Listen online or on your phone with our free app! [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Did you know WDIA in Memphis Tennessee was the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans.Check out WDIA R. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). And I got a phone call, he remembered. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. I started opening the phone lines on my show in the morning for people to respond to things, all kinds of things, about kids and relationships and politics, and all the things going on in the world that affect our lives. "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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. . America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. WDIA was inducted in 2013. 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 [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. All Rights Reserved. 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. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. 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. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. Pharos Books, 1992). 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 of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. The original frequency was 730kHz. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. Music legends such as B.B. 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. Listen For Your Chance To Win! The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. 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. And the name kind of stuck from that time. 69 talking about this. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. . [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Listen live. Notable U.S.radio disc jockeys of the period include Alan Freed, Wolfman Jack, Casey Kasem,[25]and their Britishcounterparts such as the BBC's Brian Matthewand Alan Freeman, Radio London'sJohn Peel, Radio Caroline's Tony Blackburn, and Radio Luxembourg's Jimmy Savile. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. 2 . His cause of death is currently unknown. Thaddeus Mathews says that he is the reason that WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis, TN. Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. K97 FM 9am. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. May 3, 2022 WDIA. 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 small donation would help us keep this available to all. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. He was 68. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. 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. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. King and Rufus Thomas. He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. 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 . Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. Claim your profile 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! They talk back to you, OJay said. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . All Rights Reserved. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. We want to hear from you! 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. Community Efforts Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. 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. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. 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. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! 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. (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. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . 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. Nobody said a word to me. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. 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. Radio proved to be a rocky road. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. For other inquiries, Contact Us. It was Memphis WDIA.. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. Men Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Wdia Profile and History . iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. 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. oldies. 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. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. He was 68. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. 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 . 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. 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. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . During his 50 year radio career, O'J. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. 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. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. February 10. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. 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. Share. 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. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. 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. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. Bev Johnson. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. King joined WDIA in early 1949. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. 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. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." G.P. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. SIDEBAR. Television and radio personality Colin . 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. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. Broadcasting & media production company Photos See all Videos See all 0:38 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. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. Let's treat everyone with respect. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. 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. Search. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . Close Modal O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. Simple and modern interface. 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. ------ Shows: . "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. 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. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. 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. Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. 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. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. 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. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Listen to the radio in the background. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 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. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. In 1949 the station was no. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. [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 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. Please rotate your device. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. 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. 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. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. Address: ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. Blues legend B.B. Twin Cities: AM Personality Tom Barnard ReUps At KQRS; Portland OR Radio: Lar Larson Renews Deal With KXL; Richmond Radio: iHM Names A-J OM/Regional PM . Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. 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 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. The trailblazer's voice and personality have helped make up the fabric of the Bluff City for decades as part of the historic legacy of the Mid-South's first African American radio station, WDIA. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. 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. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. 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.". The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. 29 Apr. 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's parent company iHeartRadio announced. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. 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. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. The station's management had been mostly white. WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. 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. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. 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. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. His career just before being inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Famer and DJ... Iheartmedia 's WDIA Group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our free app to. History teacher and game changer 8, 1953, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit to a in. 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