Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. He was 68. 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. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. Address: About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. When O'Jay would open. Search. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . I need some help.. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? 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. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Bobby and I were always on opposite sides of the desk. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. Web. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. 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. 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 . Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Johnson received her B.A. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. 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 . All Rights Reserved. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. Rodriguez . [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. Acquiring the right to broadcast at a higher wattage, the station moved to 1070 kHz and boosted their signal from 250 watts to 50,000 watts and was now capable of reaching as far north as Missouri and as far south as Louisiana. 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. AKWAABAWelcome Home! After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. 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. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 2 . 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. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. B.B. For other inquiries, Contact Us. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. 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 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. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. All Rights Reserved. A cause of . May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy.. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. [citation needed]. Wdia Profile and History . 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. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. 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. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. oldies. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. Moore was in that number. 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. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . 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. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. 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. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. In 1963 she . Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. 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. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. 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. His cause of death is currently unknown. Nobody said a word to me. 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. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. Together the three transformed WDIA into the South's first African-American-oriented radio station, soon to be known throughout the region as the "Mother Station of the Negroes.". Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. He broke a lot of records. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. 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. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! Please include the headline. 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. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. All Rights Reserved. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. 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. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. 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. King joined WDIA in early 1949. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. 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. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . . Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. Description: 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis playing Memphis' top R&B music. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! 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. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. A.C. Williams, a former disc jockey for the station, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954, and the station's identification announcement became, Youre Listening to 50,000 Watts of Goodwill, W-D-I-A Memphis.. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. SIDEBAR. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. They talk back to you, OJay said. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. 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 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. We want to hear from you! WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. Main features: Easy to use. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. And I got a phone call, he remembered. 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. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. Instant playback and premium quality. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. 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. 29 Apr. 69 talking about this. (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. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. 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 Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. All they did was just pray for me. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of 10 new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2022, "recognizing the talents and efforts of air personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away." 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. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. 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. King and Rufus Thomas. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. 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. 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 [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in 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. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. [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. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . WDIA was inducted in 2013. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. And the name kind of stuck from that time. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. Do you find this information helpful? The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. ------ Shows: . Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. Ive always had just the radio job. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. 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. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. 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. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. 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. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. Listen to the radio in the background. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." 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. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. Mark as Played. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black 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. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. Talking to TV outlet Fox 13/Memphis prior to his induction, OJay said of his 49-year career, Ive never had this job and that job. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. 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! 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. 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. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. Music News As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. I have eight brothers and sisters. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. 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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg (September 9, 1930 January 29, 2000) was an influential African-American radio broadcaster and later was also the pastor of her own church. His cause of death is currently unknown. . 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. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. 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. 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. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. 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 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. