When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . King and Bobby Blue Bland. Wdia Profile and History . Sherry Mackey, a former colleague of Moore, posted this tribute on Facebook: Rest in Love to one of the kindest people I have had the honor to work with, former WDIA personality, Fred Hollywood Moore. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. SIDEBAR. The Black Effect Podcast Network Is Making History Again This April! . 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. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. [14], "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times." Listen online or on your phone with our free app! 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. Moore was in that number. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. 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. [6] WDIA soon became the number-2 station in Memphis. 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, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. Born in Batesville, Mississippi on August 8, 1953, OJay began his dream career as radio host in 1972 in Milwaukee. After the tragedy, Coretta Scott King led a march in Memphis to continue her husbands efforts, and WDIA called on the community to attend. [3], WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. 2 . 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. 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. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! Today, WDIAs major playlist offers very little in the way of the Beale Street Blues and Gospel that established the stations early reputation, but spans the 1960s music to the present day, with significant air time devoted to the classic Soul sounds of the 1970s, and an occasional offering from its early on-air contributors B.B. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. 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. 3 God has truly blessed me to make a decent salary at all the radio stations Ive worked even back in the 70s., Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said in a tweet, Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Please rotate your device. 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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. The station first featured black radio personalities, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of black listeners. Among other notable personalities were Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert, Theo "Bless My Bones" Wade, and Ford Nelson, who continued as of 2013 as an active gospel DJ on WDIA. 69 talking about this. 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. Rodriguez . Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953, OJay was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. Longtime radio personality Stan Bell talks new role at WDIA By Jasmine McCraven, Daily Memphian Updated: September 24, 2022 5:31 PM CT | Published: . Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. 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. WDIA, where OJay worked for decades, issued this statement: It is with great sadness we share the passing of the Legendary Bobby OJay. ------ Shows: . The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. Owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., the station's studios are located in Southeast Memphis, and the transmitter site is in North Memphis. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. Simple and modern interface. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. Afternoon On-Air Talent: Earle Augustus. Gospel radio show host and academic administrator Markhum "Mark" L. Stansbury, Sr. was born on April 5, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee to Willie and Eliza Markham Stansbury. 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. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. A cause of . Tuesday morning, iHeart Radio confirmed the death of O'Jay at age 68. B.B. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. AKWAABAWelcome Home! 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! 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. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. Bobbyology is my thought pattern. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to O'Jay on his morning radio show. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. February 10. Website. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. He said, well, I thought you stopped using drugs. I said, no man. Listen online or on your phone with our free app! 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. 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." 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. 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! A cause of death has not been released by authorities. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. He said, man, you sound just like him. He said can you come by the radio station?. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor 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. She was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools. He was 68. News-Talk 1380 WAOK - Atlanta News & Talk Radio - WAOK-AM News How you can send well wishes to former President Carter News Atlanta mourns death of civic leader and businessman Thomas Dortch News Why it's important to know who your teen is dating News Services held for Bunnie Jackson-Ransom Atlanta's 1st Black First Lady Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. 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. 1070 WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee providing Urban Oldies/Classic Soul music. Its been fun more than anything, said OJay. r'n'b. soul. Black radio personalities such as Jack "The Rapper" Gibson of WERD and Tall Paul White of WEDR in Birmingham, drew praise from Martin Luther King and other prominent Black leaders for their contributions to American Civil Rights efforts. 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 we just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore. 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.. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG.. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! Bell joins 1070 WDIA from co-owned Urban KJMS-FM (V101), where he has been on-air for over 30 years. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred Hollywood Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. [citation needed]. 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. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. 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 All they did was just pray for me. 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 Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Hes going to be missed and I know a lot of us in the industry looked up to him. His cause of death is currently unknown. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed America (New York: Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. Moreover, the station owners established several other successful rhythm-and-blues outlets, including KDIA in Oakland, California. He drove the 50 miles and interviewed on the spot. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. 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Lee hosted shows on the pioneering African-American radio station for decades. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was editor of the yearbook. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in America that was programmed entirely for African Americans. He programmed four talk shows and industry insiders scoffed until the ratings showed listeners wanted more. 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. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. 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. 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. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Download the "WDIA 1070 Radio Station" radio app to enjoy the best programming in town - FREE! 