The Heart & Soul of Memphis! Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. Last year, he was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame after being honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018. . His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. 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. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. . Bobbyology is my thought pattern. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. They didnt get in my business and things like that. Please rotate your device. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. Ive always had just the radio job. K97 FM 9am. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. Address: Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. Music legends such as B.B. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. 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. AKWAABAWelcome Home! 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. [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. 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. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. 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 Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. 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 often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. 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. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. He was 68. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). He loved God and people. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. Radio proved to be a rocky road. He cared about the artists records he played. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black 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. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. 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. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. "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. And the name kind of stuck from that time. 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. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. All they did was just pray for me. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. 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. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. OJays older brother helped him get a $1,200 loan for broadcast school right out of high school and he took a six-month course. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. 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. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. We want to hear from you! Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. 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. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. He also served as program director during his tenure and interviewed countless Black music and culture legends, including Whitney Houston and Muhammad Ali, as well as David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google, WDIA's Bobby O'Jay during The Recording Academy HONORS 2005 at Memphis Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. 3 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. 2 Be Kind and Courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Moore was in that number. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. 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 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. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. Claim your profile I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. 3-3:30pm. 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. His cause of death is currently unknown. Share. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. He was 68. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. "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. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. 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. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. Wdia Profile and History . All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. View our online Press Pack. Mark as Played. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. 5/5 based on 1 review. 14. Website. (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. Ive always had just the radio job. King and Bobby Blue Bland. Great to meet you. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. 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. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] 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. All Rights Reserved. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. 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. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. 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). 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. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. 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. 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. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Please include the headline. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. 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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! 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. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. 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. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! 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. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. 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) King joined WDIA in early 1949. 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. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. 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.. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. When O'Jay would open. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. 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. 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. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. 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. Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. All Rights Reserved. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: ------ Shows: . I need some help.. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 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 . WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary 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. As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." 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. The station also publicized Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s visits to Memphis and served as a leading source of news and information for the black community following Dr. Kings assassination. King and Rufus Thomas. Close Modal Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. Im more willing to say things to get your attention in a positive manner. 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. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. Do you find this information helpful? He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. 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 went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 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. 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. 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. 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. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. 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 WDIA was inducted in 2013. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. The station's management had been mostly white. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". He broke a lot of records. Men At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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