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. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. Call sign: WDIA Frequency: 1070 AM City of license: Memphis, TN Format: Urban Contemporary Owner: iHeartMedia Area Served: Memphis Sister stations: 600 WREC , 95.7 Hallelujah FM , The Mighty 990 , K97.1 , V101 , 101.9 KISS FM , ROCK 103 Memphis The original frequency was 730kHz. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. WDIA Format: Soul Air Personalities 6:30 am--A.C. Williams 10 am--Robert Thomas 2 pm--Lee Armstrong 6 pm--Herb Kneeland 10 pm--Dave Smith 3 am--Theo Wade WLOK Format: Soul Air Personalities 6 am--Nat Washington 10 am--Gerald Floyd 2 pm--Roger W. Cavanass 6 pm--Clifton Halmon 10 pm--Alvin Moore 1 am--James Jack WHER Format: MOR, some talk The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. 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 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. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. . Listen For Your Chance To Win! Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. 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. 3 Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. B.B. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. 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. Please rotate your device. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. They didnt get in my business and things like that. 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. All Rights Reserved. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. [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. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. . My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. 2 . 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. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! Share. 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. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. 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. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. 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. 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 . Listen online or on your phone with our free app! O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. 1,679 talking about this. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. 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 RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! Great to meet you. English. SIDEBAR. 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. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. Description: 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis playing Memphis' top R&B music. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. His cause of death is currently unknown. Im more willing to say things to get your attention in a positive manner. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . 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. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. The station's management had been mostly white. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. Search. Address: Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. 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. (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. 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. "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. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. 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. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. K97 FM 9am. He was 68. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. He broke a lot of records. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. 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). Rodriguez . Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. 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. M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. Instant playback and premium quality. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. In 1963 she . Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. News-Talk 1380 WAOK - Atlanta News & Talk Radio - WAOK-AM News How you can send well wishes to former President Carter News Atlanta mourns death of civic leader and businessman Thomas Dortch News Why it's important to know who your teen is dating News Services held for Bunnie Jackson-Ransom Atlanta's 1st Black First Lady Broadcasting & media production company Photos See all Videos See all 0:38 MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. 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." [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. The stations influence and popularity reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population, and WDIAs broadcasts were heard from Missouri to the Gulf Coast, reaching 10 percent of the African-American population in the United States. His cause of death is currently unknown. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. 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 AKWAABAWelcome Home! "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. 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. When O'Jay would open. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen Together the three transformed WDIA into the South's first African-American-oriented radio station, soon to be known throughout the region as the "Mother Station of the Negroes.". Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. 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. And the name kind of stuck from that time. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. 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. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. 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. 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. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. 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. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. King and Rufus Thomas. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. 3-3:30pm. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. 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. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American [citation needed]. Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. 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. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! 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. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. Nobody said a word to me. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. 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 said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. Television and radio personality Colin . Then he fired me, OJay laughed. Let's treat everyone with respect. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. Close Modal Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. 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. King and Bobby Blue Bland. 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. That O & # x27 ; t black owned, but wasnt afraid to ruffle on. Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music nation for his Bobbyology State! 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