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)
Nobody has had more of an impact on my life like Don Imus. I listened to his program from the mid 70s thru to his last broadcast in 2018. I just cannot put into words the sadness I feel after learning of his passing. Then I think about Deirdre, Wyatt, & Zach. My heart goes out to all of you during this most difficult time. There are so many memories of Don interviewing Bob Bartlett as Richard Nixon. This is a huge loss for millions of his fans but, I know it is even harder for the family he left behind. Hell, I remember the Imus in the Morning show when Imus was high on liquor & cocaine.. Then he went and got sober and put 30+ years of his life into sobriety.. This is one Cowboy who will truly be missed.. R.I.P. I-Man & thank you.. Thank You For ALL You've Done To Make This World Just A Little Bit Brighter.. Your light may have dimmed but it is and always will be bright in my heart.. Farewell my friend.. #WhereMyImusAt He's with Fred and the boys raising hell on the other side. Where'd ya think he'd be knucklehead? 🎙️👍😎✌️
Will miss the I Man dearly. Met him in NJ years ago at his book signing. We had our Autobody Express shirts on and he really seemed appreciative. Rest In Peace I Man. Prayers to his family and friends.
Rest In Peace Mr. Imus. You brought us years and years of fun, enjoyment and just the best damn radio that has ever been on the airwaves.
I was one of the first listeners of Imus when he came to NY in 1971. I was only 11 but my older brother listened to him and I was hooked. I followed his career all these years and was heartbroken when he went to Cleveland. As soon as he came back I was back on the bandwagon and listened to him religiously ever since. My favorite moment was in 1992 when Imus took a call from me and I was on the air talking to him live. A dream come true. After the call I asked Bernard for an Imus bobble-head doll and he was more than happy to send it. I still have that doll on my desk to this day. May he rest in peace.
Thanks for the memories and for having us along for the ride. You will be missed. Happy trails cowboy. Prayers for the family.
Thomas Thurston
Long Time Fan
Little did I know as a 15-year old in the spring of 1972, that my mornings for the next 40-plus years would almost always include the voice I first heard that spring day, Don Imus. My Christmas presents that year included an Imus album, a gift I treasured. Through the angst of my teen years, through late middle-age, Imus was there every morning to make me laugh and make me think. How lucky I am that I turned the dial to WNBC that spring morning, in a household that always had either WABC or WOR on day and night. As A.A. Milne said, how lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.Sleep in peace faithful friend.
Simply the best radio show! He was a master at interviewing folks from all aspects of life. Imus was brilliant, authentic, funny and he had a big heart. I’ll always cherish the many memories listening to him. Thanks for everything Iman!
I started listening when I was around 30 (55 now). His irreverent humor was so up my alley, I was in immediately. I loved how he kept even the most powerful people off balance and on edge. Then I got to share him with my daughters when he started simulcasting. We'd listen to him in the morning while they were getting ready for school. They fell in love with him as well. Safe to say few if any of their friends listened to him. I think they kind of liked that. It was "our" thing. They are both in their 20's now and were genuinely sad when I called them with the news of his passing. It was almost like a family member had passed. Here's to you Don. Thanks for the memories!
Huge loss, amazing individual who helped a lot of people. Irreplaceable.
Rest in Peace
My husband and I listened and watched the I-Man, for many years
His birthday was the day before mine, both of us born in 1940.
He was one of a kind, and will be missed.
Condolences to the family, Bless you!
Our land has not seen many of the Like of Don and Fred Imus. They were a throw back to another time, a much earlier time, perhaps 200 plus years ago. They way their minds, ambitions, outlooks and attitudes all Jelled together in a way so unlike everyone else. Very earthy, but sophisticated and always solid truth. You can't teach that. You can't buy that. People are born with it and refuse to dilute it by compromise. Both of these brothers gave me many belly holding laughs and I don't laugh easily. Both of them were men I listened to whether they were cutting up, joking or musing seriously. The word is clearly not a better place without IMan and brother Fred. They were a daily part of my life when Wyatt was a babe in diapers. I would not walk across the street to meet many people, especially politicians, sports figures and celebrities, but I sure would Don Imus. I once drove to the ranch. Went under a little tunnel under a road and went to the gate. Of course I did not get in, but since I was in New Mexico I could not pass up a chance to have a gander. God Bless the Imus clan in your time of sadness.
