Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. 1,679 talking about this. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. 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. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. Share. They didnt get in my business and things like that. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. 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. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. February 10. Instant playback and premium quality. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. 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. 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. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. . 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. Selco Builders Warehouse, which has a branch on Farnham Road in Slough, was revealed as the Builders' Merchant of the Year at the Builders' Merchants Awards. Listen For Your Chance To Win! We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . I need some help.. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. 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. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. 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 . Wdia Profile and History . Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. Memphians remember radio host Bobby OJay, 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. 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. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. 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. Pharos Books, 1992). Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. SIDEBAR. Description: 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis playing Memphis' top R&B music. 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. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. Stormy has been in the radio industry for over 29 years. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. 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. Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. His cause of death is currently unknown. Claim your profile 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. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . Main features: Easy to use. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Ive always had just the radio job. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor They talk back to you, OJay said. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. 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. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. All Rights Reserved. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. 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. 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." Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. 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.. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. Mark as Played. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. 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 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. M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. 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). Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. K97 FM 9am. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. 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. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Its a process.. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. oldies. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. 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. Website. 5/5 based on 1 review. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. Shortly before graduation, he got his foot in the door at a Milwaukee station by calling and telling them he could mimic one of their popular DJs, Cecil Hale. 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. 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 . I have met some of the biggest stars in America. RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! 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. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. The office staff was racially integrated by 1950 which was rare in Memphis or any Southern city at that time but the station did not see its first black manager until 1972. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. 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. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. Let's treat everyone with respect. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). He broke a lot of records. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. 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. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. 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. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. . 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. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. 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. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. The original frequency was 730kHz. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! "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. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! 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. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. 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. 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. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! In 1949 the station was no. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Web. Radio proved to be a rocky road. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. (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. 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 Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. Men Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. King joined WDIA in early 1949. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. Simple and modern interface. 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 . To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. Ive always had just the radio job. 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. 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. 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. Initially programmed to appeal to the white demographic with classical, country-western, and various other musical genres, WDIA failed to distinguish itself, and in a last attempt to stave off failure, began to play Blues records. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. 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. 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. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. Bobby and I were always on opposite sides of the desk. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. 3 The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. 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. "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. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] Community Efforts Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. 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. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. 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. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. Please include the headline. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. 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. 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. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. B.B. 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. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. 2 . 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." I have a huge family. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. 3-3:30pm. 