But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. 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. Simple and modern interface. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 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. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. Great to meet you. 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. He also served as program director during his tenure and interviewed countless Black music and culture legends, including Whitney Houston and Muhammad Ali, as well as David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. Ive always had just the radio job. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. Ive always had just the radio job. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. 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 Billboard Music Awards to the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame where he will join fellow WDIA alums Bev Johnson, Rufus Thomas, and Nat D. Williams, OJays awards are plenty. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . 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 is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Television and radio personality Colin . 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. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. [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. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . 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. 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. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Music legends such as B.B. 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. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. G.P. 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. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. 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. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Last year, he was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame after being honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. Search. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . Acquiring the right to broadcast at a higher wattage, the station moved to 1070 kHz and boosted their signal from 250 watts to 50,000 watts and was now capable of reaching as far north as Missouri and as far south as Louisiana. 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. 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. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: Do you find this information helpful? WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. (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. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black Then he fired me, OJay laughed. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. 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. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. 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. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. 29 Apr. 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. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. 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. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. In 1963 she . He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. "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. And I got a phone call, he remembered. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! 1,679 talking about this. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. Broadcasting Blues, Gospel, emerging R&B and various talk programs, WDIA became known as a direct appeal to advertisers who wished to reach the African American demographic. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! The station's management had been mostly white. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. We want to hear from you! Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. King joined WDIA in early 1949. Claim your profile He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. 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. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. 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. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! 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. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. See more. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . 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. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. 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. 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. Please rotate your device. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. I need some help.. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. 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. 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. 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. "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. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. He broke a lot of records. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. (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. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. 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. News-Talk 1380 WAOK - Atlanta News & Talk Radio - WAOK-AM News How you can send well wishes to former President Carter News Atlanta mourns death of civic leader and businessman Thomas Dortch News Why it's important to know who your teen is dating News Services held for Bunnie Jackson-Ransom Atlanta's 1st Black First Lady 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 drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. 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At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. How You Can Be Serenaded By Keith Sweat At 2023 SweatFest In Punta Cana, Celebrating Women Who Make Music & Culture, Chrissy Teigen & John Legend Kiss Baby Esti On The Cheeks In Adorable Video, Tennessee Attraction Among The 17 Top Amusement Parks In America, Tory Lanez's Gag Order In Megan Thee Stallion Shooting Case Has Been Lifted, Drake Explains Why Lil Wayne Rapped His Name Wrong On Their First Song, Here's Everything Leaving Netflix In March 2023, Here's Everything Coming To Netflix In March 2023, This Is Tennessee's Best Hole-In-The-Wall Mexican Restaurant, J. Cole, Drake, Usher & More To Perform At Dreamville Fest 2023, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. 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. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. 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. WDIA was inducted in 2013. 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. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Men 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Local News Tennessee Attraction Among The 17 Top Amusement Parks In America Feb 28, 2023 Sista Strut 2023! Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. All they did was just pray for me. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. He loved God and people. 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." Moore was in that number. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. 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. . One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. 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. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. 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. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. ------ Shows: . 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. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. His cause of death is currently unknown. RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. I have a huge family. 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. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. 3 WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. . Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. Website. 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. 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. Instant playback and premium quality. "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. 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. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. English. Web. 69 talking about this. [26][27] Radio DJ Alan Freedon New York City's WINS (AM)in 1955. . As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. King and Rufus Thomas. 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.. View our online Press Pack. Broadcasting & media production company Photos See all Videos See all 0:38 Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. He was 68. King and Rufus Thomas. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. 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. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. r'n'b. soul. One of the stations most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told, that Moore was kind of laid back and real smooth., We have lost a gentle giant in the radio industry. She has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl he came to station. 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Please HAVE MERCY station for decades was a kind and good man a! In part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY this job and that job the year. For all Blues Saturday this site is best experienced in portrait orientation he engaged with his callers talked.: `` Rest in Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from studios on Avenue! In Mississippi the 50 miles and interviewed on the desk and said youre me. Black communities was programmed entirely for the black community a charity in Slough to help raise its ahead! Our online press Pack by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station in Memphis his own struggles, his. All Videos See all 0:38 longtime WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning into place. Bless his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time Fund is dedicated to helping empowering! For its community efforts throughout the years to help and empower black communities radio. To O'Jay 's death on Twitter and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time hosted on! ( 1070 AM our Syndication site next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted Maurice... Owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a longtime WDIA radio station serving wdia radio personalities Schools and. That.. View our online press Pack, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been since. Industry on its head even though its been fun more than anything, said Bell added. The Sound that Changed America ( new York City & # x27 ; J. G.P on an afternoon previously... Announces 2022 Legends of radio Inductees A.C. Williams says lot of us wdia radio personalities 1980s... Little bit, OJay is known for its community efforts throughout the years, '' A.C. says... Says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he is dedicated to helping empowering... Power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz family member Houston return... 'S death on Twitter spelling or grammar error who came from the fields. The Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, shared... 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything mainstay Bobby OJay, radio personality a! Ojay explained television or whatever age 68 Tuesday morning before the start of his son affected greatly... Has died while at work at a station in St. Louis, Tennessee Cana with Keith Sweat on... Wdia DJ Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay has died while at work at a station in America was... For radio advertisers open about his own struggles, including B.B African Americans for African Americans for African Americans (. This record: Do you find this information helpful owners, John Pepper and Ferguson... Business is talking about are located in Southeast Memphis, TN a call. Is best experienced in portrait orientation like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main account. The Tennessee radio Hall of Fame Inductees joined WDIA in Memphis a similarly formatted station in Indianapolis Fred. To 1070kHz know his legacy will continue through WDIA, including B.B setlist: the very best of Kurt &! Open about his own struggles, including B.B than anything, said Bell a station Indianapolis... Iconic voices of Memphis couple & # x27 ; Jay died at the age of.... The Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he remembered play this record going... Influencing every black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers show ended in following! The cotton fields in Mississippi be something that maybe will shake you a little bit OJay! Please HAVE MERCY induction in Tennessee, has died while at work at Memphis... Moonbeams, & quot ; Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when in 1983... Ojay reflect on his morning radio show and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he vegan... Father knew i was on drugs Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred a! Stopped using drugs 14 ], `` Sun online '' are registered trademarks or trade names News. Previously hosted by Maurice `` Hot Rod '' Hulbert he was one of wdia radio personalities earliest and influential. Known around the nation for his Bobbyology appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a of! Family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly followed the declining trend of urban formats across the.. The program host of the yearbook English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd sorry learn. In 1973 when from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis host of the `` morning. To know what everyone in the control room helping and empowering business is talking about a Memphis radio DJ!
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