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)
My condolences to the family!!🙏
Thoughts and prayers with the Imus family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Where my Iman at....Heaven
So many listening memories from the WFAN days. I used to struggle staying awake driving but when I started listening to I-man he kept me thinking so became got easier and easier to stay alert. He also challenged me to learn, in his interviews he would always have a word that wasn’t common to me so I would learn its meaning and use it for awhile until it was part of my every day diction. Thanks I-man it was a great ride !!
RIP to one of the trailblazers of morning talk shows. Enjoyed every show on MSNBC. Don being a fan and friend of Delbert McClinton and Wendy Goldstein was one thing I had in common with the incomparable I Man
My condolences on you - and our - loss. Don was a part of my mornings for over 32 years. I saw him overcome his own demons, meet the love of his life, create greatness, have it torn down, and the build anew. What more can you ask for? And, along the way raise millions for those in need. Nothing more needs to be said.
God bless and Godspeed I- Man,
JOD
Mr. Imus was an amazing and innovative radio legend whom I am going to deeply miss. I listened to him for over 30 years and enjoyed his genius both on the radio and on television broadcasts. I admired his talent, wit, and genius. Losing him was comparable to losing a family member, because he was such an important part of my day. The void he leaves millions is immeasurable. I loved his intensity, perfectionism and deep compassion. He was a paradoxical personality, and that is what so many loved about Mr. Imus. He helped me laugh, even when I was not in a laughing mood. The joy and laughter he gave to so many people is his legacy; as well as his devotion to organizations like Tomorrow's Children's Fund and the cattle ranch for children with cancer. He inspired others to do better, and be better. For as long as I live, I will remember and think of Mr. Imus often. He leaves an indelible legacy. Thank you for a job well done, sir.
My deepest sympathy to his loving wife, Deirdre, son, Wyatt, and his entire family. God bless Mr. Imus!
To the Imus family: He made the ride to work and mornings in general enjoyable for my entire adult hood ! Thank You. God Bless
I think seeing Bo Dietl topless in the Irishman is probably what did you in.
Rest in peace. You will be missed, but not forgotten.
It wasn't always easy to find you on the radio here in L.A. But I listened whenever I could and subscribed to your podcast to get my Imus fix. Thanks for so many years of yucks as well as informative interviews and wacky characters.
Condolences to Deirdre and Wyatt as well as Charles, Bernie, Larry, Rob and all the others.
You were all a huge part of my life for many years.
Rest in Peace, Don.
My condolences to the entire Imus family. Every weekday morning for many years, my alarm clock radio was always set to WFAN, and my day would start, by listening to The Imus in the Morning Program. There wasn't a day, that you didn't laugh your butt off, listening to Imus, Charles, Bernie, Lou, Breen, Sid, and the rest of the very funny and talented group. Listening to the Imus show, made going to school or work, so much funnier. Blessings to the entire Imus family.
I listened and watched I Man for over 20 years. Always enjoyed the show. One of my favorite characters was Cardinal Eagen (done by Bernie). Always great interviews and side stories.
Hilarious discussions with his brother Fred. Sad when Fred passed away.
I was bummed when Imus retired
A larger than life character that will be missed.
I first started listening to Don when he came to Cleveland. He was different & extremely entertaining. Later I followed him on MSNBC, EVEN MY 88 YR OLD MOTHER WATCHED & ENJOYED HIM. when he moved to FOX I followed him there. Recently I followed his tweets. I guess I was a hughe fan. Bless his soul.
I surmise Imus is with Fred and they are making each other laugh. Imus left me with a lifetime of funny memories. God Bless.
Thanks for the memories. 31 years of riding along.
missed you from the day you signed off. You have done a lot of good and you'll be remember for it. Rest in pace
I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND THE I-MAN ON TV IN CALIFORNIA ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO. ALTHOUGHT HE WAS ON AT 3AM. I DEDICATED TO SEE HIM EVERY NIGHT POSSIBLE. BEING THE SAME AGE I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH HIM AND HOW HE COULD BE THERE EVERY NIGHT AND GIVE SUCH AN ORIGINAL AND VERY INFORMATIVE SHOW NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.
I WATCHED HOW HE BROUGHT ALONG SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE AND GAVE THEM A START, MANY WHO ARE NOW STARS WITH FOX CHANNEL. HIS GENEROSITY WAS SO OBVIOUS AND UNRESTRICTED. THE RANCH AND OTHER WAYS HE SPREAD THE REWARDS OF HIS TIRELESS WORK.
MY BIGGEST REGRET IS NEVER SEEING HIM IN PERSON, MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
GLENN
I am thankful that Don Imus was a part of my everyday. He was always on my father's radio and as I grew up I continued to listen daily. There was always more positive to learn from his show and insight to the inner workings of our government. While humor was the basis for the show he and his team tried to educate. His charity work is second to no one. He put his money where it could do good for others and made sure to get the rest of us pitch in. May his legacy be about his good deeds as they out weighed his flaws a million to one. Deepest condolences to his entire family, may they know that his life touched so many others in a positive way. And as the Cardinal would say " what doesn't belong and why" any negative memories of the I Man". Good morn and God Bless BeJesus!!!
When my sister called me to tell me that Imus had died, I lost it.My mornings, for years, started watching/listening to Imus In The Morning. I follow(ed) him on Twitter. I still cannot believe he is gone. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Imus family. We lost an icon. RIP Imus.
Greatest radio personality ever. May God speed. Sincere condolences to the family.
Been a fan since your first shows on W Nnn BC ! Imus Now we’re Mourning, God Bless your soul and comfort Wyatt Deidre and the rest of your family
How can I feel so bad about a death of someone I never even met? I cannot answer that but I do. And yet I feel like I knew him. You had to get past his gruff and grouchy disposition at times to see the softer side which he protected fiercely. He was tough and impatient and he hated phony people. I feel the loss of Don Imus. He educated me on great music and politics. He and his crew made me laugh a lot many mornings. I was touched by his love of our military and kids with cancer and all the many charities he gave his heart and soul too. I feel the loss of Don Imus. He made a difference and he left the world a better than he found it. I feel the loss of Don Imus. Rest Well Don❤️
The I-Man was unique, truly one of a kind!!! May he be remembered as the awesome pioneer and philanthropist he really was!!! Rest in Eternal Peace!!!
I listed to Imus for years following him from station to station. Even when I disagreed with him I enjoyed his comments. I read books and listened to music recommended by him. He was never boring. After he retired I followed him on Twitter. I will really miss him. I am so sorry for your loss. “Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted. “.
RIP Mr. Imus. I listened to you for many years on many different media. I still have two shirts that I purchased at the Auto Body Express in Santa Fe. God bless your wife and son during these difficult days. Jim G.
That ole cowboy lit me up each day to face those sob’s who got in my face. I needed it because as da Iman said we listeners didn’t have a show to get even with lyn’ back bitin’ sacks a manure. Oh so proud of da family takin’ Zack as a son. Up the noses of people callin’ U a racist. I didn’t kill da Cong either I was pullin’ teeth in Ann Arbor MI. After my prostate surgery I looked like I won a Purple Heart. I got a couple years left till I see your skinny ass up with the Son who saved us, the Father who made us, and the Spirit who tried to guard us. Rest well my favorite SOB (swell old buddy).
Doc Kovaleski