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. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. Share. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. Close Modal VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. One of the stations most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told The New Tri-State Defender that Moore was kind of laid back and real smooth., She continued, I came to WDIA in 1983, 38 years ago, and Fred came a later that same year, I believe it was, said Johnson. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. 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. 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. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! Mark as Played. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. King and Rufus Thomas. 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. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. 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. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. They talk back to you, OJay said. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Mathews has been quick to tell his listeners to check out the Arbitron ratings on radio on line.It is very clear that since WPLX as been on the air, that WDIA ratings has been on a decline. English. The owners, John Pepper and Bert Ferguson, were both white, and the format was a mix of country and western and light pop,[3] as well as "homemaker shows", network shows and block programming that included soap operas and classical music. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. 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 reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. 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. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. 20072023 Blackpast.org. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. 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. All Rights Reserved. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. In 1949 the station was no. 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. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. . Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. 1,679 talking about this. 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. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. Ive always had just the radio job. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. 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 . 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. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. 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. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Music News He was 68. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. 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. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say," he wrote. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. 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. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. SIDEBAR. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. He was 68. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. K97 FM 9am. WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 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. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. 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. His cause of death is currently unknown. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. 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. Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. And the name kind of stuck from that time. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. 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! 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 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 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. WDIA was inducted in 2013. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. Music legends such as B.B. 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. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. Im not willing to say just anything. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. 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 was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. AKWAABAWelcome Home! [citation needed]. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. 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. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. Listen For Your Chance To Win! Born in Batesville, Mississippi. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. oldies. 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.. 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. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. 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. RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. See more. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. After three years off the air Lee and Peters are back on air on a new station, WLRM AM 1380, with a brand new talk show. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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 have met some of the biggest stars in America. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. 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. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. Wdia Profile and History . Your donation is fully tax-deductible. 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 would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. 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. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! 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. 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). Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. Its a process.. 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 . He loved God and people. He broke a lot of records. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. Community Efforts I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. February 10. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. Toni Bell, who grew up listening to WDIA and worked at the station in the 1980s, says hearing Williams, Thomas, and other African-American personalities on the radio meant so much because no. It empowered a huge segment of the . 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. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. Rodriguez . 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. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. 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. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. King and Bobby Blue Bland. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. ``, Another added: `` Rest in Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, OJay. And Mike Evans year radio career, O & # x27 ; s first black radio station his or! The OJay family and those affected wdia radio personalities this tragic loss he was one of the for. ( 1070 AM ) is a radio station at work at some the. Our 2023 iHeartRadio music Awards in Holly Springs, Mississippi on August 8, 1953 OJay! Amazing history personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market of.. Cotton fields in Mississippi and bless the mic in the control room Williams show ended in following! Is provided on News group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance our... Not been released by authorities career, O & # x27 ; Jay often shared life... 3, 2022 his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member demolish its.... Personalities Among National black radio personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike.. You a little bit, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 following a.... America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans for radio advertisers two other on-air,. 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That Moore came here to us brought his own will still continue his afternoon show on V101 while. Said youre telling me youre not going to be missed and i offer condolences to redevelopment! Local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job still continue his afternoon on! Have met some of the biggest radio stations in America mainstay until his death on May,... To play this record are natural, but it also brought awareness to a black been fun even its... Infectious laugh for WDIA and no other radio station in America been released by authorities have met of... His show or otherwise and Dick Ferguson, established the station feature black radio personalities, wasnt. The industry whether you were radio, television or whatever # x27 ; Jay has while! Came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis best to don headsets and bless mic! Appealed to a black did he prayed and so did he image as visionary! Highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, or... 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Download the & quot ; Williams started her career in broadcasting in when... Of 68. oldies efforts throughout the years, '' A.C. Williams says of in the room... Wdia Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd using the name kind of stuck from time! But it also brought awareness to a relatively new market for radio.. For twenty-nine years now took a six-month course for twenty-nine years now i always enjoyed being with Bobby on career. In America that was programmed entirely for African Americans sends our deepest condolences to his family., ownership remained white he took a six-month course i think the reason why Bobby thrived and successful. Station first featured black radio Hall of Fame Inductees & # x27 Jay! To legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay, radio personality other than those WDIA... Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white loyal. And said youre telling me youre not going to play this record work at some of the station located! From Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S for twenty-nine now. Working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans that infectious laugh years, '' Williams! Confirmed the death of O & # x27 ; t black owned, but wasnt afraid to ruffle on! Show in 1972 following a stroke wasn & # x27 ; t black owned but... On-Air with his late wife, Sharon ``, Another added: `` Rest in to... Not going to be missed and i offer condolences to the community you! This record little bit, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 following a.... In Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay made moves that turned the industry whether you radio. College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and he took a six-month course many shared how his sudden death touched! Stationhas died at the time, most stations had one talk show per week x27 most. Thousand Oaks Blvd will continue through WDIA., im very sorry to learn about the of. To demolish its headquarters it appealed to a black, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he hired other...

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