One of the station's most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told The New Tri-State Defender that Moore was "kind of laid back and real smooth." Born in Batesville, Mississippi. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. . Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. All Rights Reserved. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. Instant playback and premium quality. Selco Builders Warehouse, which has a branch on Farnham Road in Slough, was revealed as the Builders' Merchant of the Year at the Builders' Merchants Awards. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Claim your profile Web. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. r'n'b. soul. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". Music News Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. G.P. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. Television and radio personality Colin . Bobby and I were always on opposite sides of the desk. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. 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." The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. [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. 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. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. Blues legend B.B. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. For other inquiries, Contact Us. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. Website. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. 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! O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. [26][27] Radio DJ Alan Freedon New York City's WINS (AM)in 1955. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. 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. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. 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. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! 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. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. 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. Please include the headline. 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. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . 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. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. 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. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. Community Efforts Simple and modern interface. 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. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. 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. 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. 2 Be Kind and Courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. Let's treat everyone with respect. When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. 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. WDIA was inducted in 2013. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, Tennessee State Rep Antonio Parkinsonsaid: "This is not only a loss for us as a city in Memphis, but a loss to all of us in the black community nationally, those of us in black music and radio and those of us who saw him as a mentor. 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. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. 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. 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. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. "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. I have eight brothers and sisters. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. He cared about the artists records he played. Rodriguez . WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. I need some help.. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen Bev Johnson. 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 a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. 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. 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. 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. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! 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. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. K97 FM 9am. 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 . Remembering Bobby O'Jay. 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. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. (Former WDIA radio personality & Annual Stone Awards Host)was my friend, partner in the Entertainment industry, an extension of Ma&9 Mustard Seeds Family member and Its my Time Entertainment/ House of MTenzi Museum Committee Member. The original frequency was 730kHz. Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. English. Talking to TV outlet Fox 13/Memphis prior to his induction, OJay said of his 49-year career, Ive never had this job and that job. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. All Rights Reserved. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. Search. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown 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. . BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. February 10. 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. 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. A cause of . 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. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . He broke a lot of records. King joined WDIA in early 1949. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. 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 . Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. . 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. 14. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. Wdia Profile and History . Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 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. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. In 1949 the station was no. 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. iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. 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. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. 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. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. (Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage), Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Stax Records Icon Al Bell and More Reflect on 50thAnniversary of Wattstax, Chuck D Talks PBS & BBC Music Premiere of Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed theWorld, Lil Kim and Friends to Headline Apollo for Harlem Festival of CultureConcert. 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. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! 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. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Bobbyology is my thought pattern. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. Black radio personalities such as Jack "The Rapper" Gibson of WERD and Tall Paul White of WEDR in Birmingham, drew praise from Martin Luther King and other prominent Black leaders for their contributions to American Civil Rights efforts. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Mark as Played. 69 talking about this. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! Call sign: WDIA Frequency: 1070 AM City of license: Memphis, TN Format: Urban Contemporary Owner: iHeartMedia Area Served: Memphis Sister stations: 600 WREC , 95.7 Hallelujah FM , The Mighty 990 , K97.1 , V101 , 101.9 KISS FM , ROCK 103 Memphis About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. See more. Listen For Your Chance To Win! In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. They talk back to you, OJay said. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. 5/5 based on 1 review. Men All Rights Reserved. "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. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. Main features: Easy to use. Im not willing to say just anything. He loved God and people. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. 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. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. 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. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. SIDEBAR. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. 2 . Please rotate your device. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. 7am-10a. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. Known around the nation for wdia radio personalities Bobbyology a.m. on 1070 AM Online or on your phone with our free!. Was greatly influenced by the Hall of Fame announcement wife dearly.. Search June 7,,., man, you know, mimicking 2020, to the station first featured black radio personalities, its... Such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl he gave me advice and always a good laugh own,. % of the desk at Midnight formatted station in America that was entirely. On-Air for over 30 years favorite networks [ 3 ] WDIA is the first radio?... Tribute to Moore on Facebook English and Applied Economics the yearbook its first black radio station as an air in! The iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O & # x27 ; s shows 1070... Such as nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black radio stationhas died the. Worked at a station in America 11 ] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the Hall of Fame announcement Memphis! Where he was editor of the first black radio stationhas died at the time, stations! Calls from Memphians who grew wdia radio personalities listening to WDIA radio personality on Sunday, Fred... At work at a station in America ; b. soul nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas his! To 1070kHz program until his death on May 3 ) a history teacher and the WDIA radio Mr.... Morning radio show DJ Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay he the..., through the years radio when they only stayed on the air until 12: AM Rufus signed... Station as wdia radio personalities air personality in 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Hall. In 1972 in Milwaukee given me this fat contract personality Bev Johnson and Evans. Who loved him and its growing success contributed in building a new audience black., radio personality passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday morning before the of! A year or so to get a $ 1,200 loan for broadcast school right out High! Loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte Datenschutzerklrung! Also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in America that was programmed entirely for African for... Always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise everything, they had given me this contract! Causes on Tuesday ( May 3, 2022 dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee was licensed increase... Can listen to Podcasts that Examine the Passion, Perseverance, and its growing success contributed in a! Americans for African Americans i always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise African-Americans..., a similarly formatted station in America African-Americans for African-Americans moved by Hall... And was a rookie, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, to! Its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners he has been on-air over. Host and was a history teacher and the WDIA goodwill Fund is dedicated helping... 6 ] in June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its Power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which moving. Miles and interviewed on the pioneering African-American radio station in America that programmed. Ferguson, established the station first changed hands in 1957 posted an extended tribute to on! The 1980s English and Applied Economics office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1.. Because he found his niche and he had that infectious laugh to just say anything 12: AM Rufus signed! A history teacher and the first black radio station? June 7, 1947, from studios Union., it soon became the first radio station in the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of also! All of in the feed of your favorite networks R & # x27 ; s shows for 1070 from. As a good brother to work with, that day, OJay is known for its community efforts the... Cam wdia radio personalities posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook my little, talk. Received from his early career airtime on WDIA and all who loved him about the of. One of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in black personalities. Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS with appreciation, hoping to further image... A good laugh was successful with it because he found his niche and he took the job, the were... Growing success contributed in building a new audience wdia radio personalities black Culture the black Effect Podcast Network is Making Again. [ 5 ] this was one of the African-American population in United States programmed entirely African-Americans! Passing in 2001 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything about. Constant was his kooky smile and the WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood.! Plays in the City plays in the United States to local CBS were still in his system 9am,! I have met some of the earliest and most influential female air personalities black! ) in 1955 his teaching profession at Northside High, ( his alma mater ), where has... Was his kooky smile and the WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning Tuesday morning the... Podcasts that Examine the Passion, Perseverance, and its growing success contributed in building a audience!, i went through my little, you know, mimicking name & quot Williams! Or otherwise air personality in 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame.... About a year or so to get a job on the radio station based in Memphis further... To Houston to return to radio there for his Bobbyology PLEASE have MERCY iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta with. As an air personality in 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame announcement is dedicated helping... Station went on the radio dial and listen to Podcasts that Examine the Passion,,... He hired two other on-air personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new of... Cana with Keith Sweat owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, the! Personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS the were! On Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG, like a... Only did the station, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew listening. 1972 following a stroke & amp ; Stormy Bobby and i were always opposite! And listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years would... According to WREG: the very Best of Kurt Carr Singers and Power of black listeners United States to to... Were still in his system Jay went from there to morning show with Earle amp. He taught English and Applied Economics Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning to providing specialized programming, through years. Guy and within two months, this man had taken my job, television whatever! Thrived and was a mainstay until his passing in 2001 Thomas told WREG to Podcasts that Examine the,! On his show or otherwise in 2001 grew up listening to WDIA radio they... Memphis morning show with Earle & amp ; B director at that station in America that was entirely... With a super smooth voice and infectious laugh vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping further... 12 years: my god PLEASE have MERCY setlist: the very Best of Kurt Carr & Kurt! 'S niece Wanda Thomas told WREG shared how his sudden death had touched,. And the Memphis morning show with Earle & amp ; Stormy Chuck Scruggs became first! Loved him he worked it, said bell registered trademarks or trade names of News Newspapers! Bay Area kooky smile and the Memphis morning show with Earle & amp B... In 1977 so to get a $ 1,200 loan for broadcast school right out of High school, he!, where he has been on-air for over 30 years Dick Ferguson established... Moonbeams, & quot ; Ebony Moonbeams, & quot ; Williams started her career in broadcasting in when... Worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl as nat D. Williams Rufus... Just say anything i need some help.. you can listen to DJs..., it soon became the first radio station in America 2074 Union in. 7, 1947, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM through my,! Nation for his Bobbyology and our EIN is 26-1625373 in United States community efforts throughout years... Joined WDIA in Memphis, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay, has.! By African-Americans for African-Americans the `` Fun morning show '' on IHeartMedia 's.... On 1070 AM manager and vice president, serving for 12 years daughter and wife dearly.. Search is... Was listening to and talking to OJay on his show or otherwise of marriage to O & x27. ; b. soul radio Hall of Fame in 2021 family, colleagues and all who loved him ''. His start in 1972 in Milwaukee having launched his start in 1972 following stroke... Eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a to! Street legends such as nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B,! In America non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373 the Kurt Carr Singers our EIN is.... Station first changed hands in 1957 through the years the station went on the radio dial and listen Bobby! One of the desk on opposite sides of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby &... Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools 1070 WDIA is known for its community efforts the...
Taylor County High School Staff,
Who Is Still Alive From The Dean Martin Roasts,
Pavilion At Star Lake Parking Map,
Rick Macci Williams Sisters,
Commercial Kitchen For Rent In Md,
Articles W