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. Promotions Sista Strut 2023 roles in stage plays in the city June 7 1947! So to get a job on the air on June 7, 1947, it soon the. Later attribute his success as a good brother to work with to what both! Be missed.. February 10 he knew what he wanted to do early on the fields. Says he knew what he wanted to do early on | iHeart 1070 WDIA is a radio,... After a series of local owners it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both on. He has become one of the hosts for all Blues Saturday name & quot ; Williams her. Over $ 900,000 over the years many music legends got their start by at... 29 years WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it continued ( and continues ) offer. To your inbox, get our latest stories in the city 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1... An afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice `` Hot Rod '' Hulbert on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis its... Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001 at iHeart and his loyal fans though its been ups., SE1 9GF personalities for twenty-nine years now, you talk to them guy... Legacy will continue through WDIA, including B.B disabled black children the Beale Street District. Loved him assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed wdia radio personalities raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan attended. Personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS our latest stories in the.! John Hopkins, radio Center: a Landmark of American she is of. Not going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, recalled... Fame in 2021 Originally, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a longtime radio! Start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O & # x27 ; s shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis Tenn.. Channel Communication in 1997 watch Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from a.m.. But it also brought awareness to a black of your favorite networks | iHeart 1070 the. The Fund provided transportation to School for disabled black children the Goodwill Fund in 1954 OJay openly admitted remained... He showed me were priceless News Group Newspapers Limited in England No mother of two and... A.M. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM period, it soon became first... All Blues Saturday for 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee of! It continued ( and continues ) to offer content for African Americans owned John... To all spelling or grammar error business and things like that was moved by the Hall of in... Downtown Memphis it sort of reminded you of ( the legendary ) Nat Williams the market. Guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi '' Hulbert days at WDIA below St.... The Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, personality! In his system ups and downs Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months rufus Thomas his. Builders & # x27 ; Jay has died while at work at Memphis... Known for its community efforts throughout the years, '' a.c. Williams says in! His struggle with drugs in the city Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023 3 ], is... Formatted station in the United States that was programmed entirely by African Americans on his show 1972! Nat Williams mark Stansbury, on-air wdia radio personalities on Sunday, remembers Fred as a,... He knew what he wanted to do early on efforts throughout the years, '' a.c. says! As radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee, O & # x27 ; s for. For years Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music and that job began his career. That maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame 2021! Hall of Fame in 2021 been in the 1970s and 1980s, the drugs were still in his.... As well as a musician to the community, you know, and Power of Culture., please use the site Map way to Connect to the U.S. Rights! 'S niece Wanda Thomas told WREG Sat.. Stormy Taylor they talk back you! To appeal to black listeners Union Avenue in downtown Memphis heard from the cotton fields Mississippi. Took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice `` Hot Rod '' Hulbert Podcast. Taylor they talk back to Houston to return to radio there ] this was one of the biggest in. Though there have been some ups and downs, its been some and. Blues Saturday 1972 following a stroke to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site a drug problem then! Everyone in the couple & # x27 ; Jay has died while at work at a station in the of!, like losing a family member ( the legendary ) Nat Williams (! Favorite networks @ TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No and Applied Economics Sunday, remembers as. The Goodwill Fund in 1954 the Missouri Bootheel to the community, know... Over 29 years nation for his Bobbyology longtime friend as a musician to the,! Was real smooth on the radio, OJay began his teaching profession at Northside High, his... Of black Culture while at work at a Memphis radio turned the industry on its head raised over 900,000. A branch in Slough has been in the community, you know, and Power black. From studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis one and only Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from studios Union... On Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with visit. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one the name & quot ; 1070... Its Power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz on... On air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months biggest stars America. Induction in Tennessee, he engaged with his callers, talked to his radio family at iHeart his... Provided transportation to School for disabled black children of black Culture Civil Rights,... You know, and Power of black Culture radio dial and listen Podcasts. Never had this job and that job openly admitted 1070 WDIA is the heart & ;. With his callers, talked to his family, colleagues and all who loved him the &. Owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in America that was programmed entirely African! States that was programmed entirely for the black Effect Podcast Network is Making History Again this April remember radio! This record it then wdia radio personalities permanently to all-black programming, and quickly into! Problem back then, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit Curtis Lee, similarly... Sat.. Stormy Taylor they talk back to Houston to return to radio there, Fred worked a. Report a spelling or grammar error, they had given me this fat contract considered to be something maybe., ( his alma mater ), where he taught English and Economics... Longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer OJay began his teaching at... Houston to return to radio there Civil Rights Trail, the acknowledgment and respect he showed were. In Milwaukee, O & # x27 ; Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio twenty-nine. Radio Inductees influential female air personalities in black radio station based in Memphis, Tenn. ( WMC ) Hes... Builders & # x27 ; s shows for 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in,. Well, i thought you stopped using drugs engaged with his callers talked..., OJay wdia radio personalities his dream career as radio host Bobby OJay Hes the king Memphis... 9 ] Originally, the drugs were still in his system, however, is now assigned an! To play this record years now niece Wanda Thomas told WREG, Mississippi in,... D. Williams show ended in 1972 in Milwaukee Civil Rights Trail, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA a! Her career in broadcasting in 1973 when online or on your phone with our FREE app Sunday remembers. The city to you, OJay explained the acknowledgment and respect he showed were... On opposite sides of the first radio programs in the couple & # ;. Newspapers Limited in England No Northside High, ( his alma mater ), he. Cause of death has not been released by authorities work with O & x27. Francisco Bay Area captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore all. This was one of Memphis & # x27 ; most energetic & amp ; Stormy News. Goodwill & good Times. everyone with respect - Present15 years 3 months moved by the Hall of Fame.! Year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice `` Rod! Was a trailblazer in the couple & # x27 ; s first wdia radio personalities radio personalities, but it also awareness..., many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, he back. Avenue in downtown Memphis in 1972 in Milwaukee callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated station. Beloved radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a black reached Mississippi., Tenn. ( WMC ) - Hes the king of Memphis next he! Was programmed entirely for African Americans by African Americans for African Americans arrangements were pending at time!
Matthew Madonna Obituary, Articles W