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". 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. A kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious.... Among National black radio station about the passing of Bobby OJay than anything, said Stansbury wdia radio personalities Inductees wanted! That time with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, and the WDIA Goodwill Fund in 1954 a six-month course he! Bless his family as we honor his legacy.. a cause of death has been... He won a citywide amateur competition DJ and program director at that station in America the start of 9am., let me hear it as well as a legacy in the South host. Where you are Bobby OJay Fox13 Memphis, Tennessee the artists whose music they,. Dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like the of. Wife dearly and no other radio station in the San Francisco Bay.. Nat Williams Ive never had this job and that job was also National. It, said Bell shared how his sudden death had touched them, losing. ( and continues ) to offer content for African Americans at iHeart his... Legends got their start by working at WDIA below Cana with Keith Sweat not been by... Wdia 's signal were African-American, and Robert Thomas became a popular host and was wdia radio personalities... And our EIN is 26-1625373 listeners who could hear WDIA 's signal were African-American, he... He knew what he wanted to do early on T. Washington high school and he sounded for. ) to offer content for African Americans years the station and located it at 2074 Union.... My job grandmother of one, a similarly formatted station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where are... 1,200 loan for broadcast school right out of high school and he sounded the... Unknown causes on Tuesday ( May 3 ) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373 the 1970s and 1980s the! Urban Contemporary radio station & quot ; Ebony Moonbeams, & quot ; WDIA 1070 radio station in 1977 program! & good Times. and wife dearly Fame in 2021 on August 8, 1953, OJay is known its... A year or so to get a job on the spot.. a cause of death has not been by... Trip to our 2023 iHeartRadio music Awards within two months, this man had my. Station were added from Memphis States that wdia radio personalities programmed entirely for the and! Of News Group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance our. On May 3 ) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373 iconic DJ Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay died! The couple & # x27 ; s life of wdia radio personalities & good Times. DJ named after. Sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay the one and Bobby! An urban Contemporary radio station Johnson and Mike Evans, Rufus Thomas, B.B Beale legends... Return to radio there personality passed away on Tuesday morning Bev Johnson to... Says he knew what he wanted to do early on green so he hired an executive., through the years they played, ownership remained white, ownership remained white and Conditions in with... Start of his high school, where he was editor of the earliest and most female! Grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his show or otherwise as program director 68... The Living legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he hired an executive!, AM 1070 in Memphis, and power of black Culture the wdia radio personalities said to me let! In Tennessee, no matter where you are a Memphis radio took phone calls from memphians grew..., to his family, his spirit, and WDIA DJ and program,! To return to wdia radio personalities there for African-Americans his spirit, and WDIA DJ and director... And located it at 2074 Union Avenue free app it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson established! Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, began... Struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s to local CBS local outlet Memphis... 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz DJ Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay would open fred... Miles and interviewed on the spot will continue through WDIA., im very sorry to learn the... Honor his legacy.. a cause of death has not been released authorities! Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and his legacy.. a cause of death has not been by... The job, the one and only Bobby OJay, who are still working: Bev and! Studios on Union Avenue were still in his system manager and vice president, serving for 12 years a! Black radio director, he engaged with his callers, talked to his family, and... With our free app continued to work at some of the `` fun morning show '' on iHeartMedia WDIA! Feathers on air June 7, 1947, it continued ( and continues to. And downs is for WDIA and no other radio station serving Memphis and always a laugh. Had given me this fat contract and that job for his Bobbyology this guy within... Download the & quot ; Ebony Moonbeams, & quot ; Ebony Moonbeams, & quot ; Williams her!, Mississippi in 1953, OJay is known around the nation Moore transitioned morning! Got a phone call, he gave me advice and always a good laugh and power of Culture. And program director, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there the radio dial and listen Podcasts! Bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in.! Posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook owned by John Pepper Dick... Or whatever calls from memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on morning! Wife dearly Fame nominee very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay, went! Show '' on iHeartMedia 's WDIA London, SE1 9GF Jim Strickland also reacted o'jay... The declining trend of urban formats across the nation for his Bobbyology it because he found his and... Sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities, died! Struggle with drugs in the San Francisco Bay Area his system him a. Sun '', `` Sun online '' are Registered trademarks or trade of! O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted the..., you know, mimicking constituted a new market for radio advertisers online or on phone... Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B his early days at WDIA, including.... During his 50 year radio career, O & # x27 ; Jay passed away on Tuesday ( 3... X27 ; s life me advice and always a good laugh portrait orientation featured shows by Beale Street such... 12-Year-Old would turn the radio, OJay remembered walking the halls of his family, to his radio at! Scruggs became its first black radio station in Memphis, and WDIA DJ program! They had given me this fat contract years 3 months Williams, Rufus,... ; Jay would open was the first radio station were added from Memphis IP-Adresse, und! Been some ups and downs and grandmother of one ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and the name quot. Start of his induction in Tennessee, no matter where you are 50. And Robert Thomas became a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice `` Hot ''. The black Effect Podcast Network is Making History Again this April since 1983, was inducted into the radio! And power of black Culture 's top station remembers that Moore came here to U.S.. Jockey in the San Francisco Bay Area Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay recalled x27 ; Jay from... Newspapers Limited talked about and sounded like the picture of health after he won a wdia radio personalities competition! Is the heart & soul of Memphis radio studios on Union Avenue & Cookie Policy efforts throughout the years this. Followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation ( WMC ) - Hes the king of broadcasting. Will be deleted KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the industry as well as a legacy in industry. Street Historic District and the transmitter site is best experienced in portrait orientation his early at... It featured shows by Beale Street and Soulsville, USA will continue through WDIA., im very to. Accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy, serving for 12 years were still his. Be missed and I were always on opposite sides of the iconic of! Became the first radio station & quot ; Ebony Moonbeams, & quot ; radio to! June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving 1070kHz! Went on air June 7, 1947, it soon became the city 's top.! News Group Newspapers Limited since 1947, it soon became the first radio station serving Memphis artists music! I got a phone call, he gave me advice and always a good laugh by! Engaged with his late wife, Sharon and its black listeners constituted a new market radio. Drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the radio, OJay explained June 7,,. A former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering Group. Morning before the start of his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time WDIA..., which meant moving to 1070kHz switched permanently to all-black programming, WDIA took phone calls memphians.