Thursday
Jan022020
In Memorium: Don Imus 1940-2019
Thursday, January 2, 2020 
Imus broadcast his first program from New York City back in 1971. His life journey has by some accounts been arduous, by other accounts a freak parade, and by still others as a matter for a RICO investigation. It began out in the great American West, California and Arizona, and eventually would make its way on across the country to Ohio and New York.
Imus was born in Riverside, California. Ranching was the family business and he was actually raised on a big cattle spread called the Willows near Kingman, Arizona. Don recalls that period of his childhood fondly and his familiar cowboy persona is completely legitimate. His irascibility appears to be equally legitimate, influenced by more than a few hard knocks along the way. If he revels in the agony of others, as he jokes, it may just be because he’s had a little of that himself. His parents divorced when Don was fifteen, he changed schools frequently, got arrested after a school yard fight, won election in secondary school as class president and was impeached, and, at seventeen, was pushed by his mother to join the marine corps as the best strategy to keep him out of jail. While it all added up to what Imus himself has described as a fairly horrible adolescence, it also disproves a theory that he actually had no parents and instead spawned spontaneously in dust clots behind the Laundromat dryers where one day he would seek shelter. When did all of these events unfold? It doesn’t really matter. And why annoy Don by asking?
Despite the occasional rough patch, Imus did spend a full twelve years in public school and emerged with no formal education…a product of automatic social promotion not even casually tied to merit. He graduated with no honors and no skills, a rare stroke of luck because a broadcasting career required neither. Difficulty continued to dog Imus after his school days: his undistinguished, infraction blotched stretch in the marines, onerous labor in a Superior, Arizona copper mine and a Grand Canyon uranium mine where an accident left him with both legs broken. There was work as a freight brakeman on the Southern Pacific railroad and a back injury suffered in an engine derailment and at one point the indignities of homelessness, hitching, being flat broke. Better, and worse days were to come. This quintessential American and often challenging personal passage materially defined Imus, instilling him with humility, a deep respect for our country and its workers, and a disturbing need to get even. He emerged from the experience with attributes that contributed enormously to the broadcasting distinction he would realize: an intrinsic, conspicuous authenticity, and a unique ability to connect with real people who work hard, serve their country, and care passionately about what really matters in the world.
Once Imus began broadcasting, fame and acclaim came quickly. He was showered with the laurels of radio celebrity including inductions into both the National Association of Broadcasters and radio halls of fame. He was the recipient of four Marconi awards, broadcasting’s equivalent of Hollywood’s Oscars. It got to the point that he would throw this or that slab of walnut with crystal crap glued to it against the wall of his office as a convenient means of intimidating horrified underlings. He was featured on television programs from NBC’s “Today” show to CBS’ “60 Minutes.” He was a guest of Charlie Rose, David Letterman, and of special note, Larry King, in shameless, mutual ass-kissing marathons that challenged the audience's gag reflex.
Don and Deirdre continue to run the Imus Ranch Foundation donating to other worthy causes helping children with cancer, autism and all the environmental health problems with our children. Don has raised hundred of millions of dollars for the Tomorrows Children’s Fund, CJ foundation for SIDS, Hackensack University Medical Center and America’s Veterans.
Reader Comments (562)
Since hid departure from his radio program I have missed his logic and humor.
He really made me laugh.
My deepest condolences to the whole family.
He’s giving so freely to those in need made him so loved.
God Bless Don Imus . A funny, smart man . I was a loyal listener, that learned so much about all this from listening to him and his crew. The Twitter was as spot on . I will truly miss him . Thank goodness for U tube . Your family is in my prayers.
A fan for years. He was remarkable. Talented and smart. Not always lovable, but loved. Condolences that he and you didn’t have more time together.
Wow! Could not believe what I was hearing. My condolences to Deiredra, Waytt and all of the Imus Family and friends. The IMan is, was and forever will be irreplaceable. He was a pioneer and I loved listening to him when Moby Worm , Geraldo Santana Banana and the gang were on his show right up until he retired. Rest in peace you have earned it. God Bless Imus and the entire Imus family. My son has heard some of his bits but will never know the genius that the IMan was.
