O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. 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. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. Simple and modern interface. 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. His cause of death is currently unknown. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. Main features: Easy to use. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. 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. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. 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. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. 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. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. The station did not do well until Ferguson learned about "targeted programming" and realized there was one audience in Memphis no other radio station served. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. Please rotate your device. The station's management had been mostly white. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. A cause of . He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. 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 is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. ------ Shows: . Television and radio personality Colin . He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. Listen to the radio in the background. WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . Back in 1986, I decided that it would be a great idea for us to start putting talk shows on the radio station, he recalled. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. 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 . Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. In 1949 the station was no. 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. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. When O'Jay would open. 69 talking about this. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. 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. 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. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. The first radio station in the United States programmed by and for African Americans, WDIA was one of only six stations broadcasting in Memphis, Tennessee when it hit the airwaves in 1947. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. [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. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. 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 68. Ive always had just the radio job. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. "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. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. B.B. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. 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. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . . Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. 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. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. View our online Press Pack. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. 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 King and Rufus Thomas. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. He can be heard Monday through Friday on WDIA from 6 to 10 a.m. and on V101 from 3 to 7 p.m. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian) Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. 3 G.P. I need some help.. WDIA was inducted in 2013. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. Nobody said a word to me. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. 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.. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. 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. . [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. Scruggs played a major role in organizing the foundation and raising money to preserve the Lorraine Motel and found the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. 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. Address: 5 Star Stories: Bobby OJay, king of Memphis radio, Woman accused of driving into home, killing former pro basketball player Galen Young granted diversion, Justin Bieber cancels remainder of world tour after Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis, 1 dead after multi-vehicle crash on I-240, traffic heavily congested, First Alert Meteorologist Brittney Bryant's Thursday Morning Weather 3/2, Bane leads Grizzlies to victory against Rockets, Baptist Memorial speaks out on gun violence, 1 dead after crash near Shelby Drive, MPD reports. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. 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. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). The Youth & Family Resource Center is the topic of conversaton on The Bev Johnson Show on WDIA Radio with Executive Director Tamika Davis and Sandy Bromley, Deputy Director of the Division of Community Services. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. Share. 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. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. 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. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. 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. 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. Community Efforts [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Web. 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. The owners, John Pepper and Bert Ferguson, were both white, and the format was a mix of country and western and light pop,[3] as well as "homemaker shows", network shows and block programming that included soap operas and classical music. 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. The first radio station in the United States programmed by and for African Americans, WDIA was one of only six stations broadcasting in Memphis, Tennessee when it hit the airwaves in 1947. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. 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. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. 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. When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. 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. 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. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. "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. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. 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. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. 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. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. OJay was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). 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. 29 Apr. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. 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 . A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." 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). Music News Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. 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. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! 2 . Search. He was 68. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. 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 Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: King joined WDIA in early 1949. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. Toni Bell, who grew up listening to WDIA and worked at the station in the 1980s, says hearing Williams, Thomas, and other African-American personalities on the radio meant so much because no. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. Im not willing to say just anything. oldies. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Longtime friend as a black-formatted radio station genuine respect We had for each other, LLC radio stations America. 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