Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Listen live. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. . 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. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. 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. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. 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. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. 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. 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. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! King and Bobby Blue Bland. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. In 1963 she . "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. 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." K97 FM 9am. 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. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Do you find this information helpful? [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. He was 68. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. 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. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. 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. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. 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. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. 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.". G.P. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. 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. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. Description: 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis playing Memphis' top R&B music. 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. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. 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. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor 20072023 Blackpast.org. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! 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. I have eight brothers and sisters. He broke a lot of records. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. Music legends such as B.B. (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. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. 5/5 based on 1 review. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. 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. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. 29 Apr. 14. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. I have a huge family. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. It was Memphis WDIA.. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. When O'Jay would open. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. Men America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. February 10. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. 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. May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy.. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. 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. 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. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. The station's management had been mostly white. 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. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. All Rights Reserved. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. 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. 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. As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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 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. 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. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. They talk back to you, OJay said. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. Listen to the radio in the background. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. So, even though I was showing up for work every day, they just felt like, you know, we cant have that kind of guy on our radio station, he said. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. King and Rufus Thomas. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. Main features: Easy to use. His cause of death is currently unknown. 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. 1,679 talking about this. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! 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 . English. When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. oldies. Acquiring the right to broadcast at a higher wattage, the station moved to 1070 kHz and boosted their signal from 250 watts to 50,000 watts and was now capable of reaching as far north as Missouri and as far south as Louisiana. 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. 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. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. Ive always had just the radio job. 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. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. AKWAABAWelcome Home! 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. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. . Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. 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. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. 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.. 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. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. "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. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. 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