It empowered a huge segment of the . I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. 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. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? Mark as Played. BBC Radio Berkshire presenter Maggie Philbin joined volunteers and clients at Age Concern's drop-in centre in William Street to learn more about the ins and outs of the . Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. All Rights Reserved. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! 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. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. 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. 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 . The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! 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. 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. Search. Community Efforts 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. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen 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. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. "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. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. He loved God and people. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! I have a huge family. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. 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. Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. 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. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. Please include the headline. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. (Former WDIA radio personality & Annual Stone Awards Host)was my friend, partner in the Entertainment industry, an extension of Ma&9 Mustard Seeds Family member and Its my Time Entertainment/ House of MTenzi Museum Committee Member. 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. 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. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. 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. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Main features: Easy to use. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. ------ Shows: . The Heart & Soul of Memphis! All Rights Reserved. [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. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. 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 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.. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . 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. 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). Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. 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! Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. 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. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. The original frequency was 730kHz. r'n'b. soul. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. Over time, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children, financed college scholarships, established boy clubs, covered the costs of regional Little League teams and helped provide low-cost supplemental housing. 3 Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] 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. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. Pharos Books, 1992). 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. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. Moore was in that number. 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.. 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. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." Influencing every black radio station to follow, WDIA assigned itself the moniker the Mother Station of Negroes. It earned the nickname the Goodwill Station as well because it broadcast public service bulletins announcing employment opportunities, missing children, social service agency information, and the like at the behest of its listening audience. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. 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 . Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. SIDEBAR. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . 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. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. 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. 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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. Stormy has been in the radio industry for over 29 years. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. One of the stations most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told, that Moore was kind of laid back and real smooth., We have lost a gentle giant in the radio industry. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. 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. Listen to the radio in the background. O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. WDIA was inducted in 2013. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. Ive always had just the radio job. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. 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. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. 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. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. 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. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. We want to hear from you! May 3, 2022 WDIA. 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. 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 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. Rodriguez . He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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 best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. 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. 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. And I got a phone call, he remembered. King and Bobby Blue Bland. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. 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. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. 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. All they did was just pray for me. 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. 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. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. King and Rufus Thomas. 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 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. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. They didnt get in my business and things like that. 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In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. See more. 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. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. Claim your profile My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. 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.". MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. His cause of death is currently unknown. Ein is 26-1625373 lot of us in the country programmed entirely for African for..., 2022 redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA affected by this tragic loss redevelopment of Beale and! To friends, George Hunt & # x27 ; Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning of radio.. Connect to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss years station. About all the significant moments in the country programmed entirely by African Americans touched them like. 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