Close Modal May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy.. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. View our online Press Pack. G.P. 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. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. And the name kind of stuck from that time. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. 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. K97 FM 9am. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. 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 1,679 talking about this. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. 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. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application One fan tweeted: "Local legendary DJ - Bobby OJay has passed - prayers up for a Memphis legendit was sudden- he was on the radio this morning. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. 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." Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen oldies. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. Instant playback and premium quality. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. 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. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Ive always had just the radio job. Notable U.S.radio disc jockeys of the period include Alan Freed, Wolfman Jack, Casey Kasem,[25]and their Britishcounterparts such as the BBC's Brian Matthewand Alan Freeman, Radio London'sJohn Peel, Radio Caroline's Tony Blackburn, and Radio Luxembourg's Jimmy Savile. He currently teaches Broadcasting @ Wooddale High. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. 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. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. 29 Apr. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. Listen to the radio in the background. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13). 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. 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. 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. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. His cause of death is currently unknown. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. A cause of . 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. 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. 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. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. 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. 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. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sherry Mackey, a former colleague of Moore, posted this tribute on Facebook: Rest in Love to one of the kindest people I have had the honor to work with, former WDIA personality, Fred Hollywood Moore. He was 68. Community Efforts It empowered a huge segment of the . WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. 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. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. 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. Mathews has been quick to tell his listeners to check out the Arbitron ratings on radio on line.It is very clear that since WPLX as been on the air, that WDIA ratings has been on a decline. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. King and Bobby Blue Bland. Claim your profile And I got a phone call, he remembered. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. May 3, 2022 WDIA. King and Rufus Thomas. OJay was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. 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. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. 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. Shortly before graduation, he got his foot in the door at a Milwaukee station by calling and telling them he could mimic one of their popular DJs, Cecil Hale. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. 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. 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. . WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. [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. Johnson received her B.A. Do you find this information helpful? He was 68. 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. 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. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. 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.". I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. 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. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. 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. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. He was known as the 'King of Memphis radio', Bobby OJay dead at 68: WDIA host and King of Memphis radio dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute, Pedestrian who killed cyclist in clash over riding on pavement is JAILED after victim, 77, fell into path of car, Model 'paid thousands to smuggle 5m criminal cash into Dubai by hiding money in her holiday luggage', Dad 'fatally shot daughter, 7, in head & gunned down headteacher mum' who died of 'shock' from wounds in double killing, Rolf Harris sued over 'fresh sex attack after molesting vulnerable 10-year-old girl at school holiday camp', UK weather: Exact date snow and hail will hit Britain as chilly winds from the north blow in -1C temperatures, Frogmore eviction shows King Charles has drawn a line with Harry - now he must do two more things with the spoilt brat, Im a prison officer & worked with some of Britains feared men but I made a BIG mistake on my first month on the wing, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. 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. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Im not willing to say just anything. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. Bev Johnson. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. Memphis mainstay Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay went from there to station? Follow! Constituted a new market for radio advertisers kinds of opinions from all kinds of opinions from all kinds of from. 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