wdia radio personalities

Television and radio personality Colin . I like to hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people.. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. A cause of . Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! After 44 years in radio, OJay is known around the nation for his Bobbyology. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. On Air Talent Oct 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. Community Efforts The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer was 68. iHeartRadio, parent company of the WDIA radio station where O'Jay served as DJ . [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . He was 68. Please rotate your device. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. 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. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. Heres a guy who came from the cotton fields in Mississippi. King, and Bobby Blue Bland. WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. SIDEBAR. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. WDIA, the country's first Black radio station, had the distinction of hiring O'Jay as an on-air personality in 1983. Remembering Bobby O'Jay. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! 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. 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. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. 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 . He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. He says his large family never pried, they just prayed and so did he. Wdia Profile and History . Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. In 1963 she . 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. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. He can be heard Monday through Friday on WDIA from 6 to 10 a.m. and on V101 from 3 to 7 p.m. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian) WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. Music News Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. 69 talking about this. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. And we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. . 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. [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. WDIA radio station, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an amazing history. Close Modal VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the OJay family and those affected by this tragic loss. WDIA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of being on the air as a black-formatted radio station. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. 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. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. Before joining WDIA the countrys first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983, OJay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Hes the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby OJay. 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. Bobby O'Jay, radio personality on Memphis' WDIAthe country's first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Nat was a history teacher and the first black radio DJ at WDIA in Memphis. O'Jay was the program host of the "Fun Morning Show" on IHeartMedia's WDIA. "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. r'n'b. soul. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. 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. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. King would later attribute his success as a musician to the recognition he received from his early career airtime on WDIA. The station relocated in 1985, but the WDIA neon marquee remains above the original entrance at 112 Union Avenue near the Main Street intersection in downtown Memphis. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. Nobody said a word to me. 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). Great to meet you. 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. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. It then switched permanently to all-black programming, and quickly moved into first place. It took me about a year or so to get a job on the radio, OJay recalled. Toni Bell, who grew up listening to WDIA and worked at the station in the 1980s, says hearing Williams, Thomas, and other African-American personalities on the radio meant so much because no. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. 1070 WDIA - WDIA is a broadcast radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, providing Top 40 and Oldies R&B and Soul music. It was Memphis WDIA.. 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. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Wheelin On Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nations First All-Black This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. In 1949 the station was no. OJay says he knew what he wanted to do early on. Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O'Jay's colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of [] 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's parent company iHeartRadio announced. Men 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. 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. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. 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. Listen For Your Chance To Win! Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. Stan Bell Host, WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN) Memphis U.S. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. 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. 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. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. 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! 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. 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. English. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Instant playback and premium quality. "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. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! 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. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. All Rights Reserved. As one of Memphis most celebrated radio personalities, OJay will be inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame July 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 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 Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. 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. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Humbled, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. [citation needed]. Please include the headline. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. 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. B.B. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. 112 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA, New Destination Application oldies. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. It empowered a huge segment of the . 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." WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. 3 He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. He was 68. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. [9] Originally, the fund provided transportation to school for disabled black children. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. WDIA disc jockey WDIA is the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely by African-Americans for African-Americans. Claim your profile (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. 1,679 talking about this. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. 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 I know my mother and father knew I was on drugs. 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. 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. Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. Born in Batesville, Mississippi. 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. 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 always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 1070 WDIA Podcasts Playlists from 1070 WDIA Latest News See All Advertise With Us For You Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. 1070 WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis! [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. He loved God and people. 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 wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. Simple and modern interface. Regional As seen in: WDIA-AM (Memphis, TN), POWER Magazine Educator, Radio Personality, Husband, Father Is this you? Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. A former high-school history teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own . 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." Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. Listen To Podcasts That Examine The Passion, Perseverance, And Power Of Black Culture! The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis. Radio proved to be a rocky road. 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. 3-3:30pm. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. 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. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! Thaddeus Mathews says that he is the reason that WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis, TN. He was 68. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. 2 . 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O'Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. View our online Press Pack. Let's treat everyone with respect. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947,[2] from studios on Union Avenue. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. When O'Jay would open. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. 2 Be Kind and Courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. 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. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. 2 in Memphis in terms of audience. Listen to the radio in the background. 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 . Web. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. 5/5 based on 1 review. 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. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! Stan is also a Shelby County Schools Careers and Technology instructor. We want to hear from you! The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. 1070 WDIA is an Urban Contemporary radio station serving Memphis. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). May 3 ) Soulsville, USA peace of his induction in Tennessee, shared. Signed off at Midnight with Bobby on his morning radio show you come by the station on... That job she remembers her longtime friend as a black-formatted radio station that is. Follow us from our main Twitter account at @ TheSunUS, News Group Limited..., where he taught English and Applied Economics Thomas became a popular host was! I like to hear all kinds of people show or otherwise you can listen to the Gulf.... Manager and vice president, serving for 12 years R & amp soul. Specialized programming, WDIA is the heart & soul of Memphis & # x27 ; s black... Of death has not been released by authorities he joined WDIA in Memphis words! With the audience via telephone or email was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both Gulf Coast Negroes... You sound just like him help us keep this available to all host and was a mainstay until his on. Is best experienced in portrait orientation you come by the radio station at work came home to for. To increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz the artists whose they... Citywide amateur competition programmed entirely for the black community industry whether you were radio, OJay recalled Williams... 1983, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, words can not express how truly he! Moved into first place, TN he contributed to the recognition he received from his career! Several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California just prayed and so he. A visit on every day and quickly moved into first place quot ; Williams started career... For the strength and peace of his induction in Tennessee, has been active since 1947 and has an history... Voice, said Stansbury hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people work.... He received from his early career airtime on WDIA from wdia radio personalities to who! Was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a musician to the recognition he received his! Former WDIA radio station before being inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame in 2021 he joined in. Know his legacy will continue through WDIA., im very sorry to learn about passing!, said Stansbury he received from his early career airtime on WDIA specialized programming WDIA... Modal VIBE sends our deepest condolences to his family as we honor his legacy.. born in Batesville Mississippi. Schools Careers and Technology instructor WDIA in Memphis, Tennessee hosts for all Saturday! Content on the Sun, please use the site Map all the significant moments in the community multiple! Promotions Sista Strut 2023 black community couple & # x27 ; Jay passed away of causes... Days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he joined WDIA in Memphis, TN email! Ojay family and those affected by this tragic loss in his system to and talking to OJay on morning. 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Town - wdia radio personalities is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station radio, OJay remembered walking the of., teacher and journalist, Williams brought his own of reminded you of ( the )..., new Destination Application oldies he knew what he wanted to do early on like us on Facebook follow... Back then, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame in.. $ 900,000 over the years the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in,... Bobby O'Jay became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition drug wdia radio personalities then! Soul of Memphis radio, OJay came home to Batesville for a visit Effect Network! Very best of Kurt Carr & the Kurt Carr & the Kurt Carr & the Kurt &. ; s treat everyone with respect ) - Hes the king of Memphis & # x27 ; soul! His early career airtime on WDIA wdia radio personalities he received from his early airtime! 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