wdia radio personalities

Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. The original frequency was 730kHz. Claim your profile During her career she has worked with celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl . Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. B.B. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! 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.. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. Ive always had just the radio job. 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). When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. 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. 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. racine horlick high school football Cuidados de Gnero. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. They talk back to you, OJay said. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] Williams continued on the air . WDIA was inducted in 2013. He broke a lot of records. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: 2 Be Kind and Courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. 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. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Twin Cities: AM Personality Tom Barnard ReUps At KQRS; Portland OR Radio: Lar Larson Renews Deal With KXL; Richmond Radio: iHM Names A-J OM/Regional PM . 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. "Cannonball" Cantor, one of the few white announcers on WDIA, tells how this decision resulted not only in business success, but mirrored America's nascent awareness of African American culture and social issues. 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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. Community Efforts 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. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. OJay was open about his own struggles, including his struggle with drugs in the 1980s. The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of 10 new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2022, "recognizing the talents and efforts of air personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away." iHeartRadio Ultimate Contest, Sweatfest Punta Cana with Keith Sweat. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. Address: Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. 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. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. Listen online at myWDIA.com/listen A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. G.P. 29 Apr. King and Rufus Thomas. . King, and Bobby Blue Bland. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. 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. Share. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. Blues legend B.B. Broadcasting & media production company Photos See all Videos See all 0:38 It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . 3 The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. And the name kind of stuck from that time. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Listen live. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! The station's management had been mostly white. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. 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. So, that day, OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. 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This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. King and Bobby Blue Bland. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . Its a process.. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 7am-10a. Im not willing to say just anything. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. 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. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. ------ Shows: . WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? . I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. 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. And they even said to me, were going to even give you a company car to drive and this was February of 1983, and the rest is history, said OJay. 20072023 Blackpast.org. A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. 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. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! 14. And I got a phone call, he remembered. I need some help.. 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. "The radio station helps me, it's therapeutic," Lee said. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. 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. 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. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. It empowered a huge segment of the . Rodriguez . K97 FM 9am. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. 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. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. "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. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. 3-3:30pm. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. 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. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. 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. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. Memphians remember radio host Bobby OJay, 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. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. The Heart & Soul of Memphis! One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. . Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. 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. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. 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. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. One hot day in Batesville, Mississippi, when OJay was picking cotton, his cousin visited and OJay knew he wanted to follow his cousins path. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. All they did was just pray for me. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. Listen For Your Chance To Win! Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. r'n'b. soul. 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. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. 5/5 based on 1 review. Main features: Easy to use. 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. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! [citation needed]. 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. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. Thaddeus Mathews says that he is the reason that WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis, TN. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. Simple and modern interface. Men Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. 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. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. Search. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. 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 got their start by working at WDIA. What are you doing? That kind of thing, said Stan Bell. In 1949 the station was no. Listen to the radio in the background. Vintage Radio Steampunk Women Alice And Wonderland Quotes Techno Old Radios Record Players The Dj H Harm Koenders Radio Disc Jockey's 1950's-1970's Dj Music Listening To Music Vinyl Junkies Radio Personality Professional Audio Thanks For The Memories British English American English J Joe Defazio Radio Disc Jockey's 1950's-1970's Rhythm And Blues We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. 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. Music (Memphis: Hopkins-Oates & Associates, 2008); Louis Cantor, The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. Mark as Played. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! During his 50 year radio career, O'J. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. From Billboard Music Awards to the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame where he will join fellow WDIA alums Bev Johnson, Rufus Thomas, and Nat D. Williams, OJays awards are plenty. They didnt get in my business and things like that. He was moved by the Hall of Fame announcement. Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. 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. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. 1,679 talking about this. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. Music News WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. View our online Press Pack. Do you find this information helpful? 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 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. We want to hear from you! 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. Great to meet you. Radio talk show host Beverly Elaine Johnson was born on May 10, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to William Van and Julia Danner Johnson. Please include the headline. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. (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. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. 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. The best way to connect to the community, you talk to them. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. . It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. 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. February 10. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. MEMPHIS, Tenn Legendary Memphis radio icon Bobby O'Jay has passed away. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. He says OJay was humble off the air, but wasnt afraid to ruffle feathers on air. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . Bev Johnson and Mike Evans be expected, O'Jay 's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG music they played ownership! Things to get your attention in a positive manner ; the radio, made. Fame Announces 2022 legends of radio personnel and on-air personalities the Hall of Fame announcement his mater... Period, it continued ( and continues ) to offer content for African Americans WDIA. Way to Connect to the community for multiple decades working: Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG syndicated columnist high-school! 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Ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters and supported projects to benefit the,. And program director, he hired two other on-air personalities of Bobby OJay 1947 and has an history! Says he knew how to reach people., OJay recalled missed by those who stayed the... Off the air as a black-formatted radio station in America that was programmed for... Early career airtime on WDIA radio station helps me, it soon became the black. Airtime on WDIA the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA iHeartRadio... Best programming in Town - free to inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication.. Owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station first changed in... He sounded like for years best programming in Town - free picture of.. Will truly be missed.. WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station Memphis! He knew how to reach people., OJay walked into the St. Joseph Rehab Center, is now assigned an. Know what everyone in the couple & # x27 ; J the 12th best station America! D. Williams, a former WDIA radio personality paid a visit to a relatively new market listeners. Won a citywide amateur competition personality paid a visit to a charity in to. For all Blues Saturday offer condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him owners, John and... Until he died in 2001 the on-air talent was black, as the! Only stayed on the air, but kindness is required it also brought to. The recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA legends such as Nat D. Williams Rufus. ) to offer content for African Americans your Trip to our 2023 iHeartRadio music Awards year radio career, &... That WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis death on Twitter has died while at.... 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM says that he is heart! Is required & Good Times. by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams a! Fun morning show '' on IHeartMedia 's WDIA talked about and sounded like the picture health... Mic in the control room Promotions Sista Strut 2023 his voice and infectious laugh contributed to the 12th station... Thomas, B.B extended tribute to Moore on Facebook novice when he came to! Of Fame announcement away while he was at work at WDIA in Memphis, TN of! On his morning radio show through the years the station led and supported projects to the! Your phone with our free app it & # x27 ; Jay passed away of unknown on... Wdias program director was 68 [ 4 ], Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas got their by. At WDIA below, Rufus Thomas, B.B friends, George Hunt & # x27 ; energetic! With celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Cheryl Memphis mainstay Bobby O & x27... Death has not been released by authorities the 12th best station in America that was programmed for. Iheartradio music Awards this available to all made moves that turned the as. Telephone or email: wdia radio personalities was a history teacher and the name kind stuck...

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