The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. Bell will still continue his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at WDIA. 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. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. We want to hear from you! 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. 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. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. "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. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. Main features: Easy to use. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. 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. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. OJay was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. 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. 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. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. For other inquiries, Contact Us. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. 1,679 talking about this. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. . Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. 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. All Rights Reserved. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. 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. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. 29 Apr. MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? I have eight brothers and sisters. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. OJays older brother helped him get a $1,200 loan for broadcast school right out of high school and he took a six-month course. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. I have a huge family. 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. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. Thaddeus Mathews says that he is the reason that WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis, TN. Web. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Close Modal The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Let's treat everyone with respect. I need some help.. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. He was inspired by his cousin, Victory in Christ Christian Church senior pastor, Melvin Jones, who was a radio and record executive in OJays early days. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. 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. Website. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. [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. 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. The station's management had been mostly white. 2 Be Kind and Courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. . 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. He cared about the artists records he played. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . It leaves a legacy behind, you know, for my family, you know, and of course for me and it also adds to the legacy of the radio station because now it will be four of us, he said. "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. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. 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. She is mother of two children and grandmother of one. 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's parent company iHeartRadio announced. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. He was 68. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. King and Rufus Thomas. 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. [26][27] Radio DJ Alan Freedon New York City's WINS (AM)in 1955. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. 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. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! 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. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. [citation needed]. I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. Ive always had just the radio job. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. When O'Jay would open. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black 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. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Stormy has been in the radio industry for over 29 years. 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. 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. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. 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. God bless his family, friends and coworkers.". 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 On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. Im not willing to say just anything. The original frequency was 730kHz. Share. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. 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. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. 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