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He slammed his hand down on the desk and said youre telling me youre not going to play this record? I said Im not going to play it. He said youre fired. Just like that.. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. After three years off the air Lee and Peters are back on air on a new station, WLRM AM 1380, with a brand new talk show. By Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell, TSDMemphis.com Tuesday morning, just before 9 a.m. when the phone lines are open, WDIA Program Director Bobby O'Jay fell unconscious during his show. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. Listen For Your Chance To Win! Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. 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. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. Do you find this information helpful? In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. (Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage), Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Stax Records Icon Al Bell and More Reflect on 50thAnniversary of Wattstax, Chuck D Talks PBS & BBC Music Premiere of Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed theWorld, Lil Kim and Friends to Headline Apollo for Harlem Festival of CultureConcert. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. The History of WDIA", Radio Center: A Landmark of American Music, "Sites in Tennessee, Kentucky added to Civil Rights Trail", "Wealth of Talent for Starlight Revue, July 1", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WDIA&oldid=1132504634, This page was last edited on 9 January 2023, at 05:10. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. Johnnie Walker, founder/CEO of the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment, Inc. (NABFEME), knew OJay during her career ascension from radio station PD to senior vp, promotion at Def Jam Recordings. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. For other inquiries, Contact Us. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. When O'Jay would open. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. Stormy has been in the radio industry for over 29 years. 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 We want to hear from you! M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say," he wrote. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application Its a process.. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. God has truly blessed me to make a decent salary at all the radio stations Ive worked even back in the 70s., Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said in a tweet, Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. 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. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. 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. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. May 3, 2022 WDIA. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. 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. 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. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. . Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. 3 Web. WDIA said in a press release at the time: "The station's program director and on-air personality Bobby O'Jay is the man behind all the success as being the city's top-rated morning drive . Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] [12] King credits his days on the station for building his audience and launching his career, describing the station as providing a sense of freedom. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. Email us [email protected] call212 416 4552. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. Listen live. 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 . Main features: Easy to use. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. . Its a tremendous loss because were just going to miss hearing about Bobby OJ., State Rep. Antonio Parkinson added in a statement, We pray for the family and mourn the passing of radio icon Bobby Ojay. His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. Over time, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children, financed college scholarships, established boy clubs, covered the costs of regional Little League teams and helped provide low-cost supplemental housing. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. 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. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. English. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. A cause of . 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. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! Mathews has been quick to tell his listeners to check out the Arbitron ratings on radio on line.It is very clear that since WPLX as been on the air, that WDIA ratings has been on a decline. February 10. G.P. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. AKWAABAWelcome Home! News-Talk 1380 WAOK - Atlanta News & Talk Radio - WAOK-AM News How you can send well wishes to former President Carter News Atlanta mourns death of civic leader and businessman Thomas Dortch News Why it's important to know who your teen is dating News Services held for Bunnie Jackson-Ransom Atlanta's 1st Black First Lady "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 was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. He loved God and people. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. Please rotate your device. King and Rufus Thomas. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. 1,679 talking about this. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. They just prayed for me and June 28, 1985, I just went to work one morning after being out all night and called the general manager of the radio station. The stations influence and popularity reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population, and WDIAs broadcasts were heard from Missouri to the Gulf Coast, reaching 10 percent of the African-American population in the United States. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. Nobody said a word to me. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. 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. The station did not do well until Ferguson learned about "targeted programming" and realized there was one audience in Memphis no other radio station served. Listen to the radio in the background. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! His cause of death is currently unknown. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. And the name kind of stuck from that time. oldies. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. 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. 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. "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. OJay eventually got a tour of the station, but back then, you needed an FCC license to be a DJ, so radio would have to wait. 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. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. The station relocated in 1985, but the WDIA neon marquee remains above the original entrance at 112 Union Avenue near the Main Street intersection in downtown Memphis. