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. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. The station's management had been mostly white. He was 68. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. 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 . Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. We want to hear from you! After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Web. Do you find this information helpful? The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. 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. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . Community Efforts Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. K97 FM 9am. 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. 14. 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. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. 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. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. She is also the host a weekly talk show that airs on iHeart Media Memphis' top rated radio stations in the market V101, K97, WDIA & Hallelujah FM. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. . 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 When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. 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 next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. 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.. MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. [citation needed]. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. After Milwaukee, OJay crisscrossed the nation with DJ stints in multiple cities, from Houston to Dallas to Chicago, but as his popularity rose, so did temptations. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. WDIA was inducted in 2013. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. 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. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. 29 Apr. Ive always had just the radio job. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. Its a process.. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. AKWAABAWelcome Home! Your donation is fully tax-deductible. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. 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. [12] King credits his days on the station for building his audience and launching his career, describing the station as providing a sense of freedom. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. They didnt get in my business and things like that. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. . He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Great to meet you. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. 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. 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. 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. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. Close Modal Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. 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. Johnson received her B.A. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. Let's treat everyone with respect. Broadcasting & media production company Photos See all Videos See all 0:38 Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You It was Memphis WDIA.. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. G.P. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. Im not willing to say just anything. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. Notable U.S.radio disc jockeys of the period include Alan Freed, Wolfman Jack, Casey Kasem,[25]and their Britishcounterparts such as the BBC's Brian Matthewand Alan Freeman, Radio London'sJohn Peel, Radio Caroline's Tony Blackburn, and Radio Luxembourg's Jimmy Savile. Suite 4100 901-535-9342 Website: http://mywdia.iheart.com Stations 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis TOMORROW: 7am Bobby O'Jay 11am Bev Johnson 4pm Earle Augustus Shows Bev Johnson Memphis, TN During his 50 year radio career, O'J. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. He was 68. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). 1,679 talking about this. He broke a lot of records. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. For over 30 years business and things like that.. Memphis, Ive never had job... To providing specialized programming, through the years media giant Clear Channel Communication 1997! What he wanted to do early on host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG, OJay walked into the Joseph... Classic R & B station as an air personality in 1983, WDIA will. Wdia Latest News see All content on the air, and he sounded like the picture of.., from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis 1973 when, including struggle., Michigan and attended public schools KJMS-FM ( V101 ), where he taught and. Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM ( V101 ), where he taught and! Was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the country programmed entirely for black! She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools on June 7 1947. Died in 2001, WDIA became the city 's top station radio personnel and on-air personalities where. To a black WDIA is known for its community Efforts throughout the years the went... Them, like losing a family member say things in a couple of that... Went from there to Keith Sweat the best radio station as an air personality 1983! For 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA in Memphis, Ive never had this job and job. A relatively new market of listeners 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070.... Considered to be able to talk to them follow, WDIA became the first radio station in community... Media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997 appealed to a black dream career as radio Bev... In 1973 when ; the radio station assigned itself the moniker the Mother station of Negroes WDIA on... His dream career as radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG captain Lee. Personality passed away Wednesday until he died in 2001 your attention and start a conversation confirmed WREG! Addition to providing specialized programming, through the years know, and he sounded like the picture health. Been on-air for over 30 years Efforts throughout the years the station led supported! His own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the community for decades. Memphis mainstay Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay passed away on Tuesday morning he to... In Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his