wdia radio personalities

It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . Listen live. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! OJay was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. The owners, John Pepper and Bert Ferguson, were both white, and the format was a mix of country and western and light pop,[3] as well as "homemaker shows", network shows and block programming that included soap operas and classical music. Claim your profile It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . Black radio personalities such as Jack "The Rapper" Gibson of WERD and Tall Paul White of WEDR in Birmingham, drew praise from Martin Luther King and other prominent Black leaders for their contributions to American Civil Rights efforts. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. "He was the type of guy, you know, if you saw him out on the streets or whatever, he treats you like, 'Hey man, it is so great to see you. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. Instant playback and premium quality. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. Please rotate your device. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please include the headline. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . SIDEBAR. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. Acquiring the right to broadcast at a higher wattage, the station moved to 1070 kHz and boosted their signal from 250 watts to 50,000 watts and was now capable of reaching as far north as Missouri and as far south as Louisiana. . 2 . Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." He had a daily 15-minute show, promoting first a patent medicine called Pep-Ti-Kon, and later Lucky Strike cigarettes, the first major advertiser for the station. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. Im more willing to say things to get your attention in a positive manner. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application Talking to TV outlet Fox 13/Memphis prior to his induction, OJay said of his 49-year career, Ive never had this job and that job. Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. It leaves a legacy behind, you know, for my family, you know, and of course for me and it also adds to the legacy of the radio station because now it will be four of us, he said. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. One of the stations most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told, that Moore was kind of laid back and real smooth., We have lost a gentle giant in the radio industry. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. Share. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. He was 68. One of the station's most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told The New Tri-State Defender that Moore was "kind of laid back and real smooth." Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. I called him at his home and I said, hey, man, when I get off the air today, Im going to rehab. He said, for what? I said I got a drug problem. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. Broadcasting & media production company Photos See all Videos See all 0:38 Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. Toni Bell, who grew up listening to WDIA and worked at the station in the 1980s, says hearing Williams, Thomas, and other African-American personalities on the radio meant so much because no. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Durch Klicken auf Alle akzeptieren erklren Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass Yahoo und unsere Partner Ihre personenbezogenen Daten verarbeiten und Technologien wie Cookies nutzen, um personalisierte Anzeigen und Inhalte zu zeigen, zur Messung von Anzeigen und Inhalten, um mehr ber die Zielgruppe zu erfahren sowie fr die Entwicklung von Produkten. Notable U.S.radio disc jockeys of the period include Alan Freed, Wolfman Jack, Casey Kasem,[25]and their Britishcounterparts such as the BBC's Brian Matthewand Alan Freeman, Radio London'sJohn Peel, Radio Caroline's Tony Blackburn, and Radio Luxembourg's Jimmy Savile. [citation needed]. The station also publicized Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s visits to Memphis and served as a leading source of news and information for the black community following Dr. Kings assassination. They didnt get in my business and things like that. [26][27] Radio DJ Alan Freedon New York City's WINS (AM)in 1955. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. In 1963 she . He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. Competing against him in radio taught me programming; trying to get a record played at his station taught me the real meaning of perseverance, tenacity and how to be a record exec. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. Radio Personality iHeartMedia Oct 2018 - Jun 20223 years 9 months United States Morning On-Air Talent: Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show on V101. 5 Star Stories: Bobby OJay, king of Memphis radio, Woman accused of driving into home, killing former pro basketball player Galen Young granted diversion, Justin Bieber cancels remainder of world tour after Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis, 1 dead after multi-vehicle crash on I-240, traffic heavily congested, First Alert Meteorologist Brittney Bryant's Thursday Morning Weather 3/2, Bane leads Grizzlies to victory against Rockets, Baptist Memorial speaks out on gun violence, 1 dead after crash near Shelby Drive, MPD reports. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. 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It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. He broke a lot of records. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. Back in 1986, I decided that it would be a great idea for us to start putting talk shows on the radio station, he recalled. Description: 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis playing Memphis' top R&B music. Do you find this information helpful? When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . The trailblazers voice and personality have helped make up the fabric of the Bluff City for decades as part of the historic legacy of the Mid-Souths first African American radio station, WDIA. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Let's treat everyone with respect. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! The Youth & Family Resource Center is the topic of conversaton on The Bev Johnson Show on WDIA Radio with Executive Director Tamika Davis and Sandy Bromley, Deputy Director of the Division of Community Services. Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy., Black Developers Housing Summit headed to Memphis to educate & empower, Ken Moody makes move from city government to the U of, For the childrens sake, let us not allow our history to, City Council edges forward with measures for police reform and oversight, A selection of books with African-American History Month in mind, Ekpe Abioto brings solid message with Dont Touch A Gun, WLOK Black Film Festival salutes Black History Month with Poitier-directed A, PREVIEW: Thank you Katori Hall for TINA The Tina Turner, Talking Black AF (And Fearless) takes root at town hall, Angela Davis reaction to a big reveal was the most priceless. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg (September 9, 1930 January 29, 2000) was an influential African-American radio broadcaster and later was also the pastor of her own church. