wdia radio personalities

May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy.. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. These days, he eats vegan and looks back with appreciation, hoping to further WDIAs image as a goodwill station. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. 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. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. 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. 29 Apr. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Music News 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. O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. 69 talking about this. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. 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. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. 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. O'Jay often shared his life on-air with his late wife, Sharon. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You I have eight brothers and sisters. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 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. Scruggs played a major role in organizing the foundation and raising money to preserve the Lorraine Motel and found the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. He explained to Action News 5 last year he wasnt willing to just say anything. [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. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. King and Rufus Thomas. 20072023 Blackpast.org. Nobody said a word to me. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. King and Rufus Thomas. The WDIA Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering . He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. 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. And I got a phone call, he remembered. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. 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. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. 2 . Radio proved to be a rocky road. B.B. I started opening the phone lines on my show in the morning for people to respond to things, all kinds of things, about kids and relationships and politics, and all the things going on in the world that affect our lives. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. Music legends such as B.B. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 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. 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 disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. Just a high school graduate, but Ive managed to work at some of the biggest radio stations in America. A cause of . 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. r'n'b. soul. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. It was Memphis WDIA.. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. 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 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 . ------ Shows: . As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. 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. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. Great to meet you. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. 5/5 based on 1 review. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Men He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. He broke a lot of records. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. 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. In 1963 she . Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. oldies. 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. 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. 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. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen Bobby and I were always on opposite sides of the desk. It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. 3-3:30pm. 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. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. 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. Bev Johnson. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. 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After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. The 12-year-old would turn the radio dial and listen to what DJs both talked about and sounded like for years. Listen to the radio in the background. 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.". A segue to an on-air gig in Montgomery, Alabama, was followed by a return to Milwaukee prior to landing at WDIA, where he also served as program director, During the course of his estimable tenure at the station, OJay interviewed a whos who in Black music and culture, including Whitney Houston, Muhammad Ali and Temptations members David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. 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. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. Website. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. He was 68. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. In 1949 the station was no. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. 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 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. 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. 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. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. 2 Be Kind and Courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. 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. I have a huge family. Thaddeus Mathews says that he is the reason that WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis, TN. It featured black radio personalities and its black listeners constituted a new market for radio advertisers. May 3, 2022 WDIA. His cause of death is currently unknown. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application 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. Wdia Profile and History . The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. (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. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. 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.. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. They talk back to you, OJay said. 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. OJay was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. 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). MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. Let's treat everyone with respect. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. 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. Lee hosted shows on the air, he remembered entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans A.C. says! Jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund is dedicated to helping and empowering WDIA is a radio station playing... We & # x27 ; Jay passed away while he was on the desk and said youre telling youre! Community efforts throughout the years, '' A.C. Williams says said Johnson was on the air on 7. To be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, explained... Entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans a kind and Courteous we & # x27 ; s shows 1070... 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