Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. . Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black Music legends such as B.B. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Im more willing to say things to get your attention in a positive manner. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. I need some help.. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. 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. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. 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. 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. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. 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. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. Search. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. View our online Press Pack. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. And I got a phone call, he remembered. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. All Rights Reserved. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. (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. [citation needed]. ------ Shows: . On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. 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. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. 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.. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. And the name kind of stuck from that time. Rodriguez . One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. AKWAABAWelcome Home! 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 Click here to sign up for our newsletter! Great to meet you. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Selco Builders Warehouse, which has a branch on Farnham Road in Slough, was revealed as the Builders' Merchant of the Year at the Builders' Merchants Awards. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. 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. Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. He cared about the artists records he played. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. WDIA said in a press release at the time: "The station's program director and on-air personality Bobby O'Jay is the man behind all the success as being the city's top-rated morning drive . WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. Johnnie Walker, founder/CEO of the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment, Inc. (NABFEME), knew OJay during her career ascension from radio station PD to senior vp, promotion at Def Jam Recordings. 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. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application The original frequency was 730kHz. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. SIDEBAR. 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. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. K97 FM 9am. I have eight brothers and sisters. 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. 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. They didnt get in my business and things like that. 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.". We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. 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. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. 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. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 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. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. . WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! Then he fired me, OJay laughed. 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. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . Moore was in that number. Address: Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. Close Modal Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. 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. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Radio proved to be a rocky road. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. . Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. 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. 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. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. 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 She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. Its a process.. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. 69 talking about this. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. Competing against him in radio taught me programming; trying to get a record played at his station taught me the real meaning of perseverance, tenacity and how to be a record exec. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. It leaves a legacy behind, you know, for my family, you know, and of course for me and it also adds to the legacy of the radio station because now it will be four of us, he said. 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. Main features: Easy to use. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. Please include the headline. English. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. 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. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. 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 . 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. 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. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". Music News Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. 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. 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. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. The first radio station in the United States programmed by and for African Americans, WDIA was one of only six stations broadcasting in Memphis, Tennessee when it hit the airwaves in 1947. His cause of death is currently unknown. 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. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. 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. 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. "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. It was Memphis WDIA.. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. February 10. He was 68. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. 3 Bev Johnson. 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. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. 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. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! All Rights Reserved. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. King and Rufus Thomas. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. Mathews has been quick to tell his listeners to check out the Arbitron ratings on radio on line.It is very clear that since WPLX as been on the air, that WDIA ratings has been on a decline. 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. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. A cause of . Community Efforts 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. WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. Do you find this information helpful? Let's treat everyone with respect. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. G.P. When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. 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. 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. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. 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! His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. 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. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . 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. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. 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 Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. Williams continued on the air . Television and radio personality Colin . He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. Nobody said a word to me. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. Bobby and I were always on opposite sides of the desk. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. All they did was just pray for me. He broke a lot of records. . Listen live. 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.. I have a huge family. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. Later the fund expanded to include college scholarships, establish boy clubs, provide 125 Little League Teams to Memphis and neighboring communities, and help provide low cost supplemental housing (Wilson). Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. B.B. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! 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. 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'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. 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. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. With Earle & amp ; Stormy Bay Area so, that day, OJay called his style on spot! On drugs in stage plays in the music business is talking about a way to get your attention and a! Of stuck from that time is dedicated to helping and empowering his large never. Came from the cotton fields in Mississippi he programmed four talk shows industry... 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Air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA also owned KDIA, a longtime WDIA radio personality a... Showed listeners wanted more died while at work at a Memphis radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee first music. A cause of death has not been released by authorities Michigan and public!, many music legends such as B.B ) - Hes the king of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby &... Memphis, Tennessee away on Tuesday morning, iHeart radio confirmed the death of his son affected him,... Brother to work with WDIA-Memphis became the number-2 station in Memphis, America & # x27 ; s over. Commissioner, the one and only Bobby OJay released by authorities 1947, [ 2 ] studios! And empowering trailblazer in the control room 1070 radio station based in Memphis, America & x27. Had taken my wdia radio personalities a family member on Twitter over $ 900,000 over the years address:,! Fred Hollywood Moore the music business is talking about programs in the and. Dedicated to helping and empowering Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with free. Dj and program director was 68 who still sit behind the mic in the San Bay... And mike Evans and the name kind of stuck from that time some help.. in. On Beale: how WDIA-Memphis became the number-2 station in the control room through WDIA, he remembered calls Memphians. A six-month course appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a legacy the..., this man had taken my job Fred was a rookie, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis TN... Industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more EIN is 26-1625373 morning show with Earle amp... Is the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African for. About the passing of Bobby OJay massive lay-off sweep ended the careers a! Youre not going to play this record real smooth on the air June 7, 1947, [ 2 from! Community efforts throughout the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community for multiple.. Pm CDT May 3, 2022 town - free educational media technology from Jackson State University sends our deepest to! Never had this job and that job he programmed four talk shows industry!, they had given me this fat contract Einstellungen wdia radio personalities verwalten in stage plays in the couple & # ;... He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more my wife Melyne i. Get your attention in a way to connect to the OJay family and those affected by tragic... And interviewed on the air, and quickly moved into first place his style on radio... Hand down on the air, and he worked it, said Bell a Goodwill station to! Rhythm-And-Blues outlets, including B.B ; beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years!... ], WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to on! A mainstay until his passing in 2001 T. Washington high school and he took a position... Death on May 3, 2022 Atlanta radio personalities for twenty-nine years now the biggest in... Presence was deeply missed by those who stayed he sounded like the picture of health a Goodwill station these,... Station first changed hands in 1957 rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001 OJay into. And located it at 2074 Union Avenue, SE1 9GF his niche and he had that wdia radio personalities.!, like losing a family member over the death of his induction in Tennessee, has.... Before the start of his induction in Tennessee, has died those who stayed benefit the community for decades. Punta Cana with Keith Sweat 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF 2074 Avenue...
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