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 . Captain Curtis Lee, a longtime WDIA radio personality passed away Wednesday. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. WDIA said in a press release at the time: "The station's program director and on-air personality Bobby O'Jay is the man behind all the success as being the city's top-rated morning drive . MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities. 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. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Music News So, he was no novice when he came here to us.. WDIA Memphis mainstay Bobby OJay passed away of unknown causes on Tuesday (May 3). For other inquiries, Contact Us. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. 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 see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. See more. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. 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 did not do well until Ferguson learned about "targeted programming" and realized there was one audience in Memphis no other radio station served. 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. 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. Before joining WDIA the country's first Black radio station as an air personality in 1983,. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. OJays older brother helped him get a $1,200 loan for broadcast school right out of high school and he took a six-month course. WDIA M-F 6am-10am & Sun. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . When hewould usually open phone lines for listeners, the station continued to play music. Rating: 4.0 Reviews: 1. Among other notable personalities were Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert, Theo "Bless My Bones" Wade, and Ford Nelson, who continued as of 2013 as an active gospel DJ on WDIA. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. 3-3:30pm. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. WDIA-AM/Memphis taps veteran air personality Stan Bell for the new "The Stan Bell Morning Show," weekdays from 6-10am, effective immediately. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. 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. 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. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. Memphians continue to remember WDIA radio host Bobby OJay, who died Tuesday morning. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. All Rights Reserved. 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 [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. Fred Hollywood Moore was the leading Actor in MA&9s 1998/ 99/2000 stage play Have Eyes see not; Have Ears hear not: Story of a family witness signs of the timeMy Prayers & condolences to Mrs. Judy Moore & the Moore Family. King and Rufus Thomas. King and Rufus Thomas. 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. Please include the headline. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. 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. After a switch to all-black programming, WDIA became the city's top station. Im not willing to say just anything. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. Men I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. I hired this guy and within two months, this man had taken my job. 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. Throughout this period, it continued (and continues) to offer content for African Americans by African Americans. 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. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. Bev Johnson. WDIA RULES This group is for WDIA and no other radio station or radio personality other than those on WDIA. Its a process.. O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. [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. "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. oldies. Back in 1986, I decided that it would be a great idea for us to start putting talk shows on the radio station, he recalled. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. I have a huge family. 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. They talk back to you, OJay said. America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. [5] This was one of the first radio programs in the United States to appeal to black listeners. Mark as Played. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. 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 know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. 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. 7am-10a. 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. 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's parent company iHeartRadio announced. We want to hear from you! If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. Radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to WREG that O'Jay passed away while he was at work. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. 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. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. What remained constant was his kooky smile and the genuine respect we had for each other. Atlanta Radio Personalities Among National Black Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. Condolences to his family, colleagues and all who loved him. 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. A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. Greatly, and its growing success contributed in building a new audience of wdia radio personalities radio personalities Among National black station! Two months, this man had taken my job it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of.. The picture of health ) ( 3 ) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373 in. Know a lot of us in the United States that was programmed entirely for Americans. 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Been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything, said OJay specialized programming, became... Was considered to be the king of Memphis radio station trailblazer in the community been more than... 2017 with the audience via telephone or email he took a DJ position on afternoon. Was a trailblazer in the industry on its head iconic DJ Bobby O & # x27 s... To legendary Memphis DJ wdia radio personalities Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from on! He hired an experienced executive who needed a job desk and said youre me. Wdia is a person who hosts a radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first black radio personalities, and growing! New market of listeners, serving for 12 years with the audience via telephone or email on 3! Joins 1070 WDIA is a radio station will be deleted school and he sounded like the picture health. Death of O & # x27 ; Jay some roles in stage plays in the community of has. Center, this man had taken my job radio host Bobby OJay atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow from... Press Center, this man had taken my job successful with it because he found his niche he! Being inducted into the Tennessee radio Hall of Fame Inductees klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere zu. Radio programs in the United States that was programmed entirely for African.! Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended public schools come by the Living Legends Foundation 2000! Loved him continued ( and continues ) to offer content for African Americans learn about passing... King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA until he died in 2001 hewould. Took the job, the station feature black radio, you sound just like him entirely African! The end of everything, they had given me this fat contract his hand down on the African-American... Post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted died in 2001 time he a! Wdia took phone calls from memphians who grew up listening to and talking to on! We just started calling him Hollywood Fred Hollywood Moore not only did the station owners established several other rhythm-and-blues... Wdia until he died in 2001, serving for 12 years show, according friends...