Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. His cause of death is currently unknown. Broadcasting Blues, Gospel, emerging R&B and various talk programs, WDIA became known as a direct appeal to advertisers who wished to reach the African American demographic. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. "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. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. 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 WDIA was inducted in 2013. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! 1,679 talking about this. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. [citation needed]. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. 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 . I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Community Efforts Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. His cause of death is currently unknown. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. King and Rufus Thomas. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. Please include the headline. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. 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. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. 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. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. 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. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. 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. Men Main features: Easy to use. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. 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 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. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. 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 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. He loved God and people. Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. 69 talking about this. 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. And the name kind of stuck from that time. In 1949 the station was no. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. 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. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. 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.". 2 . 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. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. King and Rufus Thomas. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He broke a lot of records. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! Ive always had just the radio job. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. King joined WDIA in early 1949. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 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. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. Let's treat everyone with respect. Website. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. Williams continued on the air . We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." He cared about the artists records he played. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. 7am-10a. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. 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. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Sherry Mackey, a former colleague of Moore, posted this tribute on Facebook: Rest in Love to one of the kindest people I have had the honor to work with, former WDIA personality, Fred Hollywood Moore. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . 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. Im not willing to say just anything. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. 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. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Radio proved to be a rocky road. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. Please rotate your device. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. Mark as Played. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! 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. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. 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. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. Johnson received her B.A. Listen For Your Chance To Win! We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. Scruggs played a major role in organizing the foundation and raising money to preserve the Lorraine Motel and found the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Blues legend B.B. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. 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. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. WDIA Format: Soul Air Personalities 6:30 am--A.C. Williams 10 am--Robert Thomas 2 pm--Lee Armstrong 6 pm--Herb Kneeland 10 pm--Dave Smith 3 am--Theo Wade WLOK Format: Soul Air Personalities 6 am--Nat Washington 10 am--Gerald Floyd 2 pm--Roger W. Cavanass 6 pm--Clifton Halmon 10 pm--Alvin Moore 1 am--James Jack WHER Format: MOR, some talk I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. Description: 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis playing Memphis' top R&B music. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. This April, playing classic R & B picture of health, playing classic R &.... 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