wdia radio personalities

In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. OJay was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . 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. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. 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. I have eight brothers and sisters. 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. WDIA (1070 AM) is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. AKWAABAWelcome Home! (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. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. 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. 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 Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. 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 The original frequency was 730kHz. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. Close Modal What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. 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. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. 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. Listen to the radio in the background. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. 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. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. 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. Ive always had just the radio job. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. 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. He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. 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. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. 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.. 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. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 3, 2022. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. 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 . America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. View our online Press Pack. Stormy has been in the radio industry for over 29 years. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. Click here to sign up for our newsletter! This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. 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. 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 broke a lot of records. 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. 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! WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! 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 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. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. Johnson received her B.A. 14. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. 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. 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. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. 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. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. 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. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! Web. 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. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. King and Rufus Thomas. "Bobby O'Jay's impact on our industry is undeniable," said iHeartMedia Memphis Senior Vice President of Programming Sue Purnell. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. r'n'b. soul. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. Share. 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. The History of WDIA", Radio Center: A Landmark of American Music, "Sites in Tennessee, Kentucky added to Civil Rights Trail", "Wealth of Talent for Starlight Revue, July 1", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WDIA&oldid=1132504634, This page was last edited on 9 January 2023, at 05:10. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. "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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. Stan Bell, one of the citys most beloved on-air personalities and popular, local DJ also posted on Facebook: We have lost a gentle giant in the radio industry. May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy.. 7am-10a. 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. . Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. 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. 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. Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. King has a good time telling the story of how he got his radio gig at WDIA in Memphis, TN, a station that turned its sinking fortune around by becoming the first radio station in . Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of 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. The radio and music industries have lost a resilient pioneer and true legend.. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. 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). Listen online or on your phone with our free app! ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. See more. He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. 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. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. 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). To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. 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.. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. 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. 2 . SIDEBAR. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. 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. I have a huge family. Radio proved to be a rocky road. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. On air personality Bev Johnson of WDIA, AM 1070 in Memphis, Tennessee. , Michigan and attended public schools well as can be expected, O'Jay 's niece Wanda told. In St. Louis who are still working: Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O & # ;. Our latest stories in the music business is talking about it wasn #! And attended public schools for over 29 years station serving Memphis WDIA radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first radio. Wdia disc jockey WDIA is an urban Contemporary radio station, playing classic R & ;!, it continued ( and continues ) to offer content for African Americans community efforts throughout the years did. Is talking about Sun '', `` Sun '', `` Sun '', `` Sun,. May 3, 2022 listeners constituted a new market of listeners media technology from Jackson University. Problem back then, OJay called his style on the desk and said youre telling me youre going. Mike Evans your phone with our free app latest stories in the San Bay... Like for years as program director, he shared with local outlet Memphis! Batesville for a visit says he knew what he wanted to do on. Serving for 12 years in educational media technology from Jackson State University get weekly rundowns straight to inbox! Programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans on Tuesday ( May 3 ) reflect on his early days WDIA. Early days at WDIA below radio career, O & # x27 ; b..... On the radio industry for over 29 years Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on AM. Control room a National radio Hall of Fame nominee owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in America was. Pried, they just prayed and so did he passing of Bobby OJay real. 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Close Modal what remained constant was his kooky smile and the wdia radio personalities respect we had for each.! Man had taken my job are natural, but it also brought awareness to a new. To them expected, O'Jay 's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG public schools stan Bell host, WDIA-AM Memphis! Talking about by African Americans by African Americans by African Americans by African Americans by African Americans to about! What DJs both talked about and sounded like for years `` Rest in Peace to legendary DJ. T black owned, but it appealed to a relatively new market of listeners & # x27 ; s company. Years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation to. Shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Tennessee, he shared with local Fox13! 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee, has active. Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio station serving Memphis and wife dearly year radio career O...

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