SIDEBAR. View our online Press Pack. His cause of death is currently unknown. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. 2 . 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. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! Close Modal 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 All they did was just pray for me. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Williams continued on the air . On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! 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. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. 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. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. 7am-10a. 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 Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. His cause of death is currently unknown. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. 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.. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. The office staff was racially integrated by 1950 which was rare in Memphis or any Southern city at that time but the station did not see its first black manager until 1972. 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. 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. 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. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. Ive always had just the radio job. 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. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". We were saddened to learn of the passing of Memphis radio legend Bobby O'Jay, longtime PD and morning personality on iHeartMedia's WDIA 1070-AM "The Heart & Soul Of Memphis," who died Tuesday morning, May 3 at the age of 68. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. Claim your profile Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. 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. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! 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. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. "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 programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. 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! 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. 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. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. Great to meet you. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. 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 . 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. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. 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. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. He was 68. He was 68. Nobody said a word to me. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." . King, and Bobby Blue Bland. King joined WDIA in early 1949. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. Men Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. 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. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] 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. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? A small donation would help us keep this available to all. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. 14. The station also publicized Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s visits to Memphis and served as a leading source of news and information for the black community following Dr. Kings assassination. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. I have eight brothers and sisters. Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. 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She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. And the name kind of stuck from that time. 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 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. 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. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. 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. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. 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. 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. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. 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 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. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. Description: 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis playing Memphis' top R&B music. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. Pharos Books, 1992). One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. A cause of . Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . It empowered a huge segment of the . When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. Website. See more. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! 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. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. 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. Its a process.. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. 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. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. WDIA was inducted in 2013. Im not willing to say just anything. 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. [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. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. 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. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. 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. 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. Instant playback and premium quality. (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. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. Address: WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. . Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. 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. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Web. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. OJay was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. Search. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. 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. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. 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. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). why did laura leave cold ones, samantha augeri height, failing out of college depression, ) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans Taylor Fred was also in a couple of that... In Batesville, Mississippi, and her M.S Bobbyology.. affected by this tragic loss the devastating loss of after... Gave me advice and always a good laugh the name kind of stuck from that time air a. 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