Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! 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! 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 was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. 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. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, Main features: Easy to use. 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. Do you find this information helpful? WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? 20072023 Blackpast.org. 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. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. 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. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. 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. 5/5 based on 1 review. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. They didnt get in my business and things like that. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. 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. 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. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. AKWAABAWelcome Home! From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. Listen For Your Chance To Win! WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. 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. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. 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 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 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. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. 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. 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. WDIA personalities included: Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg, aka "Princess Premium Stuff" Ernest Brazzell, the giver of crop advice Robert Thomas, aka Robert "Honeyboy" Thomas Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert Theo "Bless My Bones" Wade Ford Nelson, who, until 2013, acted as a gospel D.J. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. Moore was in that number. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. B.B. 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. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. 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. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. 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. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. 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. 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 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. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. 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. Williams continued on the air . . Close Modal 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. . M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. [citation needed]. 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. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. All Rights Reserved. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. 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. His cause of death is currently unknown. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. 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. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. 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. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. He loved God and people. Please include the headline. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. The original frequency was 730kHz. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. 69 talking about this. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Im not willing to say just anything. 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. Let's treat everyone with respect. 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. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. 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.. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. 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. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. 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. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor "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. Website. 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. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. 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