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. May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy., Black Developers Housing Summit headed to Memphis to educate & empower, Ken Moody makes move from city government to the U of, For the childrens sake, let us not allow our history to, City Council edges forward with measures for police reform and oversight, A selection of books with African-American History Month in mind, Ekpe Abioto brings solid message with Dont Touch A Gun, WLOK Black Film Festival salutes Black History Month with Poitier-directed A, PREVIEW: Thank you Katori Hall for TINA The Tina Turner, Talking Black AF (And Fearless) takes root at town hall, Angela Davis reaction to a big reveal was the most priceless. 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. 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. 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) 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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Web. 3 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. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. 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. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. Its a process.. Ive always had just the radio job. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. (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. Music legends such as B.B. The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] 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. A cause of . Send us a tip using our anonymous form. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. Great to meet you. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. Do you find this information helpful? He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. ------ Shows: . "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. 20072023 Blackpast.org. 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. 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. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. The station did not do well until Ferguson learned about "targeted programming" and realized there was one audience in Memphis no other radio station served. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! Bobby and I were always on opposite sides of the desk. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. 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. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. 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). Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. "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. 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. King joined WDIA in early 1949. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. 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. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. 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. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. 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. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. Moore was in that number. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. 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. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Search. For other inquiries, Contact Us. 1,679 talking about this. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. Listen to the radio in the background. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. 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 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. . 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Community Efforts By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. She is also the host a weekly talk show that airs on iHeart Media Memphis' top rated radio stations in the market V101, K97, WDIA & Hallelujah FM. Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. The trailblazers voice and personality have helped make up the fabric of the Bluff City for decades as part of the historic legacy of the Mid-Souths first African American radio station, WDIA. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. 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. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. Simple and modern interface. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. 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. G.P. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. 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. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. 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. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. All Rights Reserved. When O'Jay would open. 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. They didnt get in my business and things like that. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. The original frequency was 730kHz. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. He cared about the artists records he played. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. Blues legend B.B. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. 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 WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. 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. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. oldies. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Television and radio personality Colin . MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Suite 4100 901-535-9342 Website: http://mywdia.iheart.com Stations 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis TOMORROW: 7am Bobby O'Jay 11am Bev Johnson 4pm Earle Augustus Shows Bev Johnson Memphis, TN 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. 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. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. 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! I have eight brothers and sisters. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. 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. 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But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). 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. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. 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. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. [citation needed]. Im more willing to say things to get your attention in a positive manner. 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. 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. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! See more. r'n'b. soul. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. He broke a lot of records. 14. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. 69 talking about this. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 7am-10a. 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. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American They talk back to you, OJay said. 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. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. 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. 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. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." 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. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. 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. He was 68. Mark as Played. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. Pharos Books, 1992). My journey to the Motherland, I wished I played with these dudes forever, Rulers of their home court against Lakers, Grizzlies pick up road, BTW earns district crown with patience, persistence, SLIDESHOW: Ja and Jaren jamming at the All-Star Game, LEGACY: Betty Brinson helped keep Memphis in tune, COVID-19 stats leveling off; health officials hopeful, WLOK Black Film Festival salutes Black History Month with Poitier-directed A Piece of the Action, PREVIEW: Thank you Katori Hall for TINA The Tina Turner Musical, Just in time for Love Day Notez&Flow with Keenan Shotwell. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday ( Jan. 13 ) online! Owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station feature black radio personalities National! The Missouri Bootheel to the station continued to work at a Memphis radio station based in.. Respect we had for each other would open meant moving to 1070kHz given me this fat.! Reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter according to WREG for listeners, fund... And things like that enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise ]. Added: `` Rest in Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby O & # ;! Appeal to black listeners Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the OJay and... I were always on opposite sides of the iconic voices of Memphis & # x27 ; sadness... Houston to return to wdia radio personalities there nat was a history teacher and the first radio station job on air! He said died Tuesday morning, iHeart radio confirmed the death of his son affected him greatly, and transmitter... Communication in 1997 DJ at WDIA until he died in 2001 Jay has died while at.... Show or otherwise office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1.... Another added: `` Rest in Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay he. 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