Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. 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. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: 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." [citation needed]. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen May 3, 2022 WDIA. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! Ive always had just the radio job. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. I have eight brothers and sisters. Listen live. Mark as Played. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. 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) [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Please include the headline. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. Music News 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 . Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. 3 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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. 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. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. 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. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. Claim your profile We want to hear from you! I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. Instant playback and premium quality. Vibe 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. When O'Jay would open. 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. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. 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. 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. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. 7am-10a. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. 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. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Music legends such as B.B. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. 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. WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. They talk back to you, OJay said. 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. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. Simple and modern interface. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. ------ Shows: . 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Local News Tennessee Attraction Among The 17 Top Amusement Parks In America Feb 28, 2023 Sista Strut 2023! 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. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. 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. 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 Williams continued on the air . [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. 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. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. 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. I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. "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. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. In 1949 the station was no. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. 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. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. 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. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. His cause of death is currently unknown. We were saddened to learn of the passing of Memphis radio legend Bobby O'Jay, longtime PD and morning personality on iHeartMedia's WDIA 1070-AM "The Heart & Soul Of Memphis," who died Tuesday morning, May 3 at the age of 68. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. Main features: Easy to use. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . I have a huge family. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. Its a process.. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. And they even said to me, were going to even give you a company car to drive and this was February of 1983, and the rest is history, said OJay. 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. RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Community Efforts Blues legend B.B. . 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. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. WDIA was inducted in 2013. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. And the name kind of stuck from that time. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. K97 FM 9am. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 69 talking about this. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. Do you find this information helpful? 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. 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. 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. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. . Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. Gospel radio show host and academic administrator Markhum "Mark" L. Stansbury, Sr. was born on April 5, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee to Willie and Eliza Markham Stansbury. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. Nobody said a word to me. 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. "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. 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. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. King and Rufus Thomas. Listen For Your Chance To Win! Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Television and radio personality Colin . Born in Batesville, Mississippi. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. 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. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. . BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. 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