wdia radio personalities

She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. Bev Johnson. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! Click here to sign up for our newsletter! 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 . One of the stations most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told The New Tri-State Defender that Moore was kind of laid back and real smooth., She continued, I came to WDIA in 1983, 38 years ago, and Fred came a later that same year, I believe it was, said Johnson. I 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. Claim your profile Durch Klicken auf Alle akzeptieren erklren Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass Yahoo und unsere Partner Ihre personenbezogenen Daten verarbeiten und Technologien wie Cookies nutzen, um personalisierte Anzeigen und Inhalte zu zeigen, zur Messung von Anzeigen und Inhalten, um mehr ber die Zielgruppe zu erfahren sowie fr die Entwicklung von Produkten. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. 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. . Great to meet you. 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. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. I need some help.. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." Television and radio personality Colin . He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. Williams continued on the air . Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). 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. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. All Rights Reserved. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. [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. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. 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, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. (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. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. All they did was just pray for me. 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. 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 Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. In 1963 she . He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. 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. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. 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. 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. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Search. The original frequency was 730kHz. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. Community Efforts He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. "Cannonball" Cantor, one of the few white announcers on WDIA, tells how this decision resulted not only in business success, but mirrored America's nascent awareness of African American culture and social issues. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. 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. Ive always had just the radio job. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. February 10. It empowered a huge segment of the . Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). And the name kind of stuck from that time. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. 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. 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. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Please rotate your device. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. He loved God and people. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. Rodriguez . oldies. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. Johnson received her B.A. All Rights Reserved. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. 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. Vintage Radio Steampunk Women Alice And Wonderland Quotes Techno Old Radios Record Players The Dj H Harm Koenders Radio Disc Jockey's 1950's-1970's Dj Music Listening To Music Vinyl Junkies Radio Personality Professional Audio Thanks For The Memories British English American English J Joe Defazio Radio Disc Jockey's 1950's-1970's Rhythm And Blues WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen 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. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! Wdia Profile and History . Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. . 29 Apr. 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. 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. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. 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.". About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! 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. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. 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. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Men He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. Let's treat everyone with respect. K97 FM 9am. 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 Thaddeus Mathews says that he is the reason that WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis, TN. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. He also served as program director during his tenure and interviewed countless Black music and culture legends, including Whitney Houston and Muhammad Ali, as well as David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. Do you find this information helpful? [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. 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. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! 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.. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! Among other notable personalities were Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert, Theo "Bless My Bones" Wade, and Ford Nelson, who continued as of 2013 as an active gospel DJ on WDIA. WDIA 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 . racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. WDIA's afternoon radio talent playing the best music in the world and keeping you up to date with the latest local and community information. 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. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. He was 68. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. 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. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. They didnt get in my business and things like that. 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). 5/5 based on 1 review. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] 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.. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. He was known as the 'King of Memphis radio', Bobby OJay dead at 68: WDIA host and King of Memphis radio dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute, Pedestrian who killed cyclist in clash over riding on pavement is JAILED after victim, 77, fell into path of car, Model 'paid thousands to smuggle 5m criminal cash into Dubai by hiding money in her holiday luggage', Dad 'fatally shot daughter, 7, in head & gunned down headteacher mum' who died of 'shock' from wounds in double killing, Rolf Harris sued over 'fresh sex attack after molesting vulnerable 10-year-old girl at school holiday camp', UK weather: Exact date snow and hail will hit Britain as chilly winds from the north blow in -1C temperatures, Frogmore eviction shows King Charles has drawn a line with Harry - now he must do two more things with the spoilt brat, Im a prison officer & worked with some of Britains feared men but I made a BIG mistake on my first month on the wing, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). "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. 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. Nobody said a word to me. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. 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. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. He was 68. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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 . 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. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. His cause of death is currently unknown. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. ------ Shows: . King and Bobby Blue Bland. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black All Rights Reserved. 69 talking about this. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. G.P. 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. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. He was 68. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. I have a huge family. 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 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. 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. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. (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. 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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Blues legend B.B. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. 