1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. They talk back to you, OJay said. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. . 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. 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. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. When O'Jay would open. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. Together the three transformed WDIA into the South's first African-American-oriented radio station, soon to be known throughout the region as the "Mother Station of the Negroes.". America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. Williams continued on the air . I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. 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. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. February 10. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. . Please include the headline. 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. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. And I got a phone call, he remembered. Stormy has been in the radio industry for over 29 years. Im more willing to say things to get your attention in a positive manner. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. 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. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. 1,679 talking about this. His cause of death is currently unknown. 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. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 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. [citation needed]. 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. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. 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. The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. King and Bobby Blue Bland. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. The station did not do well until Ferguson learned about "targeted programming" and realized there was one audience in Memphis no other radio station served. 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." Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. 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. 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. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. (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. r'n'b. soul. 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. Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. The trailblazer's voice and personality have helped make up the fabric of the Bluff City for decades as part of the historic legacy of the Mid-South's first African American radio station, WDIA. They didnt get in my business and things like that. Johnson received her B.A. All they did was just pray for me. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. He was 68. Do you find this information helpful? Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. 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. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! Radio Personality iHeartMedia Oct 2018 - Jun 20223 years 9 months United States Morning On-Air Talent: Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show on V101. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. SIDEBAR. See more. He had a daily 15-minute show, promoting first a patent medicine called Pep-Ti-Kon, and later Lucky Strike cigarettes, the first major advertiser for the station. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. Blues legend B.B. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. "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. "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. Ive always had just the radio job. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Rodriguez . . Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. "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. Pharos Books, 1992). He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. In 1963 she . 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. Initially programmed to appeal to the white demographic with classical, country-western, and various other musical genres, WDIA failed to distinguish itself, and in a last attempt to stave off failure, began to play Blues records. 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. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. 5/5 based on 1 review. Close Modal He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. 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. Moore was in that number. 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. 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). 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. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. 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. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. All Rights Reserved. May 3, 2022 WDIA. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. 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. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 3-3:30pm. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. King and Rufus Thomas. 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. 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. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. 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. 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. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. Listen to the radio in the background. Please rotate your device. oldies. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. 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 Men It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! Main features: Easy to use. He loved God and people. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application The Heart & Soul of Memphis! 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. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. WDIA was inducted in 2013. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. 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. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. 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. 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 Nobody said a word to me. He was known as the 'King of Memphis radio', Bobby OJay dead at 68: WDIA host and King of Memphis radio dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute, Pedestrian who killed cyclist in clash over riding on pavement is JAILED after victim, 77, fell into path of car, Model 'paid thousands to smuggle 5m criminal cash into Dubai by hiding money in her holiday luggage', Dad 'fatally shot daughter, 7, in head & gunned down headteacher mum' who died of 'shock' from wounds in double killing, Rolf Harris sued over 'fresh sex attack after molesting vulnerable 10-year-old girl at school holiday camp', UK weather: Exact date snow and hail will hit Britain as chilly winds from the north blow in -1C temperatures, Frogmore eviction shows King Charles has drawn a line with Harry - now he must do two more things with the spoilt brat, Im a prison officer & worked with some of Britains feared men but I made a BIG mistake on my first month on the wing, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. Over time, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children, financed college scholarships, established boy clubs, covered the costs of regional Little League teams and helped provide low-cost supplemental housing. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. Mark as Played. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. 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. 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 . From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. The station relocated in 1985, but the WDIA neon marquee remains above the original entrance at 112 Union Avenue near the Main Street intersection in downtown Memphis. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. 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. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. The station's management had been mostly white. 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. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. 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. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . 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." I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. OJay was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. 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. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. 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. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. [26][27] Radio DJ Alan Freedon New York City's WINS (AM)in 1955. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. AKWAABAWelcome Home! WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. All Rights Reserved. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. Share. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Listen live. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. And the name kind of stuck from that time. 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. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. You might get pissed-off at first, but its not going to be something thats vulgar and its not going to be something thats going to be immoral. Deeply missed by those who stayed passing in 2001 natural, but it appealed a... 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