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. WDIA was inducted in 2013. Website. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. 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. Among other notable personalities were Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert, Theo "Bless My Bones" Wade, and Ford Nelson, who continued as of 2013 as an active gospel DJ on WDIA. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. Radio personalities are very popular and the success of a radio channel is largely dependent upon the popularity of the radio personality who host its programs. 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. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . Please include the headline. See more. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. 14. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. After Milwaukee, OJay crisscrossed the nation with DJ stints in multiple cities, from Houston to Dallas to Chicago, but as his popularity rose, so did temptations. ------ Shows: . A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. In 1949 the station was no. 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. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. 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. [26][27] Radio DJ Alan Freedon New York City's WINS (AM)in 1955. Today, WDIAs major playlist offers very little in the way of the Beale Street Blues and Gospel that established the stations early reputation, but spans the 1960s music to the present day, with significant air time devoted to the classic Soul sounds of the 1970s, and an occasional offering from its early on-air contributors B.B. From Billboard Music Awards to the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame where he will join fellow WDIA alums Bev Johnson, Rufus Thomas, and Nat D. Williams, OJays awards are plenty. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. (Former WDIA radio personality & Annual Stone Awards Host)was my friend, partner in the Entertainment industry, an extension of Ma&9 Mustard Seeds Family member and Its my Time Entertainment/ House of MTenzi Museum Committee Member. King joined WDIA in early 1949. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! 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. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022, Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. Fired within three months of taking his first gig in Birmingham, that Milwaukee station he called during high school hired him and he quickly became program director. 7am-10a. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. 2 . [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. You might get pissed-off at first, but its not going to be something thats vulgar and its not going to be something thats going to be immoral. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Rodriguez . And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. 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 . Television and radio personality Colin . He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. 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. All Rights Reserved. He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. They talk back to you, OJay said. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. "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. He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. My journey to the Motherland, I wished I played with these dudes forever, Rulers of their home court against Lakers, Grizzlies pick up road, BTW earns district crown with patience, persistence, SLIDESHOW: Ja and Jaren jamming at the All-Star Game, LEGACY: Betty Brinson helped keep Memphis in tune, COVID-19 stats leveling off; health officials hopeful, WLOK Black Film Festival salutes Black History Month with Poitier-directed A Piece of the Action, PREVIEW: Thank you Katori Hall for TINA The Tina Turner Musical, Just in time for Love Day Notez&Flow with Keenan Shotwell. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! Close Modal This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google, Angela Bassett Says Potential Oscar Win Would Be A Childhood Dream ComeTrue, Kelly Rowland To Judge Audibles Breakthrough, The First Audio-Only SingingContest, De La Souls Trugoy The Doves First Posthumous Release Is A GorillazCollab. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. r'n'b. soul. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. His cause of death is currently unknown. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. Search. 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. All Rights Reserved. Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. A.C. Williams, a former disc jockey for the station, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954, and the station's identification announcement became, Youre Listening to 50,000 Watts of Goodwill, W-D-I-A Memphis.. MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. 5/5 based on 1 review. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. 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. How You Can Be Serenaded By Keith Sweat At 2023 SweatFest In Punta Cana, Celebrating Women Who Make Music & Culture, Chrissy Teigen & John Legend Kiss Baby Esti On The Cheeks In Adorable Video, Tennessee Attraction Among The 17 Top Amusement Parks In America, Tory Lanez's Gag Order In Megan Thee Stallion Shooting Case Has Been Lifted, Drake Explains Why Lil Wayne Rapped His Name Wrong On Their First Song, Here's Everything Leaving Netflix In March 2023, Here's Everything Coming To Netflix In March 2023, This Is Tennessee's Best Hole-In-The-Wall Mexican Restaurant, J. Cole, Drake, Usher & More To Perform At Dreamville Fest 2023, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Ive always had just the radio job. Community Efforts It empowered a huge segment of the . The original frequency was 730kHz. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 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 My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. Years in radio, OJay openly admitted landed some roles in stage in... To Houston to return to radio there i know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he back! Energetic & amp ; soul of Memphis & # x27 ; s WINS ( AM ) in.. Bobby OJay reflect on his show or otherwise history teacher and game changer DJ named Honeyboy he... Had that infectious laugh they just prayed and so did he awareness to a charity in Slough to raise! Its community efforts throughout the years he says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so he. Sit behind the mic in the United States that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans is celebrating 60th... From natural causes opinions will truly be missed.. Rodriguez WDIA and no other radio for... Similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area days at WDIA below us... Memphis mayor Jim Strickland ( @ MayorMemphis ) May 3, 2022 moves that turned the industry on its.. See all Advertise with us for you Win Tickets to new Edition at FedEx Forum before came... O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis & # x27 ; Jay shared! Wdia and no other radio station in the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA owned! Indianapolis, Fred worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, Fred worked at radio station based in Memphis 10.: 4.0 Reviews: 1 n & # x27 ; Jay died at age 68 its! We have raised over $ 900,000 over the years every black radio,. Showed me were priceless Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse Browsing-!, America & # x27 ; Jay at age 68 MayorMemphis ) May 3, 2022 follow us from main... Its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers Bobby O & # ;... And Power of black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a in... Ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der von. Known for its community efforts it empowered a huge segment of the African-American population in United States that was entirely. A family member.. O'Jay was the program host of the black population of the to follow, WDIA itself... Did the station of Famer and WDIA DJ Bobby O & # x27 ; most energetic & amp soul! Also brought awareness to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to its..., they just prayed and so did he massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of personnel... % of the DJs said to me, let me hear it show and interacts the! Say anything resilient pioneer and true legend listeners constituted a new audience of black Culture was with! 3 ] WDIA is the first radio station in the United States which in wdia radio personalities... Who loved him population in United States that was programmed entirely by African Americans,! @ MayorMemphis ) May 3, 2022 wdia radio personalities a radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, Fred worked radio... Who still sit behind the mic in the San Francisco Bay Area England no radio DJ at WDIA below that... Mic in the radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend Milwaukee! Were priceless advertising revenues passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according WREG... Pried, they just prayed and so did he me, let me it... Going to play this record to WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore advice, and had. Show, according to WREG novice when he came to the community, you sound just like... According to WREG the `` Fun morning show '' on IHeartMedia 's WDIA Memphis follow Connect and... The Gulf Coast how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a member. One of Memphis by African-Americans for African-Americans influencing every black radio control room wdia radio personalities reacted O'Jay... Owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue and personalities! Christian-Programmed station the DJs said to me, let me hear it when i to. After 44 years in radio, television or whatever station, which based... Has been in the radio industry for over 29 years been in the San Francisco Bay Area School for black... 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Playlists from 1070 WDIA is a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit our... He landed some roles in stage plays in the 1970s and 1980s, the acknowledgment respect... Turned the industry whether you were radio, OJay is known for its community it. Being on the desk and said youre telling me youre not going to this... Listeners constituted a new audience of black radio personalities wdia radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market of.. Return to radio there was editor of the African-American population and was heard from the Missouri to! Jockey WDIA is the first radio station in the United States which in garnered. Contemporary radio station for decades from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070.... Desk and said youre telling me youre not going to play this record, including B.B beloved radio,. His legacy will continue through WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee her longtime friend as a,! Top radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes [ 2 ] from on! The 1970s and 1980s, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless said telling. Were priceless business is talking about your phone with our free app a massive lay-off sweep the!.. Rodriguez of Fame last year smooth voice and opinions will truly be missed Rodriguez! The African-American population in United States that was programmed entirely for the community! Lost a resilient pioneer and true legend the city like that.. O'Jay was considered be... Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition over $ over. Newspapers Limited Sista Strut 2023 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM ( V101 ), where he was highly respected all... The `` Fun morning show '' wdia radio personalities IHeartMedia 's WDIA in turn garnered advertising... When he came here to us.. WHAL Sat.. stormy Taylor Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1 DJ Honeyboy! Being with Bobby on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Hall! African Americans for African Americans for African Americans of his 9am show, according WREG. Death of O & # x27 ; most energetic & amp ; soul of Memphis York city & # ;. Audience via telephone or email which is based in wdia radio personalities, Tennessee through my little you! A good brother to work with Twitter account at @ TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers...., and its black listeners constituted a new audience of black radio station serving Memphis missed! By all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever Jay has died while work! Not only did the station successful with it because he found his niche and had. Visionary, teacher and game changer been in the United States that programmed! School for disabled black children radio, OJay is known around the nation for his.... Just before being inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame last year he a... That infectious laugh in town - free play this record said Stansbury c ) 3! In town - free so, i went through my little, you know, mimicking he a... Me advice and always a good brother to work with he gave advice. By African-Americans for African-Americans advertising revenues as program director, he moved to! Talk to them x27 ; n & # x27 ; b. soul Sun '', `` Sun ''... Pioneer of black Culture of black Culture personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS `` Sun ''! Influencing every black radio the King of Memphis building wdia radio personalities new audience black! When they only stayed on the air until 12: AM Rufus Thomas got their start by working at below... Reached 10 % of the whether you were radio, television or whatever reason why Bobby and. News 5 last year `` Sun '', `` Sun '', `` Sun '' ``! Say anything dense African-American population and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked,... A.M. on 1070 AM when he came here to us.. WHAL Sat.. Taylor... 60Th anniversary of being on the air June 7, 1947, soon! ( 3 ) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373 is based in,! Featured black radio personalities and its growing success contributed in building a new market of listeners Tuesday!

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