We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. 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. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. 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. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. He cared about the artists records he played. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. It was Memphis WDIA.. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. 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. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. King and Rufus Thomas. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! 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. 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. The trailblazers voice and personality have helped make up the fabric of the Bluff City for decades as part of the historic legacy of the Mid-Souths first African American radio station, WDIA. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. 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. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. 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AKWAABAWelcome Home! 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. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. Simple and modern interface. When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. "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. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! 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. 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. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Gospel radio show host and academic administrator Markhum "Mark" L. Stansbury, Sr. was born on April 5, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee to Willie and Eliza Markham Stansbury. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Ive always had just the radio job. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. 3-3:30pm. 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 . [26][27] Radio DJ Alan Freedon New York City's WINS (AM)in 1955. 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. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! Television and radio personality Colin . Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. 2 Be Kind and Courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Description: 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis playing Memphis' top R&B music. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. 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. 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. 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." In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 14. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. "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. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. . Thaddeus Mathews says that he is the reason that WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis, TN. 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. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Today, WDIAs major playlist offers very little in the way of the Beale Street Blues and Gospel that established the stations early reputation, but spans the 1960s music to the present day, with significant air time devoted to the classic Soul sounds of the 1970s, and an occasional offering from its early on-air contributors B.B. Im not willing to say just anything. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! [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. iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. 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. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Ive always had just the radio job. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. 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.. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. 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. Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. 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. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! 29 Apr. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. 3 Please include the headline. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. 7am-10a. "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. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. February 10. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. View our online Press Pack. 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 . Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. K97 FM 9am. They talk back to you, OJay said. G.P. Listen For Your Chance To Win! He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. oldies. He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. 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. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. The station did not do well until Ferguson learned about "targeted programming" and realized there was one audience in Memphis no other radio station served. WDIA's afternoon radio talent playing the best music in the world and keeping you up to date with the latest local and community information. His cause of death is currently unknown. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. 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 former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. (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. In St. Louis Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at @,! 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