MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – One of Memphis’ most celebrated radio personalities, DJ Bobby O’Jay, has died.
Known as the king of Memphis radio, Bobby O’Jay was the program director and morning DJ host of the “Fun Morning Show” at IHeartMedia’s WDIA.
O’Jay has been with WDIA since 1983, celebrating his 39th work anniversary this year.
Action News 5 spoke with O’Jay in May 2021 about his legacy.
He was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in July of 2021.
O’Jay’s cause of death is currently unknown.
WREG was first to speak with O’Jay’s niece, Wanda Thomas, who said the family is in shock.
“We’re doing as well as can be expected,” Thomas said. “We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. It’s a process.”
O’Jay was born in Batesville, Mississippi in 1953 and got his first start in the radio business in Montgomery, Alabama before joining WDIA in Memphis in 1983.43 car break-ins reported at 2 SE Memphis businesses
Thomas said O’Jay came from a family of nine brothers and sisters with O’Jay being the youngest brother.
“He was our ‘I want to be just like him when I get grown.’ He was our celebrity,” Thomas said. “Our chain has definitely been broken. My fond memories is what’s going to keep us, get us through this time.”WREG Newsletters: Get news in your inbox
In 2018, WDIA said in a press release:
“The stations 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 program.”
O’Jay, who was known as the “King of Memphis radio,” was also inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021 and nominated for the National Radio Hall of Fame. He was also honored by iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018.