markets to advance my career in radio."

🎶 From AM to FM: A New Era

By the early 1990s, Dexter was ready to embrace the next wave of radio evolution—FM broadcasting. Under the leadership of Ms. Helena DuBose, he was invited to return as a weekend and overnight anchor, curating a signature blend of R&B and Quiet Storm favorites. This move led to the launch of The Drive at 5, one of Lansing’s earliest and most beloved mix shows on WQHH (96.5 The Mix). It was during this era that a young DJ Crazy Caz made his on-air debut, contributing pre-recorded mixes from 5–6 PM—a subtle but powerful sign of the legacy he was about to build.

🎚️ Lessons in Mixing, Mentorship, and Movement

Dexter credits DJ Crazy Caz not just as a colleague, but as a creative partner.

“I remember showing him some things, but he also taught me. We taught each other,” Dexter says. Caz was a really good DJ—top of the line. I wasn’t really into scratching at first, but he showed me the ropes and taught me how to scratch. He had good character. Just a real cool brother to be around.”

They were part of a generation of radio pioneers who defined Lansing’s sound using Technics 1200 turntables, long before the Bluetooth and streaming era changed the game.

Dexter also worked alongside iconic DJs like Kevin Leek (“The Master Mixer”), DJ Strut, and others who helped shape the sound of Lansing at venues like The Outer Limits.

🔥 Community First: DJ Fundraisers & Firehouse Hoops

Beyond the booth, Dexter and his peers were committed to community impact. He participated in events like Firefighters vs. DJs celebrity basketball games, hosted at the old Boys & Girls Club, and helped organize fundraisers for local fire and police departments.

“We gave away music, concert tickets—we made sure the money went back to the kids. We had a purpose. We weren’t just spinning records—we were giving back.”