Very sorry for your loss, Imus family. I live in CT and have been listening to him since the early 90's when my father would listen to him in the car. I followed him from WFAN/MSNBC to WABC/Fox Business (sorry, never got the RFD channel). It was sad when he retired and I still have not found a good replacement for him. There will be nobody else like him. He was so entertaining to listen to and I learned a lot. I loved that he spoke to politicians on both sides of the aisle. I donated to his telethons. I bought his cleaner. I visited his store that used to be at Mohegan Sun. I still drink out of a Imus mug every morning. I will miss him. My condolences.
I guess I fell for Mr Imus because I am from New Mexico. I left NM to work in DC for Pete Domenici. Loved when he was on the show. Visited the store in Santa Fe and loved the salsa. Been with you a long time. I have missed Mr Imus since he left the air. Enjoyed his posts on Twitter. Wondered why we never heard from Deidre after the retirement. So pleased for the success of Wyatt and Zach. My condolences for your loss. I feel certain since he “loved the baby Jesus”, all is well . God blessings on you all.
I was in my synagogue in Great Neck, NY with his favorite Plastic Surgeons when I heard the news. I mentioned the news to the Dr. and he had already heard the news but he summed it up perfectly when all he said with a sad look on his face: "he was a great man and I am going to miss him". I listened to the I-Man every morning for as long as I can remember. I listened to him on WFAN and WABC and loved watching him on MSNBC, when I could still stand that channel. He made me laugh and cry and think and made my drives in NY traffic more than bearable. I am so very sorry for your loss and god bless.
First of all my condolences on your loss. I'm am really so sorry. We all lost a great man. I think l listened to Don almost from the beginning. He mad me laugh...very hard at times. There are so many things i want to say but most of all I loved him. I thought I missed him when he retired....but this hurts so bad and I'm just a listener. I know he just posted about how much he misses Fred. They are together again. Much love to you his family. Again I am so sorry for your loss.
Love ya' I-Man.. Rest in Peace.. For many years you got me through rough times where I was isolated and I will forever be grateful for your presence on this earth. The first worst day of my life is when you went off FOX, the second worst day of my life was on the 27th when you passed, and the third worst day of my life was my Dad hanging himself on my birthday. You will be forever remembered as a Legend (understatement).
I got up early before work, to hear Don and Bernard. I miss his show,
and sorry for your loss. I have never cared about celebrities, but Imus was just
different. Sorry your son, lost his dad so young. That stinks.
I’m so sorry to
Hear about the IMan. I have listened to him for the past 25 years. My best to you and Wyatt.
I lived in CT in 2000-2001 and loved Imus in the Morning from the first time I heard it. Such a joy to hear a free voice in our world controlled by the political correctness police. The voices of Don and Warner talked me through the horror of 9/11 as I sat in my car waiting for a flight at Whiteplains airport, a day which showed the true compasion on the man. On returning to the UK I had to make do with listening to the daily podcasts of the show, but I remained a loyal fan until his eventual retirement. He assembled a great team around him, but nobody ever quite replicated the majic of Don and Charles. “Sissy cancer” and “You’ve Just Gotta Eat” were two of the funniest things Ive ever heard on the radio - thank you Don for sharing the majic. RIP my cowboy friend.
Steve, Somerset, England
RIP old cowboy ....DJ of all DJ/s.....thanks for your humorous way of bringing us mostly the truth....Hope you and Fred are together again ....Happy Trails to you....
I learned about Imus in the early 90's. It was rare that I missed a broadcast. Imus influenced me in many ways...I hope you've heard from Charles.
God speed, Iman! You will be missed. Bless you for all the good you've done. And for your great humor!
My sympathies to family on the passing of Imus. I started out my working day with the Imus show and I had so many laughs. Great entertainment and informative too. I throughly enjoyed him. Deidre, you and Imus were so funny together. You all cracked me up. Imus was a great humanitarian as well. Rest In Peace, Imus. Your suffering is gone and keep the laughs going in heaven.
Thanks for your controversial style and stright forward persona..already miss Imus in the Morning...gonna miss you more now..
Wyatt and Deidre I am thinking of you all at the loss of the Iman. He made my drive to work entertaining. He was always thankful to get Wyatt's tiedown photos from me and I was glad he used them on FBN in the morning. Continued prayers. He was one of a kind.
