How old is Bobby OJAY on WDIA?

WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby O’Jay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). He was 68. Before joining WDIA — the country’s first Black radio station — as an air personality in 1983, O’Jay launched his radio career in 1972 in Milwaukee.

Did Bobby OJAY pass away?

MEMPHIS, Tenn — Last Tuesday, longtime DJ for WDIA and a man who was both described as a staple and a champion to the Memphis community, Bobby O’Jay passed away at the age of 68. On Saturday, World Overcomers Church joined O’Jay’s wife and six children in mourning the loss while honoring his memory.

Where is Bobby OJAY from?

Bobby O’Jay, radio personality on Memphis’ WDIA—the country’s first Black radio station—has died at the age of 68. His cause of death is currently unknown. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, O’Jay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee.

Who is Bobby OJAY?

The WDIA DJ died Tuesday at the age of 68. His cause of death hasn’t been released. O’Jay’s career spanned nearly four decades on America’s first Black radio station, and he was one of the most familiar voices on the air in Memphis. Just last year, his career took him to another level in history.

What happened to Bobby OJAY show?

Veteran Memphis radio personality Bobby O’Jay dead at 68 The Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer and WDIA DJ and program director was 68. WDIA’s parent company iHeartRadio announced the news of his passing Tuesday afternoon. No cause of death was given. O’Jay had been on the air Tuesday hosting his morning show.

What year was Bobby Ojay born?

O’Jay, born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, was known as the “King of Memphis radio.” He was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021 and nominated for the National Radio Hall of Fame. iHeartMedia Memphis honored him in 2018.

When was WDIA founded?

History. WDIA went on the air June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue. The owners, John Pepper and Bert Ferguson, were both white, and the format was a mix of country and western and light pop, as well as “homemaker shows”, network shows and block programming that included soap operas and classical music.

How did Bobby OJAY pass?

Tuesday morning, just before 9 a.m. when the phone lines are open, WDIA Program Director Bobby O’Jay fell unconscious during his show. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack.

Who is Bobby OJAY wife?

Bobby O’Jay’s wife is Kim Ojayrleda. Bobby O’Jay was aged 68 when he died on May 3rd, 2022. The reason for his death remains to be established. Bev Johnson is a popular radio host and confirmed that he died.

Who owns WDIA Memphis?

iHeartMediaWDIA / Owner

What was the most powerful black radio station in Memphis?

WDIA was the nation’s first radio station that catered to a Black audience. More than just a radio station, WDIA was the heart that pumped life into the very soul of Memphis.

Was Bobby Ojay married?

Bobby Ojay Wife, Kids He married to time first wife Sharon died in 2017 then he again remarried Kim but he has children with his first wife only. His kids’ names are Bonita, Joshua, Kacey, Joey, Chandi, and Nicholas.

What is the significance of the WDIA radio station?

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.

Which disc jockey was the first to play music for an all black audience out of Memphis TN?

An Untapped Memphis Audience When it became clear that African Americans could hear 50 percent of WDIA’s signal, WDIA hired the South’s first Black disc jockey. The Tan Town Jamboree program hosted by Nat D. Williams propelled WDIA to the second most popular radio station in Memphis.