Bobby Ojay, whose name resonates with radio enthusiasts and fans of soulful music, was a renowned radio personality who made a lasting impact on the airwaves.
With a distinctive voice and a passion for music, he carved out a niche for himself in the world of radio broadcasting.
Tragically, Bobby Ojay passed away on May 3, 2022, at the age of 68. His death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, colleagues, and friends.
He left behind a void in the world of radio and a legacy of soulful sounds that will continue to resonate with music lovers for generations to come.
In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Bobby Ojay, celebrating his contributions to the field of entertainment.
Who Was Bobby O'Jay?
Bobby O'Jay was a well-known DJ and the King of Memphis radio.
Bobby was born Joe Louis Jones.
In 1972, he made his professional debut in Montgomery, Alabama, and in February 1983, he landed his dream position.
He drew millions of listeners by discussing his personal life and issues near to his heart.
O'Jay was nominated for induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
He was one of Memphis' most recognized radio voices, having spent nearly four decades on America's first black radio station, WDIA.
Bobby's radio job allowed him to interview celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, Whitney Houston, Rufus Thomas, Johnny Cochran, and others.
In 2015, he assisted WDIA in being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.
WDIA was America's first radio station that only broadcast African-American programming.
It also gave authority to a large segment of the people that had gone unnoticed until the late 1940s.
Tan Town Jamboree, WDIA's initial radio show, became well-known among listeners.
In 1949, A.C. Williams, the station's first full-time African employee, hosted the show.
How Did Bobby O'Jay Die?
He died on May 3, 2022, at the age of 68. Until today, the cause of death has remained unknown.
Bev Johnson, a radio personality, confirmed the report, saying that O'Jay died while at work. Wanda Thomas, O'Jay's niece, stated that his family is in shock. She said,
“We're doing about as well as one might hope. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded perfectly fine. It's a procedure.”
Bobby's cause of death was not disclosed at the time of his death.
Although no reason for his death was provided at the time, numerous tributes flooded in for the late presenter.
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland remarked on Twitter, “I'm very sorry to learn about Bobby O'Jay's passing.”
“I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say.”
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Tennessee state lawmaker Antonio Parkinson also expressed his condolences on Twitter, writing, “We pray for the family and mourn the passing of radio icon Bobby O'Jay.”
“Bobby O'Jay is Black Radio history and has forged many spaces that others hadn't while creating opportunities for many of the success that we've seen in both radio and black music.”
His wife Sharon and his six children, Bonita, Kacey, Chandi, Joey, Nicholas, and Joshua, survive him.
