Scott Ross (television personality)

Biography

Born in Scotland, Ross and his parents emigrated when he was nine years old. Ross' career began in the 1960s as a DJ and assistant program director for WINS radio in New York City. There, Ross gained connections to some of the era's best known rock groups, including the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. He was the master of ceremonies for one of The Beatles' concerts at Shea Stadium. During this time, Ross met the singing group The Ronettes and dated two of its members. One of them, Nedra Talley, eventually became his wife. Ross and Talley celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2007.

Ross later became a born-again Christian, and focused his professional efforts on the nascent contemporary Christian music genre. In the early 1970s, Ross started a new syndicated radio show, The Scott Ross Show, which at its peak was carried by more than 200 stations. He ended up at CBN, which at the time also included The Family Channel among its outlets. He began as a personality on CBN's local radio station. His sometimes controversial comments often aroused the ire of the largely conservative Christian audience. Ross was a featured interviewer of The 700 Club, often talking with guests from the entertainment world, some of which he had worked with before his religious conversion. For three years, he hosted Scott Ross Straight Talk which was of a format similar to The Phil Donahue Show but from an evangelical Christian perspective. Ross was twice nominated for CableACE awards for this show.

Ross's various interviewees have included singers such as Johnny Cash, Sandi Patty, Amy Grant, Steven Spielberg, Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter Paul and Mary), Willie Nelson, and Reba McEntire, as well as spree killer David Berkowitz ("Son of Sam"). He remains with CBN and his interviews are still featured on The 700 Club. Over the years, Ross has filled in for Robertson on the show.