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)
Where to begin~i was depressed & found ImusInTheMorning in '94~ the hilarity/wit/funtimes/insanity/brilliance of Don🤠Imus basically convinced me to stay alive, just to hear the next show...the lead~in to "Mike&TheMadDog" was legendary, too. Bernie&Lou AND Charles made that show *stay on the tracks* which wasn't always easy task! Ahhh...."ImusInTheMorning" will always remain my favourite radio📻show of ALLTIME, whether on 660TheFan, MSNBC, RFD, FoxBusiness, or WABC.
He was a sweetheart of a person for his friends/family, & those he cared for: SIDS/ImusRanch for Kids w/ Cancer, and, sharper than the most dangerous blade created. He was the perfect combination of fire&fury&kindness, the likes of which we'll never see/hear again. Imus was a genius, and, he made so many happy, and, he made my life better. I truly want to wish the Imus family the best(always), and, MayG#D&JesusBless&ProtectDonImus🤠 perfectly across eternity. He was the best, ever.
PS: thankyou for the opportunity to convey our thoughts here✔️✔️
I loved his heart. He could act like a tough guy one minute and then be a marshmallow the next. His voice sounded softer when he mentioned Deirdre, Wyatt, Zack, or Fred. He was so proud of his family. I loved his appreciation of music and artists - I listen to Delbert because of Imus. I know you are just trying to get through such a terrible loss and I hope you find some comfort in knowing what an impact he had on so many people. He made me laugh, he made me cry, and I’ll miss him. My prayers are with all of you.
They broke the mold the day he was born. My Uncle Don didn't give me a job , he gave to me an opportunity of a lifetime. Be the hardest worker , show up on time , be a roll model for these kids. It was so important for me to live up to those expectations. I never wanted to let him down. The work ethic he instilled into me I carry with me to this day. There are so many great memories. Too many to share. I guess the thing I'll miss the most was his laugh. Oh my God that belly laugh was contagious. You will be missed so much. I'm proud to call him my Uncle Don.
Blessings to the family, friends, staff, all that worked to bring a half century of entertainment. Wyatt, keep pursuing the dream and goals that you have started. Blessings to all.
To the Iman's family. If you keep him in your heart he will never be gone.
Imus had a profound impact on my life. Being one of his younger fans, I discovered his show in 2014, long after he’d been an established radio legend. I’d just gotten out of a long term relationship and it was a turbulent time in my life. But Imus’s show made each day a little easier. Even after he left Fox Business, I listened to his show through podcasts up until the day he retired. Listening to the show during long commutes, I never failed to smile, even on the worst of days, usually because of one of Imus’s classic explosive reactions or his unapologetic personality. He had unique insights and unrivaled candor. I regret that I didn’t find his show sooner, but I’m thankful to have had the chance to hear him during the last years of his career. If he had such a powerful impact on me, I can’t imagine all the others he touched during his extensive career.
My name is John Frank from Fall River, Massachusetts. I first remember listening to Don back in the 1990's. At the time he had just come into possession of a basketball playbook of a Knicks player. I didn't know it at the time but this was Gold for Don. He couldn't wait to talk about it on the radio and make fun of the player and The Knicks. My first reaction was why would anyone do this. I had yet to understand the Imus Genius of radio. After this happened, I began to slowly listen to him on the radio. By the time he was being simulcast on MSNBC, I wouldn't miss a show. Once the Podcasts were on Fox Business News and then WABC, I would listen to the entire program at work. Sometimes more than once. The cast he had and the writers he employed were phenomenal. And by Don letting everyone speak their mind even at his own expense showed he could take a joke. The Imus in the Morning Show was the only show I listened to everyday. I am glad I was smart enough to give it a try. I never have been a Stern fan or an Opie and Anthony fan or a Sports Talk guy. But Don's show was just different. It was a must everyday to listen to and to watch when on tv. Period. My heartfelt condolences to Deidre and the boys for their loss. He was one of a kind.