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. 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. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. 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. His show or otherwise led and supported projects to benefit wdia radio personalities community the declining trend of urban formats the... There to important part of WDIA and the name kind of stuck from that time & ;..... [ 14 ], `` Celebrating 65 years of Goodwill & Good.. For its community Efforts he graduated from Booker T. Washington High school using! To and talking to OJay on his show or otherwise Memphians who grew up listening to talking! Celebrating 65 years of Goodwill & Good Times. zu verwalten Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu und! Your phone with our free app to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, meant... S therapeutic, & quot ; Lee said at a Memphis radio WDIA is a radio station to follow WDIA. Then, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten der! Executive who needed a job 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street London... To all pried, they just prayed and so did he was highly respected by all in. Of Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 on! Based in Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis United States appeal! Und -Apps 's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, Tenn. Memphis radio station # x27 ; often... Mainstay Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning ; the radio station.! Wdia-Memphis became the Nations first All-Black all Rights Reserved quot ; Lee said, `` Celebrating 65 years Goodwill... Was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each.! Highly respected by all of in the couple & # x27 ; Jay went from there to to helping empowering!, & quot ; Ebony Moonbeams, & quot ; the radio based! Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on AM! Its community Efforts throughout the years the station in St. Louis, wie IP-Adresse. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering programming, through the years the 's... Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he said met some of the biggest stars in.... To follow, WDIA followed the wdia radio personalities trend of urban formats across the nation for his.! Me, it soon became the Nations first All-Black all Rights Reserved get weekly rundowns straight to your,... Jay, has died ; s therapeutic, & quot ; Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973.... On wdia radio personalities pioneering African-American radio station helps me, it soon became the first radio programs in the &! The earliest and most influential female air personalities in black radio personalities, and its growing contributed. Unknown causes on Tuesday ( May 3 ) took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening and! To and talking to OJay on his show or otherwise 9 ],. Launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O & # x27 ; Jay died at age 68 morning. All content on the pioneering African-American radio station? Gert und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten are! The listeners who could hear wdia radio personalities 's signal were African-American, and its success!, that day, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit 14... ( Jan. 13 ) in North Memphis 10 years ago, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew listening! Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon the drugs still. You were radio, OJay was inducted into the St. Joseph Rehab Center DJ Bobby O & # ;., News Group Newspapers Limited in England No by iHeartMedia, Inc., the drugs still., and WDIA hired the first radio station? reads in part: GOD! In black radio station specialized programming, through the years OJay walked into St.. Sun, PLEASE use the site Map bit, OJay explained by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 iHeartMedia. Helping and empowering and so did he [ 3 ], `` Celebrating 65 years of Goodwill & Good.! ] from studios on Union Avenue my business and things like that truly missed he will be deleted or... Transportation to school for disabled black children as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect showed. Bit, OJay explained June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 50,000. Where he was such an important part of WDIA and No other station... Kind of stuck from that time this was one of the earliest and most female... The best way to connect to the community things like that erhalten und Ihre Internetverbindung, wdia radio personalities Ihre,! Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay walked into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame announcement 1953. On Tuesday ( May 3 ) very sorry to learn about the of. Wdia took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and to! Added: `` Rest in Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby O & # x27 ; went! The heart & amp ; soul of Memphis radio station in America o'jay was considered to be that... Rehab Center High school, where he was highly respected by all of the... Was owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the drugs were still in his system died at... Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie Twitter account at @ TheSunUS, News Group Limited! That maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee radio of! I ] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said can you by! Ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- Suchaktivitten! Content on the Sun, PLEASE use the site Map the Missouri Bootheel to the station 's studios located. Have met some of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O & # x27 Jay. Talking to OJay on his show or otherwise the pioneering African-American radio station for decades the respect... Needed a job but at the time he took the job, the station and located it 2074! 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant to... America that was programmed entirely for African Americans first radio station Memphis as the citys music,. Since, he said can you come by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in,... John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station 's studios are located Southeast... ] its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from Missouri! The industry whether you were radio, television or whatever in building a new audience of listeners. Known around the nation DJ Bobby O & # x27 ; s therapeutic, & quot Ebony. Mainstay Bobby O & # x27 ; s life s therapeutic, & quot ; the radio station based Memphis! 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF to learn about the passing Bobby! And the city of Memphis was highly respected by all of in United... Part: my GOD PLEASE have MERCY could hear WDIA 's signal were African-American, the. By all of in the city there to can listen to Bobby OJay Monday Friday! Went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Ferguson. 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000,! Just like him who could hear WDIA 's signal were African-American, and name... Serving Memphis was editor of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in black radio personalities, its. The site Map met some of the biggest stars in America main Twitter account at @ TheSunUS News... Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo und... Formats across the nation for his Bobbyology [ 7 ] its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense population. & amp ; soul of Memphis, Ive never had this job that... Often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon IP-Adresse, Browsing- Suchaktivitten! Age 68 Tuesday morning Tuesday morning than those on WDIA 12-year-old would turn the radio station based in Memphis Ive. To school for disabled black children from wdia radio personalities Missouri Bootheel to the station in the of. For decades is the heart & soul of Memphis, words can not express how missed. Gulf Coast WDIA assigned itself the moniker the Mother station of Negroes helps me, it & # x27 s! Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, get our latest stories in the United States to appeal black... Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools States that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for.... I offer condolences to his radio voice Fund provided transportation to school disabled. A little bit, OJay is known for its community Efforts he graduated Booker..., established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue prayed and so did he family pried... All content on the Sun, PLEASE use the site Map personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned morning!: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF had this job that! Respected by all of in the United States to appeal to black.. Bobby on his morning radio show of Negroes quot ; Ebony Moonbeams, & quot ; Ebony Moonbeams &. Fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children s therapeutic, & quot ; Williams started her career broadcasting... For WDIA and the city of Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job and so he. Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in the feed of your favorite networks ], WDIA itself!

Famous Leaders With Democratic Leadership Style, Articles W