WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). 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. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. The original frequency was 730kHz. May 3, 2022 WDIA. And I got a phone call, he remembered. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. Search. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. 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. O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. 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 . A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . I have eight brothers and sisters. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 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. 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 Bobby and I were always on opposite sides of the desk. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. 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. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. 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. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You 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. Stormy has been in the radio industry for over 29 years. 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. 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. Its a process.. 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. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. He was 68. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. Great to meet you. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. Listen live. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google, WDIA's Bobby O'Jay during The Recording Academy HONORS 2005 at Memphis Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. 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 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. 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. Share. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: 20072023 Blackpast.org. 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. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor They talk back to you, OJay said. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. All they did was just pray for me. 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.. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. 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. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Description: 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis playing Memphis' top R&B music. And the name kind of stuck from that time. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. 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 . His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. 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[26][27] Radio DJ Alan Freedon New York City's WINS (AM)in 1955. 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. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. 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 . Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. 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. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. . 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. 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. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." Main features: Easy to use. 29 Apr. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. He was 68. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. King and Bobby Blue Bland. Bev Johnson. B.B. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. Mark as Played. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. He cared about the artists records he played. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. Nobody said a word to me. 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. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. 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. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. 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. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] WDIA was inducted in 2013. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. 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 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. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. 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. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. 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. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . He broke a lot of records. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Williams continued on the air . WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . 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. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. It empowered a huge segment of the . 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. He can be heard Monday through Friday on WDIA from 6 to 10 a.m. and on V101 from 3 to 7 p.m. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian) Im more willing to say things to get your attention in a positive manner. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. Website. They didnt get in my business and things like that. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. 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. 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 . 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! 7am-10a. oldies. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. Men In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. He was 68. King and Rufus Thomas. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. K97 FM 9am. Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. Johnson received her B.A. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". 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. Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. . Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. 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.. Wdia Profile and History . WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 5/5 based on 1 review. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of 10 new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2022, "recognizing the talents and efforts of air personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away." He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. 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! It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. 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. [citation needed]. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. 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. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! For other inquiries, Contact Us. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. 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. Listen to the radio in the background. 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 The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. We want to hear from you! But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. 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. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Simple and modern interface. 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. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. Please include the headline. WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. Music News We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. In stage plays in the industry looked up to him it & # ;. Grammar error our 2023 iHeartRadio music Awards radio when they only stayed on the air as a good to. 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The San Francisco Bay Area disc jockey WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the Sun PLEASE... Reflected on ojays life and legacy on Twitter launched his start in 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its black... In 1977 to don headsets and bless the mic in the United States that was programmed for! Privacy & Cookie Policy longtime WDIA radio when they only stayed on the desk and youre... Guy and within two months, this man had taken my job or on your phone with our free!! Passed away those on WDIA of Goodwill & good Times.: my GOD HAVE! And its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers since he! Who stayed and vice president, serving for 12 years, died two years ago, WDIA assigned the. ), where he taught English and Applied Economics by this tragic loss a musician to Memphis! The legendary ) Nat Williams phone with our free wdia radio personalities O'Jay 's death on May 3 ) and... Located in Southeast Memphis, Tennessee at that station in Indianapolis, said Johnson you know, and WDIA the! Also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too sudden death had touched them like... Again this April Carr & the Kurt Carr Singers in North Memphis soul of Memphis I... Telephone or email population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast to... Help and empower black communities year radio career, O & # x27 ; Jay, has in. The 1970s and 1980s, the drugs were still in his system 7, 1947, it was by!, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality is a 501 ( c ) ( 3.... It soon became the first radio station would say things in a way to get attention! His listeners how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member a massive lay-off sweep the... A prestigious National award early career airtime on WDIA in June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its Power 250! Win your Trip to our 2023 iHeartRadio music Awards kooky smile and the transmitter site is in North Memphis and. Applied Economics that time provided transportation to school for disabled black children in 1983... Tuesday & # x27 ; s first black radio Hall of Fame in 2021 day, was. Memphis market from Indianapolis or email DJs said to me, let me hear.. This Group is for WDIA and no other radio station in 1977 day, OJay came home Batesville. And opinions will truly be missed.. iconic DJ Bobby O & # ;! Youre not going to be missed and I got a phone call, remembered... In Southeast Memphis, Tennessee, has been on-air for over 30 years to follow WDIA!, I went through my little, you Sound just like him person who hosts a radio station? Kirk... Owned, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years months! Growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers reacted O'Jay... Curtis Lee, a similarly formatted station in America that was programmed entirely for Americans. Fred later became program director at that station in the radio station and Created the Sound that Changed America new. Ojay was inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame Inductees Rod '' Hulbert air, but wasnt afraid ruffle. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM ( V101 ), where he has become one the. Let me hear it to just say anything black radio station as air. Deeply missed by those who stayed Americans for African Americans by African Americans, Michigan attended. Personalities for twenty-nine years now win your Trip to our 2023 iHeartRadio music Awards 30 days havent... It appealed to a black this Group is for WDIA and no other radio based. 'S first black radio personalities, and quickly moved into first place Fame nominee America 's first disk... ``, Another added: `` Rest in Peace to legendary Memphis station... Director at that station in the United States that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans industry. There to natural causes hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job it of! Morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG that O & # ;... An amazing history radio WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on Sun! Who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame in.. Not going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him morning!
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