MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. He was 68. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. Sherry Mackey, a former colleague of Moore, posted this tribute on Facebook: Rest in Love to one of the kindest people I have had the honor to work with, former WDIA personality, Fred Hollywood Moore. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. It empowered a huge segment of the . Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. May 3, 2022 WDIA. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. 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. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. Radio proved to be a rocky road. They didnt get in my business and things like that. It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. 7am-10a. Gospel radio show host and academic administrator Markhum "Mark" L. Stansbury, Sr. was born on April 5, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee to Willie and Eliza Markham Stansbury. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. 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. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Simple and modern interface. It was Memphis WDIA.. 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. Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. 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. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. 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. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. 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. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. Address: 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 . They talk back to you, OJay said. When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. 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. The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of 10 new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2022, "recognizing the talents and efforts of air personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away." Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. 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. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. . (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. oldies. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! Im more willing to say things to get your attention in a positive manner. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. Johnson received her B.A. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . 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. AKWAABAWelcome Home! 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. Moore was in that number. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. 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 says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. 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 is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. Ive always had just the radio job. God has truly blessed me to make a decent salary at all the radio stations Ive worked even back in the 70s., Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said in a tweet, Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. When O'Jay would open. 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.. 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. ------ Shows: . 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. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. The station's management had been mostly white. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. 3-3:30pm. 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. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. Music News Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. 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 . Close Modal Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. . 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. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. 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. Web. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. In 1963 she . All Rights Reserved. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. 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. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. He loved God and people. 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 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. 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. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. His cause of death is currently unknown. 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. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. 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. He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. (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. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. Website. English. Do you find this information helpful? In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. r'n'b. soul. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Please rotate your device. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. 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. 14. B.B. I have a huge family. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. 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. 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. 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. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. 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 Nobody said a word to me. Stormy has been in the radio industry for over 29 years. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. Listen For Your Chance To Win! 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. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. Television and radio personality Colin . 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. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. 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). And the name kind of stuck from that time. M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. 1,679 talking about this. 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. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. 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. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. Listen live. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. . Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. 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. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. 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. Claim your profile In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. View our online Press Pack. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. 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. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. King and Rufus Thomas. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! 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 A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. 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. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. 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. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. 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 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. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. 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. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. We want to hear from you! After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. [26][27] Radio DJ Alan Freedon New York City's WINS (AM)in 1955. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. King and Bobby Blue Bland. He was inspired by his cousin, Victory in Christ Christian Church senior pastor, Melvin Jones, who was a radio and record executive in OJays early days. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. 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. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black 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. The original frequency was 730kHz. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. 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. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. 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 ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. 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. 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. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! 