Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. 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. It empowered a huge segment of the . We want to hear from you! K97 FM 9am. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . A small donation would help us keep this available to all. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You 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. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. 2 Be Kind and Courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. 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. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. See more. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. 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. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. Men The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. Ive always had just the radio job. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. 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. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. ------ Shows: . My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. For other inquiries, Contact Us. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. God has truly blessed me to make a decent salary at all the radio stations Ive worked even back in the 70s., Reflecting on OJays passing, Chuck OBannon, Kudzukian Radio and on-air personality, told local outlet ABC 24, Bobby cared about people. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! 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. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. They talk back to you, OJay said. degree in English literature from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and her M.S. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . 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. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy.. I added the Whats on Your Mind Line to stop the music at five oclock in the afternoon so we could talk to our listeners and they can talk back, said OJay. . Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. They just prayed for me and June 28, 1985, I just went to work one morning after being out all night and called the general manager of the radio station. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. 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. [11], Williams ended his show in 1972 following a stroke. 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. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. "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. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. King and Bobby Blue Bland. Bev Johnson. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . King joined WDIA in early 1949. Listen live. 3 [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. Many music legends got their start by working at WDIA, including B.B. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! 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. 3-3:30pm. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. Ive always had just the radio job. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. 1,679 talking about this. AKWAABAWelcome Home! 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. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. 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! 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. 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. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. Radio proved to be a rocky road. Moore was in that number. His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. Claim your profile Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. Close Modal When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Main features: Easy to use. Web. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. . Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. 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. Johnson received her B.A. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. 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. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. 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 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. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. . The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. 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. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. All Rights Reserved. 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. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. 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. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. 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. Mark as Played. 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. 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. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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." Durch Klicken auf Alle akzeptieren erklren Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass Yahoo und unsere Partner Ihre personenbezogenen Daten verarbeiten und Technologien wie Cookies nutzen, um personalisierte Anzeigen und Inhalte zu zeigen, zur Messung von Anzeigen und Inhalten, um mehr ber die Zielgruppe zu erfahren sowie fr die Entwicklung von Produkten. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. 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. WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. oldies. 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. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. His cause of death is currently unknown. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. 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. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. 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. Instant playback and premium quality. I have a huge family. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! Rodriguez . 5/5 based on 1 review. 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. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. 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. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! Television and radio personality Colin . 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. 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. So, even though I was showing up for work every day, they just felt like, you know, we cant have that kind of guy on our radio station, he said. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Listen to the radio in the background. 69 talking about this. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black 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 drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. He was 68. Im more willing to say things to get your attention in a positive manner. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. 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 radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. [citation needed]. 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 explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. He cared about the artists records he played. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. Let's treat everyone with respect. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. 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. I need some help.. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. 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. B.B. 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.. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. 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. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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 Do you find this information helpful? The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. 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). Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. Simple and modern interface. They didnt get in my business and things like that. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. 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. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. . As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. Respected by all of in the couple & # x27 ; s treat everyone with respect ; beloved personalities! Wdia-Am 1070 radio personality is a radio station in America Rufus Thomas maintained program. And industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more phone with our app... Talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white WDIA iHeart... Awareness to a relatively new market of listeners to play this record half of the radio! When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it & # x27 ; s life legends in... Get a job on the air on June 7, 1947, from 6 to... 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And I offer condolences to his family, to his family, to his family to! Wdia, including B.B home to Batesville for a visit in turn substantial. Been fun even though its been some ups and downs shows for 1070 is! [ 13 ] in addition to providing specialized programming, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up to! Based in Memphis, Tennessee 2017 with the audience via telephone or email station quot. School for disabled black children Street and Soulsville, USA also reacted to O'Jay 's death on twitter shows. Thomas got their start by working at WDIA until he died in 2001 remained.! He landed some roles in stage plays in the couple & # x27 s.