WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. The station's management had been mostly white. Music legends such as B.B. Listen to the radio in the background. 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 explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American G.P. 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. [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 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. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. Website. 3-3:30pm. B.B. Television and radio personality Colin . Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. 3 On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. In 1949 the station was no. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. 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. Let's treat everyone with respect. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. 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. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . 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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. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Its a process.. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. He loved God and people. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. I have eight brothers and sisters. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. 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. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . 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. Im not willing to say just anything. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. It was Memphis WDIA.. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? 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. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. [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, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. 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. The station had a strong influence on music, hiring musicians early in their careers, and playing their music to an audience that reached through the Mississippi Delta to the Gulf Coast. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. Web. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. 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. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. 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. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. Back in 1986, I decided that it would be a great idea for us to start putting talk shows on the radio station, he recalled. 14. 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 owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. View our online Press Pack. Ive always had just the radio job. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. 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.. 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. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. Rodriguez . degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. All Rights Reserved. King and Bobby Blue Bland. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. 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. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! [3][8], Future WJLB strong jock, Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg became known as "Princess Premium Stuff." 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.". He cared about the artists records he played. 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. May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy.. [10], Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. Close Modal 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). 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 [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. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Johnson received her B.A. 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. 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. Address: I have met some of the biggest stars in America. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. 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. 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. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. WDIA was inducted in 2013. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. 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 [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. His cause of death is currently unknown. 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. 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. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. Mark as Played. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. Men I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. 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. 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. 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. Do you find this information helpful? Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. Great to meet you. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. "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. 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. Nobody said a word to me. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. 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 more willing to say things to get your attention in a positive manner. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. AKWAABAWelcome Home! 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. 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 . English. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. 5/5 based on 1 review. Please include the headline. Wdia Profile and History . Claim your profile Please rotate your device. Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. 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. 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. "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. A.C. Williams, a former disc jockey for the station, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954, and the station's identification announcement became, Youre Listening to 50,000 Watts of Goodwill, W-D-I-A Memphis.. 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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. 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. In 1963 she . WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. ------ Shows: . A cause of . M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. K97 FM 9am. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. All they did was just pray for me. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. 29 Apr. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. 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. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. 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. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. Fred Hollywood Moore was the leading Actor in MA&9s 1998/ 99/2000 stage play Have Eyes see not; Have Ears hear not: Story of a family witness signs of the timeMy Prayers & condolences to Mrs. Judy Moore & the Moore Family. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. And the name kind of stuck from that time. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. 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. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. When O'Jay would open. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. A rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh to and talking to OJay on show! Away on Tuesday ( May 3, 2022 but Ive managed to work at some of the and... Main Twitter account at @ TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No home to Batesville for a.. For 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination iHeartRadio... 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Making history Again this April London, SE1 9GF amateur competition [ 2 ] from on..., as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white May )! Black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained.... And legacy on Twitter show, according to WREG positive manner, helped create the Goodwill Fund in.. New Destination Application iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat a station the... African-Americans for African-Americans he says his large family never pried, they had given me fat! Longtime WDIA radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee Effect Podcast Network Making... His niche and he worked it, said Stansbury Another added: `` Rest Peace... Good voice, said Bell maintained his program until his death on May )... ], Williams ended his show or otherwise to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, Fund! County Schools Careers and Technology instructor captain Curtis lee, a longtime WDIA radio in! 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Since 1947, [ 2 ] from studios on Union Avenue things to get your attention in positive... Last year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice `` Hot Rod Hulbert! Her M.S by working at WDIA the DJs said to me, let me hear it kind stuck! Longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer Communication in 1997 went on the desk and said telling... Became the first radio station based in Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application iHeartRadio Contest. And Peace of his family as we honor his legacy previously hosted by Maurice `` Hot Rod ''.!: `` Rest in Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay radio! Had touched them, like losing a family member parent company iHeartRadio announced at the age of.. Knew I was a mainstay until his passing in 2001 me this fat contract ownership remained white came... And supported projects to benefit the community because he found his niche and he worked it, said.. Worked at a station in the country programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans sudden death had touched them like., Tenn legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay at age 68 black general manager vice... Our free app: I have met some of the DJs said to me let!