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)
Iman was my morning routine for 3 decades starting in college. When he retired I wept.
Knowing he is no longer on this earth and I won’t get to see his tweets anymore hurts.
Condolences Deirdre and Wyatt. I lost my big brother (who got me into Imus) 3 years ago 12/26/16.
I don’t cry every day anymore, but I sure do miss him still.
Hugs
To Wyatt:
I lost a parent just before Thanksgiving.
Know that your Dad is watching over you now.
Live how your Dad wanted you to live & make him proud everyday.
Talk to him. He will hear you.
To Diedre:
Stay strong and cherish the memories & know you will be together again.
To Imus:
Thanks.
I can still hear his laugh. So much fun. I miss Imus in the morning, the guests, the crew. There'll never be anyone like him.
Peace to his family.
I listened to the I-man for many years on the radio and watched him every day on tv, first MSNBC then Fox News. He was one of a kind. I still miss hearing him in the mornings. The word legend is used too often. But Don Imus was truly a legend! Deepest condolences to Deirdra, Wyatt and all of the Imus family.
I was a listener beginning in 1989 or 1990, just stumbled onto it as it was syndicated to a local radio station. I always found Imus in the Morning wickedly smart, funny, and thought provking. Your family's devotion to charitable causes such as kids with cancer and the CJ foundation for SIDS hit him in that our daughter was born in 1999 and used the knowledge your charity provided to new parents. God bless Diedre, Wyatt, and Zach. The IMan was an American original and institution, and a treasure.
The eponymous Don Imus ! Radio host DJ extraordinaire and a do-gooder for causes ! You'll be missed ! Remember my Dad always listening to you, and from him, I started tuning in as well ! Remember too seeing you around CT ! Thank you for your countless hours of laugh, commentary, candid cool ! You have left quite a legacy. Happy Trails to you! Our sincere sympathies to the entire family !
WYATT, Loved your dad, and my mornings haven't been the same since he retired. God Bless and be with you and your mom and the rest of the Imus family. I'd love to be a fly on the wall to hear him and Fred these last few days!
You were the best. Your family is amazing and the people you helped are a tribute to you the man
For years, I found so much joy tuning in to this man. What a ride it was. Please take comfort in knowing there are millions of people feeling your pain and thinking of you at this most difficult time.
“Anyone who takes care of a little child like this is caring for me! And whoever cares for me is caring for God who sent me. Your care for others is the measure of your greatness.” Luke 9:48
Don Imus lived a life caring for others. Rest In Peace.
Deidre, Wyatt, Zach, and the Imus family may you take comfort in your memories.
From the time I was in high school in NY during the 70s until his retirement, Don made me smile, if not laugh, every morning I listened to him; not something easy to do. I miss him, but will never forget him.
The I-Man was a big part of my mornings for so many years. Between the radio shows and his time on TV, I always started my day listening to or watching him. His in your face, no BS attitude mixed with wit, wisdom, humilty and humor made him an incredible talent that stood the test of time. But most important, his charitable work with the Imus Ranch, veterans and many other worthy causes showed a side of him that meant the world to so many people! We are blessed to have the internet to listen to this man and recall the great moments from years gone by. We can also keep his memory alive by helping others wherever possible.
My heartfelt condolences to Deirdre, Wyatt, Zach and his daughters. May the memories remain in your heart forever!
I Man you were a great pioneer and visionary. You were the best interviewer in the business!
I listened for over 30 years, bought everything you sold. Went to meet you and Fred at the 4 Corners Book signing. I still have my Denim best and button down with the Logo that I can never part with!
Thank you for all the laughs and memories!
Praying for Peace and comfort for Deirdre, Wyatt & Zach.
It’s difficult to state how much impact the I-man had on my life. From impressionable teen in the 70’s to morning ritual on TV for decades, I grew up and grew old with Mr. Imus. I bought the denim shirts and the books and the records, and followed along as Wyatt grew up. I hope the Imus family stays strong and knows he’s hangin with Fred now.
RIP, I-man. I've been a fan since I was a sophomore in HS back in 1972. You were the best medicine when starting the day - usually hung over. Your legacy as a man will live on in Wyatt and Zach. Your legacy as a radio personality lives on in Bernie and Sid. May God watch over Deirdre, Wyatt and Zach as they cope with their loss. Thanks for the great radio!!
I just want to say I’m a big fan I listened to the I Man for many years.
Simply put he was the best. Rest in peace
Entertained us for years on both radio and TV. Lots of great memories. RIP Imus
What a shock when my husband and I read that Don Imus had passed away. I'd just read a tweet of his in December that he was thinking of doing a podcast with Wyatt and Rob and hoped that it happened in 2020 because we missed him: even if it was only going to be one hour once a week, we would have taken that in a heartbeat. We've read the articles about his passing and listened to WABC to the 40 minute tribute the day after his passing and the special show Bernie and Sid did yesterday. It brought back so many wonderful memories of just how so great he was (and Charles, Bernie, Mike Breen and even Sen. Leiberman) as well as deepened the loss all of his listeners felt. His sign off on his last day is downloaded on my computer and I've played it several times this past week. He was passionate and felt deeply about several things, not only his broadcasting career but chess, books, photography...He was a real renaissance man...Your family will miss him always but most during college graduations, weddings, and the birth of his grandchildren but what a treasure he left: how he lived his life in the last 25 years...If you ever get depressed on how others write about him in the future, just remember that it took almost 150 years for Alexander Hamilton to assume his stature among the Founding Fathers...I think Imus had as rich a life as Alexander... RIP I-Man. Kathy and Tom Haynes
The I Man will truly be missed. For years every conversation with my parents usually started Did you hear what Don Imus said today. Followed by roads of laughter.
I read all the books he recommended and all the cd’s including the Imus ranch record R.I.P . ❤️
Rest In Peace, Don. From the day Harry Baker alerted (warned?) us of you pending arrival in New York (just a college student at the time) I had tuned in to radio and/or tv for a good laugh, to share in your endearing (if not in all cases enduring) on-air friendships, and to help in some small way with your philanthropy. Got bless you and your family. I only hope that one final charitable endeavor might be lead by Diedre, Wyatt, and Zach,,,,a complete compendium of some of your best stuff over the past half-century.
Thank you Mr Imus. you provided more than you will ever know to so many of us. laughs. knowledge, news. the morning of 911 listening to the show is etched forever in my mind. Wyatt, take care of your mom and family. best wishes to you all.
I started listening to Imus in 1992 after moving to Albuquerque. I've been to The Man's Hat Shop...met Fred and Four Legged Fred and still wear my Fred dungaree shirts. Imus started my day with a laugh or something thoughtful until he went off the air. He was an original and is missed. Rest in peace is the normal way to end one of these....but wherever he is there will be no peace... :-)
I started listening to Imus in 1992 after moving to Albuquerque. I've been to The Man's Hat Shop...met Fred and Four Legged Fred and still wear my Fred dungaree shirts. Imus started my day with a laugh or something thoughtful until he went off the air. He was an original and is missed. Rest in peace is the normal way to end one of these....but wherever he is there will be no peace... :-)
I loved Don Imus. I listened to him for a very long time starting when he worked at 66 AM NBC, then WFAN and finally WABC. He was hilarious and so were the rest of the cast of Imus in the Morning. Despite what many are saying, Don Imus was NOT a racist. He was the furthest thing from a racist. His 50 year career should not be judged by 10 or 11 seconds of air time. He was a good man who simply made a bad statement trying to be funny. I also loved Fred Imus. May they both rest in peace. My sincere condolences to the entire Imus family.