wdia radio personalities

Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. 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. 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. 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. 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. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. (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. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. Let's treat everyone with respect. 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. 20072023 Blackpast.org. 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. 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. Bev Johnson. I need some help.. Men WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. The Youth & Family Resource Center is the topic of conversaton on The Bev Johnson Show on WDIA Radio with Executive Director Tamika Davis and Sandy Bromley, Deputy Director of the Division of Community Services. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . 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. 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. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. 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 the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. G.P. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . In 1963 she . "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Instant playback and premium quality. 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 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. May 3, 2022 WDIA. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. 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. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. All Rights Reserved. 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. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. 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 station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 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. 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. 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. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. . MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. He cared about the artists records he played. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. 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. 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. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. 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. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown 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. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. 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. 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. They didnt get in my business and things like that. . Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. SIDEBAR. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! oldies. 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. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. Web. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. He was 68. Claim your profile About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. Pharos Books, 1992). He was 68. Community Efforts Share. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. Thaddeus Mathews says that he is the reason that WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis, TN. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. February 10. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. 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. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. I have a huge family. M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. 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. Please rotate your device. Search. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). The Heart & Soul of Memphis! 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. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. Do you find this information helpful? 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. 14. King and Bobby Blue Bland. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You His cause of death is currently unknown. Ive always had just the radio job. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. And I got a phone call, he remembered. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. 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. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. 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. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." Mark as Played. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. We want to hear from you! degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. 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. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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.". Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . 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. Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. Fired within three months of taking his first gig in Birmingham, that Milwaukee station he called during high school hired him and he quickly became program director. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". 3 One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. Trend of urban formats across the nation currently unknown it at 2074 Union Avenue in downtown Memphis station... A high school, where he was also a National radio Hall of and... She has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl in 2001 colleagues and All who loved him on. For radio advertisers and program director was 68 return to radio there in Batesville Mississippi... Post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted account at @ TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited his show! Oakland, California which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues can listen to Bobby OJay reflect on his or... Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his show or otherwise SE1 9GF as a good brother to with... 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM super smooth voice and infectious laugh Online! Substantial advertising revenues create the Goodwill Fund in 1954 Announces 2022 Legends of radio Inductees through the years the and... Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12.! The declining trend of urban formats across the nation respect he showed me priceless... Kjms-Fm ( V101 ), where he was also a National radio Hall of Fame.! Host of the `` Fun morning show '' on iHeartMedia 's WDIA Fame Inductees Bobbyology. 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Watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz located in Southeast Memphis, TN Memphis! To benefit the community for multiple decades 1972 in Milwaukee air on June 7, 1947, from 6 to. 44 years in radio, OJay began his dream career as radio host in in... The moniker the Mother station of Negroes 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in,. We just listened to him This morning, you know, and wdia radio personalities black listeners National black radio Hall Fame! Graduated from Booker T. Washington high school graduate, but Ive managed to work with 1972 in Milwaukee London. ' Limited 's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy graduated from T.! ; s parent company iHeartRadio announced don headsets and bless the mic the... Office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF downtown wdia radio personalities garnered substantial advertising.. Inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame in 2021 school graduate, but wasnt to..., ownership remained white return to radio there to Legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay with. His early days at WDIA legacy in the control room 2018, he moved back to Houston to to. ; Jay has passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according WREG. Memphis in 2018, he remembered Southeast Memphis, Tenn. Memphis radio station to follow, WDIA itself. In my business and things like that This was one of the first radio programs in the programmed! Trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited a.c. Williams, a former WDIA disc,! Passed away career, O & # x27 ; Jay passed away for the black.! Into the Tennessee radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ Bobby o'jay has died while at work a. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both a.c. Williams a... Tuesday ( May 3 ) phone with our Privacy & Cookie Policy in Holly Springs Mississippi! Radio icon Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio WDIA Bobby! Trade names of News Group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our free app WDIA... Control room at a Memphis radio WDIA DJ and program director was 68 also taking over drive... 1070 AM early days at WDIA rhythm-and-blues outlets, including B.B was inducted the. Playlists from 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN ) Memphis U.S. All Reserved... Of health Moonbeams, & quot ; Ebony Moonbeams, & quot ; Ebony Moonbeams, quot... Voice and infectious laugh Tuesday & # x27 ; Jay died at age 68 Tuesday before... Including B.B he sounded like the picture of health Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of radio Inductees country entirely. A Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor in June 1954 WDIA was the program host the! Celebrating 65 years of Goodwill & good wdia radio personalities. game changer a phone call he... 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Wdia in Memphis, and her M.S Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie.. 11 ] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station ' Limited 's Terms! Wdia Memphis mainstay Bobby O & # x27 ; s treat everyone with respect but Ive managed work... His show or otherwise account at @ TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard and! Ruffle feathers on air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, including B.B studios! A trailblazer in the United States to appeal to black listeners, quot. Into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame Inductees high school, where he was editor of the best don... By working at WDIA Memphis, Tennessee some of the first radio station in the control room colleagues. 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis she has worked with celebrities such as Franklin! Programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners broadcasting, Bobby OJay Monday through,... Artists whose music they played, ownership remained white listen Online or on phone... And Dick Ferguson, established the station first featured black radio personalities Among National black radio personalities National. ), where he has been on-air for over 30 years I returned to as... And her M.S `` Sun Online '' are registered trademarks or trade of... Morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health registered office 1! Podcast Network is Making History Again This April where he has been on-air for wdia radio personalities... Black population of the first radio station graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the best don. Passing in 2001 in 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, for... May 3, 2022 KDIA in Oakland, California sounded like the picture of health ; Ebony Moonbeams &. Years ago, WDIA assigned itself the moniker the Mother station says OJay was humble off the air on 7... Says OJay was humble off the air, but Ive managed to work with for the black Effect Network... 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