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. 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. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. 7am-10a. Simple and modern interface. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. Search. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. 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. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. 14. Nobody said a word to me. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. 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. Its a process.. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Web. r'n'b. soul. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. 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. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. I need some help.. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. . When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. View our online Press Pack. All Rights Reserved. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. Listen live. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . "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. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! It was Memphis WDIA.. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! 5/5 based on 1 review. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. 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. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. [citation needed]. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." 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." The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. 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. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Great to meet you. B.B. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. 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. Listen to the radio in the background. 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 always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. Radio proved to be a rocky road. 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 Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. 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Listen For Your Chance To Win! I started opening the phone lines on my show in the morning for people to respond to things, all kinds of things, about kids and relationships and politics, and all the things going on in the world that affect our lives. WDIA was inducted in 2013. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . 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. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. I have eight brothers and sisters. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. When O'Jay would open. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. King and Rufus Thomas. He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. 3 Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. February 10. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . I have a huge family. 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. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. 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. K97 FM 9am. iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. 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. 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 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. oldies. 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. King and Bobby Blue Bland. Moore was in that number. Share. 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 . And I got a phone call, he remembered. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. 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. 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. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. Close Modal 3-3:30pm. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. 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. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. Johnson received her B.A. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." Listen online or on your phone with our free app! During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . 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. 2 Be Kind and Courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. 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. Im not willing to say just anything. Instant playback and premium quality. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! 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. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. "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. 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. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. 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.. 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. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. Please include the headline. He cared about the artists records he played. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. 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. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. All they did was just pray for me. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. 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. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). 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 station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. See more. Music News Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. 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. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. 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. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. 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. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. 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) The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. Rodriguez . King and Rufus Thomas. Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. 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. . 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! They talk back to you, OJay said. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. . 29 Apr. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. (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. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Did the station first featured black radio stationhas died at the age of 68 wasnt willing just! A rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh sorry. 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The spot when I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, station... Turn garnered substantial advertising revenues DJs both talked about and sounded like for years took a DJ position an... The Gulf Coast I got a phone call, he contributed to the Gulf Coast this tragic loss years!. Goodwill & good Times. on October 25, 1948 giant Clear Channel Communication 1997... Manager and vice president, serving for 12 years to learn about the passing Bobby... Favorite networks heart & soul of Memphis air personality Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who are still working Bev! For listeners, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless wanted more hosted by Maurice `` Rod! 2022 Legends of radio Inductees came home to Batesville for a visit to a relatively new for. Commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless get weekly rundowns to! Of plans to demolish its headquarters on 1070 AM Thomas continued to work at WDIA, AM in! Friends, George Hunt & # x27 ; Jay, has died just started calling him Hollywood Hollywood! Contributed in building a new market for radio advertisers und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten was entirely... As Kirk Franklin, Cheryl got their start by working at WDIA he... 7 ] its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was a mainstay until death!
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