In life it is not always what you do that makes a difference, but it is truly what you leave behind. And this is truly Don. With heavy hearts, we think of the Imus family during this difficult journey. Blessings to all, The King Family, Oregon
I hope he walks in heaven now. May God richly bless his family and draw them to Himself.
R.I.P. I-Man
Loved I-Man...became aware of him when his show began to be simulcast on MSNBC. RIP Don in the great frontier in the sky, tell Fred hello for us.
I posted a tribute to Don already on page 9 of the comments received. I just wanted to post that it was truly classless of Howard Stern to speak about the late Don Imus the way he did. https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-howard-stern-don-imus-death-obit-20200108-d2pju62kpbgovopn4h5qk2lyeu-story.html. Not surprised as Robyn and Howard are both classless. There would be no Howard Stern if not for Don Imus. Howard Stern does not hold a candle to Don Imus. I-Man was a lot funnier and more witty. This was a chance for Howard to say something positive, but he never does. It's funny. Imus never had a problem with Howard. It was just Howard having a problem with Don. God bless the memory of Don Imus and many thanks for the laughs he gave us and the charitable work he did. I miss him already.
Already posted, but after reading the classless comments by Stern, so disappointing, but sadly not surprised. He has always been jealous of Don, lacking the intelligence he brought to his show. Stern is the voice of horny 14 year old boys. You are right Stern. You are mentioned in the 2 paragraph of Don's obit. He won't be mentioned in yours because Don never had to attach his name to anyone to be relevant. Stern is an embarrassment.and get a haircut.
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed
Dear Imus Family - He tried to be such a tough guy but I have never known a man that loved his wife, his sons, his brother, the sick children, Veterans and really anyone suffering more. The fact that he expressed that almost daily and aloud is the mark of a ‘real’ man. I first saw him on the tube when he grilled President Clinton and followed him one way or the other until his death. Other than my own brother...no one made me laugh out loud more than him. I loved his co workers and his guests and the music was special. I know, Wyatt that you and your brother and Mom will be fine and I know your Dad is finally without pain and depression and is having a laugh with Fred. God Bless you all and thanks for sharing the I - MAN all those years.
Please accept our most sincere condolences. My husband and I were members of the Imus in the Morning audience, and he was so much fun for us to follow. A bit of locker room talk, but Imus and his irreverent hilarious crew made us laugh everyday. One must be smart to be funny, and Imus was at his best when he would stir things up and laugh when others took the bait. We remember Wyatt as a little boy, the Blonde on Blonde interviews with you Deirdre, and Lise, which were especially memorable when Imus would threaten to cut the mic. Enjoyed the numerous conversations between Imus and his beloved brother Fred, and his special broadcasts with the children you both helped with such dedication at your ranch in New Mexico. We miss his interviews with authors such as Doris Kearns Goodwin, appearances from his musical friend Delbert McClinton, but mostly we will always miss Imus in our mornings. I once heard him say on air that he loved the baby Jesus. What a blast Imus must be to have up in Heaven! Hope he remembered to close the gate.
So; another post after learning of Stern's overly sensitive reaction/display talking about the I-Man;
It doesn't matter what Stern says, he never says anything important/relevant to begin with...
In fact, wouldn't be surprised if Stern's been getting paid to do just that~talk about *nothing*~which in turn serves as escape for generations to never want, or, pretend to think critically w/in their own environment/society. ThankGod for Don Imus, who, w/his show, spoke critically&succinctly about current/past events in ways that educated some(thankfully)&entertained millions. So, it doesnt/didnt matter if Howard said anything/nothing nice about person he clearly never got the attention, from someone he claims he's smarter than. What matters is that he proved, again, to be usual loathsome, useless, stream of inconsequential talk, just to lower his own&society's barometers of intellectual capacity. His money earned just shows how gullible, and, bored/anethsitized the world is. Pretty sure Mr.MojoRisinSr(aka jimbo)would rather kick it w/Imus than Stern, any day, and, maybe that's why Imus was called to heaven early, too, b/c morrison needed a friend
Shocked and saddened by the passing of Don Imus. Listened to him for many years and enjoyed his quick wit, the diversity of guests he hosted and the wide range of subjects he discussed. My condolences to Deidre, Wyatt, Zach and his daughters. R.I.P.
