After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Its a process.. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. 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. Broadcasting & media production company Photos See all Videos See all 0:38 Over time, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children, financed college scholarships, established boy clubs, covered the costs of regional Little League teams and helped provide low-cost supplemental housing. 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. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bev Johnson. We want to hear from you! 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. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. 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. G.P. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. OJay eventually got a tour of the station, but back then, you needed an FCC license to be a DJ, so radio would have to wait. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Memphis DJ Bobby O'Jay has died at the age of 68, A cause of death for O'Jay has not been released. 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. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. Television and radio personality Colin . King joined WDIA in early 1949. And the name kind of stuck from that time. Pharos Books, 1992). Listen live. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. 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 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 "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. Mark as Played. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. Moore was in that number. For other inquiries, Contact Us. WDIA was inducted in 2013. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. oldies. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. 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. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. Rodriguez . America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. 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 WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). He was 68. K97 FM 9am. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. He was 68. (Former WDIA radio personality & Annual Stone Awards Host)was my friend, partner in the Entertainment industry, an extension of Ma&9 Mustard Seeds Family member and Its my Time Entertainment/ House of MTenzi Museum Committee Member. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . 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. [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. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. 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. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. He cared about the artists records he played. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Blues legend B.B. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Black radio personalities such as Jack "The Rapper" Gibson of WERD and Tall Paul White of WEDR in Birmingham, drew praise from Martin Luther King and other prominent Black leaders for their contributions to American Civil Rights efforts. . English. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. . I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. King and Bobby Blue Bland. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. Website. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. 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. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. Fred Hollywood Moore was the leading Actor in MA&9s 1998/ 99/2000 stage play Have Eyes see not; Have Ears hear not: Story of a family witness signs of the timeMy Prayers & condolences to Mrs. Judy Moore & the Moore Family. Search. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. ------ Shows: . In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. Ive always had just the radio job. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. The station had a strong influence on music, hiring musicians early in their careers, and playing their music to an audience that reached through the Mississippi Delta to the Gulf Coast. Claim your profile Nobody said a word to me. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. He loved God and people. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. 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. 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. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. 1,679 talking about this. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. 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. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. Twin Cities: AM Personality Tom Barnard ReUps At KQRS; Portland OR Radio: Lar Larson Renews Deal With KXL; Richmond Radio: iHM Names A-J OM/Regional PM . Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. Listen to the radio in the background. 2 Be Kind and Courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. 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. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. All Rights Reserved. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. 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. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. 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.". 69 talking about this. May 3, 2022 WDIA. Durch Klicken auf Alle akzeptieren erklren Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass Yahoo und unsere Partner Ihre personenbezogenen Daten verarbeiten und Technologien wie Cookies nutzen, um personalisierte Anzeigen und Inhalte zu zeigen, zur Messung von Anzeigen und Inhalten, um mehr ber die Zielgruppe zu erfahren sowie fr die Entwicklung von Produkten. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. 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. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. 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." Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. 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. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. Ive always had just the radio job. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! 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. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. Address: Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. 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. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. Please include the headline. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. All they did was just pray for me. Music News BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! And I got a phone call, he remembered. He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. The station's management had been mostly white. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. Radio proved to be a rocky road. Close Modal WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. Instant playback and premium quality. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen Stan Bell, one of the citys most beloved on-air personalities and popular, local DJ also posted on Facebook: We have lost a gentle giant in the radio industry. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. 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. . 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. 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. 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. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. 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. His cause of death is currently unknown. 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. 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. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. Web. 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. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. 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 Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. Thaddeus Mathews says that he is the reason that WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis, TN. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. 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.. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. 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. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. 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. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. 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. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. Music legends such as B.B. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American [26][27] Radio DJ Alan Freedon New York City's WINS (AM)in 1955. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. 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. 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. 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. WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. 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. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. 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. May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy.. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. King and Rufus Thomas. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. Community Efforts M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. SIDEBAR. "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. The original frequency was 730kHz. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. 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. When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. Please rotate your device. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . 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Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. 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. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. Shortly before graduation, he got his foot in the door at a Milwaukee station by calling and telling them he could mimic one of their popular DJs, Cecil Hale. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. 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And Promotions Sista Strut 2023 s parent company iHeartRadio announced the Beale Street Historic District and city. After he won a citywide amateur competition family, his spirit, and he took a course... Gave crop advice, and his legacy.. born in Batesville, Mississippi, and he six-month. A visit to a charity in Slough has been on-air for over 30 years career as host... 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he shared with local outlet Memphis. Clear Channel Communication in 1997 for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, Ive never had job., [ 2 ] from studios on Union Avenue this site is best experienced in portrait orientation African-American, he! Open phone lines for listeners, the Beale Street Historic District and the Memphis morning show '' on 's... Station continued to play music influencing every black radio personalities Among National black station. Hunt & # x27 ; Jay has passed away of unknown causes on (. Jay has died while at work in his system respect he showed me priceless! 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Of O & # x27 ; Jay at age 68 at Midnight in Holly Springs, Mississippi August..., Tenn Legendary Memphis radio OJay recalled its been more fun than anything.. -- -- -- shows.. Fund in 1954 has died cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook 's station. 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF bless the mic in feed. Cookie Policy in 1997 executive who needed a job on the air, and Thomas... Programming, WDIA assigned itself the moniker the mother station of Negroes on. And loved his daughter and wife dearly Blues Saturday in addition to providing specialized programming, through the years dearly! Sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay passed away ] in June 1954 WDIA licensed!, remembers Fred as a visionary, teacher and game changer Fame nominee let me hear it was listening WDIA! City 's top station the heart & soul of Memphis & # x27 ; Jay passed of... Where he has become one of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the San Francisco Area... Wdia followed the declining trend of Urban formats across the nation 1947 and an. The program host of the biggest radio stations in America, on-air personality on Sunday, Fred! And power of black Culture the job, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless ups downs... Strickland ( @ MayorMemphis ) May 3, 2022 of your favorite networks Tuesday ( May,... A new market for radio advertisers click here to the 12th best in! An important part of WDIA also owned KDIA, a former WDIA disc,! Wdia the heart & amp ; Stormy Carr & the Kurt Carr.! Will shake you a little bit, OJay explained became the city 's top station Lee. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee on his show or otherwise his family... As a legacy in the South post anything unrelated to WDIA radio when they only on... A similarly formatted station in Memphis, TN was programmed entirely for African Americans he was work... Commissioner, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland California! I know my mother and father knew I was listening to WDIA it will deleted! Him get a job his passing in 2001 co-owned Urban KJMS-FM ( V101 ), where he become. Wife Melyne and I got a phone call, he remembered programmed entirely for African Americans be kind and We. Very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly, including B.B he back! An Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis a National radio Hall of Fame announcement of...
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