- US radio icon Bobby O’Jay dies just before his morning show
- Beloved WDIA and ‘King of Memphis radio’ host Bobby O’Jay passed away Tuesday at the age of 68.
- He was at the radio station ready to start his daily show
American radio icon Bobby O’Jay dies just before his morning show. His sudden death has the entire community dismayed and people flood social networks to pay tribute to the renowned voice.
Beloved WDIA and ‘King of Memphis radio’ host Bobby O’Jay passed away Tuesday at the age of 68 while at the radio station getting ready to start his daily show.
Radio Icon Bobby O’jay Dies Just Before His Show
This Tuesday, May 3, the microphone did not open as usual at 9 in the morning to make Bobby O’Jay’s voice resonate. Instead, the radio only played music. The sad news of his death was later confirmed by his family, who were just as shocked as the hundreds of fans waiting to hear it this morning.
“We’re doing as well as can be expected,” Wanda Thomas, the host’s niece, told WREG. “We just heard it this morning, you know, and it sounded like the picture of health. It’s a process,” she added of O’Jay’s unexpected death, saying his family is still in shock.
“He was our ‘I want to be like him when I grow up.’ He was our celebrity,” Thomas said, adding that the presenter was the youngest in a family of nine siblings. “Our chain has definitely been broken. My good memories is what will keep us going, will help us get through this moment.”
Bobby died Tuesday morning while he was at work, radio host Bev Johnson confirmed to the local media. He also added that O’Jay opened the radio slot at 9 am, but today the station was only playing music. For now, the cause of O’Jay’s sudden death is unknown.
O’jay’s Sudden Death
After hearing the news, his followers ran to social networks to express their regret. “Local legendary DJ – Bobby O’Jay has passed away – prayer for a Memphis legend… it was sudden – he was on the radio this morning,” one fan tweeted. “Rest in peace legendary Memphis DJ Bobby O’Jay. God bless his family, friends, and co-workers”, “I am really surprised to hear about Bobby O’Jay. He will definitely be missed in the Memphis community.”
Also, the politicians of the city paid tribute. “I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Bobby O’Jay. I know that for many Memphis people, including my wife, the day wasn’t complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. Always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland wrote on Twitter .
A Great Loss For The Community.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris recalled how Bobby filled city dwellers’ mornings. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of legendary Memphis radio host Bobby O’Jay, who passed away today. For many of us, our mornings weren’t complete without a dose of Bobbyology. He will be truly missed. He will truly be missed,” he wrote on social media.
“Memphis lost a member of the radio hall of fame in Bobby O’Jay, who died today. An icon of the legendary WDIA, he was a fixture in the community lending his talents to a multitude of community events. Thank you for the greetings and friendship,” Rep. Steve Cohen wrote on social media, while Rep. Antonio Parkinson added, “This is not just a loss for us as a city in Memphis, but a loss for all of us in the community. nationally, those of us in black music and radio and those of us who saw it.”
“Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. offers his deepest condolences to the family and friends of legendary Memphis DJ Bobby O’Jay, who passed away today,” the police Twitter account read. local.
O’Jay was considered a pioneer of black radio in the United States. He has worked at WDIA since 1983, where he was the host of programs such as the “Fun Morning Show”. For his extensive and recognized career in the medium, O’Jay was inducted into the 2021 Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. Radio icon Bobby O’Jay dies just before his show From Him.
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.
