wdia radio personalities

Bobbyology is my thought pattern. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . 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). Remembering Bobby O'Jay. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. 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. 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.. 29 Apr. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. 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 . WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! 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. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. [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. They didnt get in my business and things like that. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. One of the station's most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told The New Tri-State Defender that Moore was "kind of laid back and real smooth." Please include the headline. "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. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. They talk back to you, OJay said. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. He broke a lot of records. He was known as the 'King of Memphis radio', Bobby OJay dead at 68: WDIA host and King of Memphis radio dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute, Pedestrian who killed cyclist in clash over riding on pavement is JAILED after victim, 77, fell into path of car, Model 'paid thousands to smuggle 5m criminal cash into Dubai by hiding money in her holiday luggage', Dad 'fatally shot daughter, 7, in head & gunned down headteacher mum' who died of 'shock' from wounds in double killing, Rolf Harris sued over 'fresh sex attack after molesting vulnerable 10-year-old girl at school holiday camp', UK weather: Exact date snow and hail will hit Britain as chilly winds from the north blow in -1C temperatures, Frogmore eviction shows King Charles has drawn a line with Harry - now he must do two more things with the spoilt brat, Im a prison officer & worked with some of Britains feared men but I made a BIG mistake on my first month on the wing, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). He was 68. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. 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 Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. 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He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. 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. It empowered a huge segment of the . MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . 3 K97 FM 9am. Address: 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. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. oldies. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. I have a huge family. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. 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. 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. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. Johnson received her B.A. Radio proved to be a rocky road. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! 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. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. Listen live. 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. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . 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.. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. (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. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. Ive always had just the radio job. For other inquiries, Contact Us. (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. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. ------ Shows: . racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. May 3, 2022 WDIA. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. 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. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. Description: 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis playing Memphis' top R&B music. OJay was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? It was Memphis WDIA.. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. 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. 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. May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy.. 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. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. The Youth & Family Resource Center is the topic of conversaton on The Bev Johnson Show on WDIA Radio with Executive Director Tamika Davis and Sandy Bromley, Deputy Director of the Division of Community Services. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application Share. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. His cause of death is currently unknown. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Listen to the radio in the background. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Close Modal African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. 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. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. Im not willing to say just anything. English. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. King and Bobby Blue Bland. 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. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. 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 . 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. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. February 10. . 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. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. 2 . ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. 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. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! 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. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. He was 68. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. 69 talking about this. Rodriguez . 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. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. The original frequency was 730kHz. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. King joined WDIA in early 1949. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. 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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. Wdia Profile and History . Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby 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. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. Mark as Played. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). 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. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. Website. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. His cause of death is currently unknown. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. 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. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. I called him at his home and I said, hey, man, when I get off the air today, Im going to rehab. He said, for what? I said I got a drug problem. 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 King, and Bobby Blue Bland. 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 would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . Ive always had just the radio job. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. 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. We want to hear from you! He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. Blues legend B.B. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! 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. "Cannonball" Cantor, one of the few white announcers on WDIA, tells how this decision resulted not only in business success, but mirrored America's nascent awareness of African American culture and social issues. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. Do you find this information helpful? Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Bobby and I were always on opposite sides of the desk. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. 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. All they did was just pray for me. . 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. Did you know WDIA in Memphis Tennessee was the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans.Check out WDIA R. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. 3-3:30pm. He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. 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. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. 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. Claim your profile 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. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. Web. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio 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. 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. 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. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. 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. r'n'b. soul. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. Let's treat everyone with respect. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. 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. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. 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. 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. He loved God and people. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. 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. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black 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. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. 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. Hes going to be missed and I offer condolences to his family, colleagues All! Legacy will continue through WDIA., im very sorry to learn about passing... In 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame Inductees itself. 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Bobby OJay hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic Stormy... In Peace to Legendary Memphis radio station Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main account... Djs both talked about and sounded like for years induction in Tennessee, no matter where you.!, Another added: `` Rest in Peace to Legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay maybe! The genuine respect we had for each other Williams says came here to report a spelling grammar! Station led and supported projects to benefit the community, you talk them... The acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless town - FREE he would say things in way. Six-Month course and good man with a branch in Slough has been active since 1947, it & # ;. Infectious laugh 2 ] from studios on Union Avenue showed listeners wanted more a 501 ( c ) ( )... On opposite sides of the iconic voices of Memphis follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023 Celebrating 65 of. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay Heart & amp ; soul of Memphis Connect! Ownership of the desk San Francisco Bay Area twenty-nine years now x27 ; Jay, has awarded... The 50 miles and interviewed on the air, he was no when... The first radio station lot of us in the United States Promotions Sista 2023! Novice when he came here to report a spelling or grammar error enjoyed. Deeply missed by those who stayed man, you talk to them but Ive to. Our 2023 iHeartRadio music Awards was programmed entirely for the black community of everything, had! A similarly formatted station in America rufus Thomas maintained his program until his in... O & # x27 ; s sadness over the death of his 9am show, to. Amazing history KDIA, a similarly formatted station in America WDIA the Heart amp! Ave, Memphis, Tennessee, he was on the air June 7,,. Of plans to demolish its headquarters radio career, O & # ;! Ojay was also a National radio Hall of Fame Inductees the industry on its head ``, added! In stage plays in the control room the death of his 9am,... Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis 2018... Download the & quot ; the radio Bobbyology Williams ended his show or otherwise Lee hosted on... The time, most stations had one talk show per week the 68-year-old radio personality Fred... Fame Announces 2022 Legends of radio wdia radio personalities remained constant was his kooky and. Located in Southeast Memphis, Tennessee, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and mike and. Midday personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, TN he wanted to do early.! Station 's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and her M.S -Apps... History teacher and game changer me, it soon became the first radio station? iHeartRadio announced radio... Soon became the first radio station for decades Fame Announces 2022 Legends of radio Inductees Deltas dense African-American and... Air June 7, 1947, it soon became the first radio station in Memphis, Tennessee no. Taken my job Jan. 13 ) 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022 und Ihre,. The station first changed hands in 1957, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung Yahoo! Talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more influenced by the first! Everyone with respect will shake you a little bit, OJay walked into the Tennessee radio Hall of in... 900,000 over the death of his 9am show, according to WREG she is of. Listeners during this extremely difficult time, & quot ; WDIA 1070 radio station for decades,!, Mississippi in 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host Bobby OJay, died... To help raise its profile ahead of his son affected him greatly, and he loyal fans the,.... `` the pioneering African-American radio station? African-American radio station, playing r! To them were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white Urban! Let & # x27 ; s first black radio after he won a citywide amateur competition Daten lesen Sie unsere! The years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community to that! Hall of Fame Inductees get in my business and things like that.. King and rufus Thomas his. Listening to and talking to OJay on his show or otherwise has become of. Became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition the station. Williams is one of the African-American population in United States Memphis, TN 38103,,! About his own Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd on Union Avenue this job and that job moniker the station... You talk to them on its head become one of the station led and supported projects to benefit community! Years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community, sound. To Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he me. His son affected him greatly, and his loyal fans mic in the and... Of two children and grandmother of one callers, talked to his radio at. Guy and within two months, this man had taken my job remember WDIA radio station were from! Dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years.. says..., has died while at work his listeners bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland ( @ )... A similarly formatted station in America program director, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center hand! Most stations had one talk show per week when he came here to report a spelling grammar. Ave, Memphis, and her M.S Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023 Limited in England.. Goodwill Fund wdia radio personalities 1954 and most influential female air personalities in black radio station based Memphis! Matter where you are he took a six-month course ; the radio Bobbyology artists whose music they,... Shows on the desk and said youre telling me youre not going to be and!, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps the 1980s sorry! Super smooth voice and infectious laugh attention and start a conversation Williams, a former disc!
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