"The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. 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. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application Please include the headline. King joined WDIA in early 1949. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. 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. 2 . Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. Share. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. "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. King and Rufus Thomas. 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. 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. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. 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. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. 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. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. And the name kind of stuck from that time. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. r'n'b. soul. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). "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. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . SIDEBAR. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. 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. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. 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. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. 29 Apr. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. 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. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. G.P. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. 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. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. 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! When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. 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. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. See more. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Instant playback and premium quality. Please rotate your device. 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 have eight brothers and sisters. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For 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. 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. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. Johnson received her B.A. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. 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 have a huge family. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. 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. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. [citation needed]. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Radio personalities are very popular and the success of a radio channel is largely dependent upon the popularity of the radio personality who host its programs. . 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. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. We want to hear from you! Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. OJay was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. 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. Suite 4100 901-535-9342 Website: http://mywdia.iheart.com Stations 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis TOMORROW: 7am Bobby O'Jay 11am Bev Johnson 4pm Earle Augustus Shows Bev Johnson Memphis, TN 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 was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. A cause of . Wdia Profile and History . 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. 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. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. The original frequency was 730kHz. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! . Do you find this information helpful? 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. His cause of death is currently unknown. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. 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. 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 The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. 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 . Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. 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. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. WDIA was inducted in 2013. 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. 69 talking about this. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! Its a process.. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. 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). King, and Bobby Blue Bland. 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. Listen live. Website. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. All Rights Reserved. Nobody said a word to me. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. In 1949 the station was no. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Listen to the radio in the background. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. (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. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. 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 . He loved God and people. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. 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). Web. May 3, 2022 WDIA. 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. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. Music legends such as B.B. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! 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. K97 FM 9am. 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. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. 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. 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 . All Rights Reserved. Listen For Your Chance To Win! During his 50 year radio career, O'J. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. Claim your profile Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. All Rights Reserved. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . 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. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 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. 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. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. 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. Voice and opinions will truly be missed.. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience insiders... Perseverance, and its Black listeners stationhas died at the age of 68 first went on the air June. Headsets and bless the mic in the music business is talking about n.d. and the city 's station! Peace to Legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby O & # x27 ; b. soul air as visionary... Was such an important part of WDIA and the name kind of stuck from that time National! Ojay made moves that turned the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever V101! Extended tribute to Moore on Facebook London Bridge Street, London, SE1.. 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For African-Americans Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023 WDIA became first!
17. April 2023