Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Fred Hollywood Moore was the leading Actor in MA&9s 1998/ 99/2000 stage play Have Eyes see not; Have Ears hear not: Story of a family witness signs of the timeMy Prayers & condolences to Mrs. Judy Moore & the Moore Family. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. 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. 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. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. . Williams continued on the air . He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. Great to meet you. 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. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. So, even though I was showing up for work every day, they just felt like, you know, we cant have that kind of guy on our radio station, he said. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 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. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. Web. WDIA's afternoon radio talent playing the best music in the world and keeping you up to date with the latest local and community information. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. Tennessee State Rep Antonio Parkinsonsaid: "This is not only a loss for us as a city in Memphis, but a loss to all of us in the black community nationally, those of us in black music and radio and those of us who saw him as a mentor. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." 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. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. Nobody said a word to me. February 10. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Radio proved to be a rocky road. BBC Radio Berkshire presenter Maggie Philbin joined volunteers and clients at Age Concern's drop-in centre in William Street to learn more about the ins and outs of the . Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". This is not only a loss for us as a city in Memphis, but a loss to all of us in the black community nationally, those of us in black music and radio and those of us who saw him as a mentor. (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. 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. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. WDIA personalities included: Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg, aka "Princess Premium Stuff" Ernest Brazzell, the giver of crop advice Robert Thomas, aka Robert "Honeyboy" Thomas Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert Theo "Bless My Bones" Wade Ford Nelson, who, until 2013, acted as a gospel D.J. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. 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 God has truly blessed me to make a decent salary at all the radio stations Ive worked even back in the 70s., Reflecting on OJays passing, Chuck OBannon, Kudzukian Radio and on-air personality, told local outlet ABC 24, Bobby cared about people. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. See more. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. Stan Bell, one of the citys most beloved on-air personalities and popular, local DJ also posted on Facebook: We have lost a gentle giant in the radio industry. View our online Press Pack. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor It's Relationship Day on The Bev Johnson Show on WDIA Radio and the topic of conversation is "It's Valentine's is it Love, Like, Lust, Must or a Fuss" with Psychologist/Mental Health Specialist Dr. Dorothy Jeffries. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Simple and modern interface. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. 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. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. I have a huge family. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. Listen to the radio in the background. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. It was Memphis WDIA.. 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. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! All Rights Reserved. The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of 10 new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2022, "recognizing the talents and efforts of air personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away." Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. All Rights Reserved. Address: "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. 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. We want to hear from you! Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! 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. "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. 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 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.. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. King joined WDIA in early 1949. 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. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. 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. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. 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. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. Website. 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. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Bev Johnson. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. WDIA Format: Soul Air Personalities 6:30 am--A.C. Williams 10 am--Robert Thomas 2 pm--Lee Armstrong 6 pm--Herb Kneeland 10 pm--Dave Smith 3 am--Theo Wade WLOK Format: Soul Air Personalities 6 am--Nat Washington 10 am--Gerald Floyd 2 pm--Roger W. Cavanass 6 pm--Clifton Halmon 10 pm--Alvin Moore 1 am--James Jack WHER Format: MOR, some talk 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. And I got a phone call, he remembered. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. (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. Its a process.. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. Mark as Played. Rodriguez . ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 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. 3 If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. Im not willing to say just anything. They talk back to you, OJay said. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. He can be heard Monday through Friday on WDIA from 6 to 10 a.m. and on V101 from 3 to 7 p.m. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian) RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. 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. The station's management had been mostly white. . The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. Instant playback and premium quality. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . Broadcasting Blues, Gospel, emerging R&B and various talk programs, WDIA became known as a direct appeal to advertisers who wished to reach the African American demographic. WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. Men ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. Later the fund expanded to include college scholarships, establish boy clubs, provide 125 Little League Teams to Memphis and neighboring communities, and help provide low cost supplemental housing (Wilson). Who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi provided on News Group Newspapers Limited 10 ] many! Wdia Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd Tuesday morning, iHeart confirmed! 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