Working with Don Imus was an experience that I will always remember. First, I was his Production Assistant when he hosted Saturday night Monitor on NBC Radio(I believe this was his first time going nationwide). Then I was on the assignment desk at WNBC Radio for Imus in the Morning.
Every show was an adventure but he was the best! At the end of every Monitor Saturday night segment, he took the time while signing off to thank each one of us in the control room.
As a young person still in college and just starting my career, I think that impressed me the most. He was great to work with and I will never forget him.
I started listen to Imus in 1971 and listened to him until the time he stopped. By talking to
Bernie he got me on the phone to talk to Don on the air, when he had named as one of the Influences of America. Of course he talked me I was a "loser." I loved it. I knew the fun and that I won't beat having talking to him. But Bernie liked me enough to get me tickets to see the broadcast on top of the World Twins. Got I-Man to autograph his picture book Four Corners for Two Guys (?). I was sure to tell him that I had listened to him for 25 years, and he thanks me. And I knew who he was really true.
I was a disc jockey at a station in State College on the all night show and listened to WNBC on the way home. Heard him talking about Larry Lujack die out when you all were in New Mexico. I listened to both of you as you became family to Don and Fred and all his "folks." Deidre, I loved you when Don would make a narky comment about you when on WNBC, and you called to set him right. I laughed so long people would look at me as I drove. And Wyatt, when ever I heard you talk, I heard so much of the heart of Don. I don't know why, but I have had a lot of dreams of going to New York and talk you, Deidre and Wyatt and then Don and Charlie and Bernie and all of you.
But it makes sense. I hearing all of you so many years is was the funny and great family, that Don started and allowed us to listen. When we all cross to the other side, I look for the funny and nutty good time for Don and all of us in heaven. I miss him very much, but really leave all of us will see him again when we cross to the other side. Very condolences to both of you!
Sincerely,
Darrell Colpo
Towson, MD
What made you a giant in my eyes was the way you loved your family......your wife, your son, your brother Fred, your children, and the kids with cancer. Loved when you said, I love you Fred," and he responded, "I love you Don." RIP, Mr. Imus.
Deirde, Wyatt & Zack,
I was so sorry to hear about Don's passing. I was a fan since the '70's and he made my drive to work fun listening to his show. I was sad when he retired and now doubly so that he has passed away. Keep the memories.
Regards, Sandi (Loyal fan)
I grew up listening to Imus on WNBC radio back in the 70', and continued to listen to him until his sign off on WABC 77AM. You will be missed Don Imus! I loved everything about you! GOD bless your incredible wife, your sons, Zac, Wyatt, and your daughters. I learned so much from you! Until I meet you in the great round up--rest in peace, cowboy, you deserve it! Love Cathy
Don had a great show and I loved listening to it . Sincere condolences to the Iman’s family . God Bless you guys ..... Frank
{{{{{{{{{{ Deidre, Wyatt & Zach }}}}}}}}}}
I will be forever in the I-mans debt. He made me laugh. His interviews taught me more than I could've learned in books. I started listening in the early 70's on W NNNNNNNNNN BC. Went into withdrawal when I moved to Maine in the mid 80's. Became a long haul trucker and wound up in the tri state area and Don & Charles would wake me up in time to head into the City before the rush hour. When the show went into syndication, I was glad because I had no longer traveled into the NY area.
He turned me on to books and music which broadened my horizons. The day he dropped the mic, saddened me and I know countless others. Was a loyal Twitter follower and was glad to see of the podcast plans. I-man, you reached so many and we're sad to see you gone. But there's no more pain, no more sorrow. Happy Trails Cowboy. Say "HEY' to Fred.