Imus was a friend I never met; yet I miss his voice. I miss reading his words and hearing his thoughts on life. I have respected Imus and his intellectual mind and wit for many years. I lost my son to suicide in 2012. Colton was a SGT in the Army and battled PTSD following his combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. I listened to Imus on my daily commute to work and then streamed his program when I got to work. His voice gave me respite from the stress of life and the grief over the loss of my son. When Imus spoke about the tragedy of veteran suicide and the struggles our veterans face; he was heartfelt and true.
The morning Imus signed off the radio, was also the same morning radio died. There is nothing on the radio (entertainment) that compares to his brilliance. I’m sorry for your loss.
Condolences to the Imus family! I grew up listen from my mother’s alarm clock in the late 70’s until 2018!
My father was a part of introducing me to the great Don Imus, while riding in the car with him and listening to WNBC in the eighties. This continued for me later while I was commuting to school and work during the WFAN era. It was the best listening to Don leading the ensemble that included Charles, Bernard, Lou, Rob and Larry. Then in the years later following the television simulcasts on MSNBC, RFD-TV and FOX Business (and commute-listening on WABC). My dad and I continued to enjoy the show on radio and television for many years.
Some of the highlights of this time for me was The Auto Body Express with his brother, Fred. I always enjoyed the coffee, chips/salsa and knowing that it contributed to all the wonderful things Don and family were doing at the Imus Ranch in NM.
I’m also grateful to have had a chance to briefly meet Don and Fred during a book signing for Two Guys, Four Corners at Mohegan Sun in CT.
Listening to the brilliant,1200 Hamburgers To Go on CD.
Other things I will also remember about Don Imus. His numerous contributions on all levels to make make life better for others, from children to veterans.
His acute sense of finding the best in music and print and always sharing it with others to experience.
For speaking his mind and just telling it the way it is.
And finally, his laugh. Whether the humor was directed at him or to others. That laugh was a gift that made the world a better place. When Don laughed we all laughed along with him.
Many thanks for everything that he has provided to all of us and accomplished in his life.
Condolences to all of Don’s family and friends. RIP Don and God speed.
Sincere condolences to Deirdre and Wyatt and the rest of Imus' family. You all saved his life and kept him with us all this time, and for that we are grateful.
During his final radio broadcast on March 29. 2018, Imus said he was "going to do one more big thing" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elN9kui78TY - I hope that you get to do that one big thing now - whether it's a book, a Netflix or HBO film, a scholarship, an annual fundraiser in his name - people need to remember him and all the good that he did.
I will always be grateful to Don Imus for first stoking my interest in current events as a teenager. I was in high school from 2003-06 and listened to sports radio shows on WFAN. I'd hear the promos for Imus in the Morning but didn't understand the references to politics -- but I understood that the show was irreverent and humorous. At first I paid no attention, but eventually my curiosity led me to log onto the WFAN website. I recall seeing that in one day, Imus in the Morning included interviews with Mike Wallace, James Baker and George H.W. Bush -- I was amazed that such a radio show included such distinguished guests, and that indeed, their participation was not conventionally dry and boring. I was soon hooked and remained a listener through 2018. I'll always remember being in college in 2007 and setting an alarm for 6AM so that I could listen to the return of the show.
Especially at its peak, Imus in the Morning was a uniquely important part of public discourse in the United States. I'm sure I speak for all Imus listeners when I note that there is no present-day equivalent, nor could any such program comfortably exist in today's environment of corrosive political correctness and deplatforming. To me, all the bitterness towards Imus over the years (and in the aftermath of his passing) serves to confirm that Imus in the Morning indeed rose far above all ostensible competition. A wounded dog barks.
I'm sad that Mr. Imus could not complete the "one more big project" he planned, which I suspect would have been a spectacular memoir. But this is really a selfish regret on my part.
I don't think it's presumptuous to note, even as an outsider, that Deirdre's care for Mr. Imus was heroic. However much Mr. Imus "lived a complete life," I'm sure this says nothing to mitigate the grief of the Imus family. My deepest condolences.
I listened to Don since I started college in 1971 - even the old Saturday repeat shows - and never stopped
he was great and influenced my life
he will be missed by all
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. I faithfully listened to Imus on my way to work since 1988. Loved his humor stories & interviews. My opinion on many things changed when listening to him. He was a brilliant man who cared deeply about humanity. My one regret was not seeing him live during his many telethons. He was so proud of you & Zack. Prayers & Thoughts to your family