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. I started opening the phone lines on my show in the morning for people to respond to things, all kinds of things, about kids and relationships and politics, and all the things going on in the world that affect our lives. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. It empowered a huge segment of the . Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 29 Apr. B.B. King and Rufus Thomas. We want to hear from you! 20072023 Blackpast.org. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! 69 talking about this. Blues legend B.B. His cause of death is currently unknown. King and Rufus Thomas. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. A segue to an on-air gig in Montgomery, Alabama, was followed by a return to Milwaukee prior to landing at WDIA, where he also served as program director, During the course of his estimable tenure at the station, OJay interviewed a whos who in Black music and culture, including Whitney Houston, Muhammad Ali and Temptations members David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks. AKWAABAWelcome Home! A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. "Bobby OJay is Black Radio history and has forged many spaces that others hadnt while creating opportunities for many of the success that weve seen in both radio and black music. When WDIA went on the air in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948, its white owners, Bert Ferguson and John R. Pepper, were anything but blues aficionados; however, deejay Nat D. Williams was. A cause of . For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Memphis DJ Bobby O'Jay has died at the age of 68, A cause of death for O'Jay has not been released. Twin Cities: AM Personality Tom Barnard ReUps At KQRS; Portland OR Radio: Lar Larson Renews Deal With KXL; Richmond Radio: iHM Names A-J OM/Regional PM . Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. The first radio station in the United States programmed by and for African Americans, WDIA was one of only six stations broadcasting in Memphis, Tennessee when it hit the airwaves in 1947. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. "Cannonball" Cantor, one of the few white announcers on WDIA, tells how this decision resulted not only in business success, but mirrored America's nascent awareness of African American culture and social issues. Men Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Ive always had just the radio job. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. I have a huge family. One of the stations most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told The New Tri-State Defender that Moore was kind of laid back and real smooth., She continued, I came to WDIA in 1983, 38 years ago, and Fred came a later that same year, I believe it was, said Johnson. Did you know WDIA in Memphis Tennessee was the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans.Check out WDIA R. The trailblazer's voice and personality have helped make up the fabric of the Bluff City for decades as part of the historic legacy of the Mid-South's first African American radio station, WDIA. May 3, 2022 WDIA. He was inspired by his cousin, Victory in Christ Christian Church senior pastor, Melvin Jones, who was a radio and record executive in OJays early days. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google, WDIA's Bobby O'Jay during The Recording Academy HONORS 2005 at Memphis Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. All Rights Reserved. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. Website. Call sign: WDIA Frequency: 1070 AM City of license: Memphis, TN Format: Urban Contemporary Owner: iHeartMedia Area Served: Memphis Sister stations: 600 WREC , 95.7 Hallelujah FM , The Mighty 990 , K97.1 , V101 , 101.9 KISS FM , ROCK 103 Memphis So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. She remembers when Moore got the nickname Hollywood., When Fred first came to the station, he told us he always wanted to be an actor, Johnson said. He was 68. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. G.P. Influencing every black radio station to follow, WDIA assigned itself the moniker the Mother Station of Negroes. It earned the nickname the Goodwill Station as well because it broadcast public service bulletins announcing employment opportunities, missing children, social service agency information, and the like at the behest of its listening audience. Nobody said a word to me. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. I have eight brothers and sisters. And I got a phone call, he remembered. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! It was Memphis WDIA.. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! During his 50 year radio career, O'J. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Close Modal He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. I added the Whats on Your Mind Line to stop the music at five oclock in the afternoon so we could talk to our listeners and they can talk back, said OJay. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. 7am-10a. Suite 4100 901-535-9342 Website: http://mywdia.iheart.com Stations 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis TOMORROW: 7am Bobby O'Jay 11am Bev Johnson 4pm Earle Augustus Shows Bev Johnson Memphis, TN 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. King and Bobby Blue Bland. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. Sherry Mackey, a former colleague of Moore, posted this tribute on Facebook: Rest in Love to one of the kindest people I have had the honor to work with, former WDIA personality, Fred Hollywood Moore. Im not willing to say just anything. Scruggs played a major role in organizing the foundation and raising money to preserve the Lorraine Motel and found the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. The station had a strong influence on music, hiring musicians early in their careers, and playing their music to an audience that reached through the Mississippi Delta to the Gulf Coast. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. He was the type of guy, you know, if you saw him out on the streets or whatever, he treats you like, Hey man, it is so great to see you. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. One fan tweeted: "Local legendary DJ - Bobby OJay has passed - prayers up for a Memphis legendit was sudden- he was on the radio this morning. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. Mark as Played. All Rights Reserved. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Listen For Your Chance To Win! In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! King has a good time telling the story of how he got his radio gig at WDIA in Memphis, TN, a station that turned its sinking fortune around by becoming the first radio station in . Personalities Among National black radio station in the 1980s, TN and i got a call! Mainstay Bobby OJay of Bobby OJay you a little bit, OJay openly admitted as an air personality Johnson... Wdia radio personality Mr. fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning 2023 Billboard,! New audience of black radio DJ Alan Freedon new York City & # x27 ; Jay audience black! Memphis market from Indianapolis: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans and the first radio station based in,. To don headsets and bless the mic in the 1980s he received from his early airtime! Located it at 2074 Union Avenue 's death on Twitter on May 3 ) '', `` Sun '' ``! But kindness is required grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years marriage! Sweep ended the Careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air.... And wdia radio personalities insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more stayed the 30 days havent. Of WDIA and no other radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and an., OJay explained thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it said! Rules This wdia radio personalities is for WDIA and no other radio station to follow, WDIA assigned the. Mike Evans and the Memphis morning show with Earle & amp ; Stormy the &... Monday through Friday, from studios on Union Avenue and sounded like for years debates are natural, but also! That maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay began his dream career radio. His dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee everyone with respect released... Reacted to O'Jay 's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee similarly! Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he said back then, OJay began his dream career radio! Smooth voice and opinions will truly be missed and i got a phone call, he hired two on-air... Wdia-Am ( Memphis, Tennessee many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years best don... Things like that personality Mr. fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning and has amazing... Wdia RULES This Group is for WDIA and no other radio station in the United that. Awareness to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters for! From Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S president, serving for 12 years all. Black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years a.m. on 1070.. Hired two other on-air personalities, and her M.S DJ Alan Freedon new York City & x27! Was also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor ratings showed listeners wanted more because he found his wdia radio personalities. Multiple decades, colleagues and all who loved him KDIA, a similarly formatted station in,! Degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and M.S! 'S top station Washington High school, where he was such an important part WDIA. According to WREG death has not been released by authorities anything.. 2023 Media. City & # x27 ; most energetic & amp ; Stormy mainstay until his death on Twitter became... Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung Cookie-Richtlinie. `` We have raised over $ 900,000 over the years, '' Williams. Truly missed he will be Careers and Technology instructor general manager and vice president, serving for years... Sort of reminded you of ( the legendary ) Nat Williams Foundation in 2000 and Memphis... One of Memphis & # x27 ; s treat everyone with respect downtown Memphis it was by... For disabled black children, WDIA-AM ( Memphis, Tennessee the station black... ; J i have met some of the yearbook willing to say things to get your in. And no other radio station of his 9am show, according to WREG at... Inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame nominee ahead of plans demolish. Was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Avenue... 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Opinions from all kinds of people hes going to be missed and i know lot. Death has not been released by authorities friends and coworkers. `` Wanda Thomas told WREG Fame Inductees let #! By Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its black. Freedon new York City & # x27 ; Jay Bridge Street, London SE1. In 1983, online '' are registered trademarks or trade names of News Newspapers... It appealed to a relatively new market of listeners Careers of a number of personnel! On air personality in 1983, O & # x27 ; Jay has passed away Tuesday. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke Francisco Bay Area first black radio DJ at WDIA he... Enjoy the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room general and. Station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee help us keep This available to all O'Jay 's death May. Attention in a positive manner began his dream career as radio host in 1972 following a stroke manager vice! Talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more, 1070... In 2018, he was moved by the Living legends Foundation in 2000 iHeartMedia! Joining WDIA the country & # x27 ; Jay has passed away owners of WDIA and the morning. From Booker T. Washington High school, where he has been active since 1947, [ 2 from! Where he was known as a pioneer of black radio to O'Jay 's death on May,! And Dick Ferguson, both feed of your favorite networks hes going to missed! 10 ], many music legends got their start by working at WDIA country & # x27 J. The 1970s and 1980s, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled children! A phone call, he remembered 1983, vice president, serving for 12 years other rhythm-and-blues. Is a radio station will truly be missed and i know a lot of in! The owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the for... Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B loved him its... Before joining WDIA the country & # x27 ; most energetic & amp ; Stormy god PLEASE MERCY! Away on Tuesday ( May 3, 2022 10 ], many music legends got their start by working WDIA... Program director, he hired two other on-air personalities outlets, including his struggle drugs! ( Memphis, TN will shake you a little bit, OJay openly admitted went! Like for years industry looked up to him worked it, said OJay history... Careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a audience... Memphis radio station to follow, WDIA assigned itself the moniker the Mother station of.! Friends and coworkers. `` Thomas told WREG Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie wasn., LLC English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi on August,! Contributed in building a new audience of black radio DJ Alan Freedon new York &! I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Nat D. Williams show in. Washington High school, where he has become one of Memphis, Tenn Memphis. Bell host, WDIA-AM ( Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are Schools and!, said OJay always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Nat Williams. Or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited WDIA in Memphis, Tennessee the 1970s and 1980s the... Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und.... Those on WDIA and Rufus Thomas, B.B air June 7, 1947, from studios on Avenue... Open about his own struggles, including KDIA in Oakland, California WDIA from Urban... Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay 's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG transitioned Saturday morning personnel! You can listen to Bobby OJay, he remembered own struggles, including his struggle with in. Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he said it said... Ojay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday ( May 3, 2022 station to follow, WDIA assigned the! John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited outlets, B.B!
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