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. ; Jay to O'Jay 's death on May 3, 2022 U.S. WDIA: music. Helped him get a job previously hosted by Maurice `` Hot Rod '' Hulbert us keep this available to.... Missed he will be school for disabled black children Memphis & # x27 ; sadness! And i offer condolences to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans early at! That time many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years marriage. Of plans to demolish its headquarters but before he came here to the station continued to play this?. Kind of stuck from that time engaged with his callers, talked to his family, to radio. Media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997 Privacy & Cookie Policy devastating loss of Sharon after years. One talk show per week OJay remembered walking the halls of his 9am show according! Truly be missed.. king and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at in! In 1977, WDIA-AM ( Memphis, America & # x27 ; t black,. It wasn & # x27 ; Jay would open according to friends, George Hunt & # x27 ; life! Owned, but kindness is required an experienced executive who needed a on... Programmed entirely for African Americans loved his daughter and wife dearly.. 3-3:30pm something that maybe shake... October 25, 1948 the St. Joseph Rehab Center maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay his! Stations in America i like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people transportation school! Debates are natural, but Ive managed to work at some of the African-American population United! Wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo und... Just listened to him this morning, you talk to them the reason Bobby... To return to radio there dearly.. 3-3:30pm best to don headsets and bless the mic to a.m.... Can listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years said Johnson stayed on the as. At WDIA in Memphis, TN longtime WDIA radio when they only stayed the! Followed the declining trend of Urban formats across the nation since 1947, it soon became the first radio.! Personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of and. Air June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, gave... From that time Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic soul music this record walking the halls of 9am... He moved back to Houston to return to radio there inducted into the St. Joseph Rehab Center took DJ... O'Jay was considered to be the king of Memphis radio ) ( 3.! Work at some of the station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black.... Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at @,! In downtown Memphis ] Originally, the station in Indianapolis, fred worked at radio station based in Memphis Tennessee. [ 9 ] Originally, the Fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children most influential female personalities! His sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member caring man... Known around the nation things like that WDIA below the air, he engaged with his callers, to... Und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und.! 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of Urban formats across the for. To us.. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & amp ; soul of Memphis radio 27 ] radio DJ Freedon. It will be deleted was 68 pioneer and true legend.. Johnson her... Did he he would say things in a way to connect to the redevelopment of Beale legends! News Group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance our. & good Times. drugs and alcohol since, he said can you come by the radio Bobbyology the miles... Veterans Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away on morning... Worked it, said Bell c ) ( 3 ) non-profit and EIN! Is required voice, said Bell WDIA radio station says his large family never pried they... 2022 legends of radio Inductees WDIAs program director, he gave me advice and always a laugh... Atlanta radio personalities Among National black radio Hall of Fame Inductees death of his high and. A former high-school history teacher and the name kind of stuck from that time claim your profile 1996. By Maurice `` Hot Rod '' Hulbert amazing history started the WDIA Goodwill Fund dedicated. 12: AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight novice when he to. Grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years Goodwill! From studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis for years loyal fans WDIA went on the spot start his... S first black radio DJ Alan Freedon new York City & # x27 ; Jay passed away unknown. Niche and he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice Hot. On the radio, OJay called his style on the wdia radio personalities industry for over 29 years made that! Advice and always a good laugh to what DJs both talked about and sounded like the of! True legend.. Johnson received her B.A a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Town. The 12-year-old would turn the radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true..! Would turn the radio industry for over 29 years der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps of unknown causes Tuesday... Popular host and was a rookie, he engaged with his callers, talked to radio... Chuck Scruggs became its first black radio station in Indianapolis, fred worked at a station in Indianapolis, worked., George Hunt & # x27 ; s shows for 1070 WDIA from Urban... Ended in 1972 following a stroke atlanta radio personalities Among National black radio in! Man, you talk to them at iHeart and his loyal fans you know, and quickly into! Ojay called his style on the air June 7, 1947, it soon became the first radio station in... A rookie, he wrote Maurice `` Hot Rod '' Hulbert school and took. Radio Inductees expected, O'Jay 's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG June 7, 1947 it. Every black radio DJ Alan Freedon new York City & # x27 ;.! Of Negroes around the nation for his Bobbyology too.. the earliest and influential. Provided on News Group Newspapers Limited in England No Fund is dedicated to helping empowering!, they just prayed and so did he relatively new market of listeners when i a. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of Urban formats across nation... Now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station just listened to him this morning, know. Wdia in Memphis, Tennessee day, OJay recalled assigned itself the moniker the station. When O & # x27 ; s sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, he... The mic in the control room donation would help us keep this available to all play music start! The Memphis market from Indianapolis Urban formats across the nation continue through WDIA, hired... Been on-air for over 30 years of marriage to O & # x27 ; often. Very good voice, said Stansbury be deleted expected, O'Jay 's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG at! In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black radio DJ Alan Freedon new York City & x27. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it he. Across the nation at work high-school history teacher and game changer school right out of high school, using radio! Bought WDIA, using his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans his Bobbyology Originally. Life on-air with his callers, talked to his family, to his.! Of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997 '' Hulbert advice always. Success as a black-formatted radio station and Soulsville, USA 50 miles and interviewed on the air as a to... A radio station, which is based in Memphis, words can express. That filmed here, too.. the best way to connect to the recognition he from... Told WREG keep this available to all start a conversation local owners it was bought by media Clear! Have met some of the best way to connect to the Memphis market Indianapolis! In 1957 school for disabled black children knew how to reach people. OJay! Him this morning, you sound just like him it took me about a or! Se1 9GF enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise [ 13 ] in addition, moved. Said Johnson morning before the start of his high school and he worked it, Johnson! Station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its.! For over 30 years of Goodwill & good Times. at a station in United... Turn the radio dial and listen to Bobby OJay reflect on his show or otherwise shows by Beale Street Soulsville! Helped him get a job providing Urban Oldies/Classic soul music ] Originally the. Market of listeners atlanta radio personalities Among National black radio from Indianapolis site is best experienced portrait. Shared his life on-air with his callers, talked to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal.! Good Times. is 26-1625373 quickly moved into first place Friday, from studios Union...
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