Walter Reed, LCDR, USN Retired (mustang officer)
It feels personal because he made us, his listeners, believe he
was speaking to us!!! Have been watching his antics on YouTube
since he signed off and miss him and his sidekicks and all the laughs
and his put downs of the so called elites - He was our
Voice - there is no one like him!! Thanks for all the memories!
Jan Cocagne, Texas
The I-Man was a funny mother fucker. Loved him. Will miss him.
You are one of my personal hero's and will be sorely missed. Your devotion to honest talk and interesting interviews made many days more memorable. G-d speed and rest well knowing you lived a life fully and righteously.
Dear Imus Family,
So sorry for your loss. I started listening to Imus in the Morning in 1994 during my first year in law school in Boston. Very quickly Don became a huge part of my morning routine. I found his show to be fair, fun, entertaining and educational. Eventually I started listening at night to reruns or watching it on tape from the MSNBC simulcast. I listened to Don all the way through his last days on Fox Business. I wish we had more people like Don in the media. Fair and rough to both sides. A tell it like it is person right no real political slant. From war criminal Cheney to rants against Libs like barnicle.
And the charity work. What a great man. Peace and prayers to Wyatt and Deidre.
P.s. lobster Newburgh, Whitaker Chambers, Amelia Earhart, the cardinal, built ray Saugus, bill in white plains, sal in Brooklyn, etc... etc.... you’re still waving the damn book around. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I guest host an AM radio talk show here in WV.
My inspiration to do so was Don. The best in the business and I a truly saddened by his passing.
Pleas accept my condolences to the entire family.
Steven J. Davis. Guest host Tom Roten Morning Show
WVHU Huntington WV.
I thought Mr Imus was talking from the grave. Loved watching and listening, the past 6 months of tweets have been so interesting. I enjoyed Mr. Imus honesty and devotion to his family. My sympathies to you
Like the IMAN said in his final broadcast, "We did this!" The Imus in the Morning show was there getting up in the morning and at work every day. I liked being part of the group as listener and identified with his brashness and humility, and honesty. Thank you. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Life is short, God Bless You.
My thoughts and prayer with the Imus family. It was an amazing contribution that Don provided the industry and support to so many causes. His support around kids with cancer impacted so many in a positive way. As we travel thru life we always want to leave this earth making a positive impact for family, loved ones, friends. Dons exceeded that goal in spades. God Bless, Don Imus .... great memory’s, thank you for leading by example 👍
Condolences to the Imus family! I grew up listen from my mother’s alarm clock in the late 70’s until 2018!
Don Imus was one of a kind. He brightened mornings, made the commute easier. He was unpredictable. Yet he made his team the most important. So much laughter. His ranch was inspiring. His love for his wife and Wyatt was inspiring. He supported Wyatt and was a proud papa. He was honest, not a Saint yet owned up to a wild ride. He was loyal. I missed him the day his show ended. I pray for his family in their loss. Thanks Don Imus.
I have been an avid listener of your show for years, grew up in NY but have lived in NH the past 30 years. I cut out of work one day when you were live broadcasting your show in Portsmouth over 10 years ago. I mourned when you went off the air and now again that your truly gone. You were one of my three people dead or alive to choose who you’d want to have a drink with even though I know you couldn’t drink. Thanks for being such a great part of my life and morning memories! I learned so much from your show and often bought books from authors you interviewed and even the ranch coffee and Deirdre’s cookbook. Loved when your family was on the show and enjoyed hearing about Wyatt.Sincere condolences to Deirdre, Wyatt and Jake and all the dogs!
Love this family. I grew up with Carson and then the I man, the two Icons of talk media. I never knew Carson but Imus and his family felt like home. I’m heartbroken. My condolences.
Lots of Love,
William
Thoughts and prayers are with the Imus family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Where my Iman at....heaven
To Mrs Imus and Wyatt,
God bless your husband and father, he was truly cool.
I bet right now hes driving Whittaker Chambers and Alger Hiss nuts, as
Chambers says to Hiss , “ This can’t suck enough”
Thank you Iman for the laughs and the tears.
See you in heaven cowboy.
Michael and Patricia Duffee
Spring Tx