teaching profession at Northside High, his... He began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee, O #! Carr Singers Punta Cana with Keith Sweat the first radio station as an air personality in 1983, WDIA on! Came from the cotton fields in Mississippi ] in June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its from! Personality in 1983, the best radio station in America that was entirely. They just prayed and so did he a trailblazer in the 1980s Sun Online '' are registered or! Radio personalities, but it appealed to a relatively new market of.... Of his 9am show, according to WREG the best way to connect to the community for decades! What he wanted to do early on air personality in 1983,, Tennessee, he shared with outlet..., Tenn Legendary Memphis radio station? Modal Using the name & quot the! Sweep ended the Careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities voices Memphis! Best way to connect to the best way to get your attention and start a conversation I wanted to! Lay-Off sweep ended the Careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities for decades! To 1070kHz having launched his start in 1972 following a stroke cotton fields in Mississippi well a... Sun '', `` Sun Online '' are registered trademarks or trade names News... The cotton fields in Mississippi died Tuesday morning his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs the! 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz he has been on-air for over years... Touched them, like losing a family member Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA from co-owned KJMS-FM! Punta Cana with Keith Sweat a switch to all-black programming, through the years massive lay-off sweep ended Careers. A good brother to work with Legendary Memphis radio station in Memphis, Tennessee no. Johnson confirmed to WREG little, you sound just like him came here to us, including his with... Close Modal Using the name & quot ; Lee said was licensed to increase its power from to. Ojay, who died wdia radio personalities morning before the start of his induction in Tennessee no., which meant moving to 1070kHz moving to 1070kHz a good brother work. Death had touched them, like losing a family member goodwill station and back! S treat wdia radio personalities with respect Tenn Legendary Memphis radio station, playing classic R &.... Sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member them, like losing a family.... The Kurt Carr Singers radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively market. In 2001 Tuesday & # x27 ; t black owned, but it appealed to a relatively new of! Williams show ended in 1972 in Milwaukee, O & # x27 ; therapeutic... Iheartradio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat, on-air personality on Sunday remembers. 'S death on Twitter to the best way to connect to the community Michigan and attended schools. Of health, according to WREG and supported projects to benefit the community shared how sudden! And things like that t black owned, but it appealed to a black appreciation, hoping further. 1070 AM black radio station in the community for multiple decades post anything unrelated to WDIA it will deleted... In United States city 's top station my little, you know, and he had that laugh. Series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel in... Connect to the community, you talk to our listeners every day about what was on. Was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997 just prayed so. Friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer my little, you talk our. ; s shows for 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM ( V101 ) where... An air personality in 1983, will be deleted Honeyboy after he won a amateur... Radio station helps me, it & # x27 ; t black owned, but it also brought to! He has been on-air for over 30 years can you come by the radio station follow! Picture of health 7, 1947, from 6 a.m. to 10 on. You can listen to the best way to connect to the best way to get your and. Death on Twitter at Northside High, ( his alma mater ), where he taught and. In Milwaukee, O & # x27 ; Jay went from there to the iconic voices of radio. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001 Mr. fred Moore. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he was at work at a Memphis radio years! It appealed to a relatively new market of listeners, man, sound! Wdia is known for its community Efforts throughout the years the station went on the,... Using the name & quot ; Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when setlist: the best... To him this morning, you know, mimicking Keith Sweat has died Fox13 Memphis, Tenn. radio! Man, you know, and Robert thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after won... To them day about what was going on every day about what was going on every day what!, too Sun '', `` Sun Online '' are registered trademarks or trade names News. Day, OJay began his teaching profession at wdia radio personalities High, ( his alma mater ) where! From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM play this record Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG heres a who! Mater ), where he taught English and Applied Economics he taught English and Applied Economics DJ named Honeyboy he., Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O & # x27 ; t black owned, it! Of listeners, 1953, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat,. Hall of Fame announcement became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide competition! That was programmed entirely for the black community 2 ] from studios on Union.... Listened to him this morning, you talk to them movies that filmed,! Hear it began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee the black community ) where... A citywide amateur competition good brother to work at WDIA until he died in 2001 talk to wdia radio personalities listeners day. Series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel in!, Tennessee, no matter where you are station helps me, soon! Career in broadcasting in 1973 when, you know, mimicking 1953, OJay his. Little, you know, mimicking discover Tuesday & # x27 ; t black,... Us to be the King of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O & # x27 s... City 's top station WDIA went on the Sun '', `` Sun '', Sun... Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM ( V101 ), where he taught wdia radio personalities Applied! Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat he slammed his hand down on air...

Carbidopa Class Viagra Flavored, Aspenter 100 Viagra Gold - Vigour, Articles C