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! I didn’t always agree with him, but enjoyed his passion and his philanthropy- Heaven got another angel!
I don't remember when I started listening to Imus but it was sometime around the advent of Internet radio as I live in Houston. I was hooked, listened/watched on MSNBC, Fox Business and podcasts in the remaining years . I learned a lot about politics, music, books and life. Laughed a lot. I was looking forward to the new podcast he teased us with. I know that there is a grand reunion with Fred, Tim Russert and others that preceded Imus in death. I think that it is cool that on his last broadcast that he didn't really know who we (the listeners) were, I think judging by all the comments on this page we are getting a good idea of who we are. Condolences and prayers for the Imus family.
Who (in their right mind) would want to go into a future without him. The love that man had for his gorgeous wife and wonderful sons, was astronomical. May he be at the highest levels of Heaven. xo
My hearts and prayers go out the family and friends of the legendary Don Imus. I loved listening to him every day. He was entertaining, said it like it was, and was a great humanitarian to the children with cancer. God Bless you and Dan Imus
Watched your dad on TV for a number of years. Never saw a more real, genuine, honest about himself guy in my 54 years life. I'm a recovering alcoholic (23 years) and listening to your dad gave me such an insight-he was a straight talking man who gave me lots of hope and courage to make myself a better man.
Never met him but had a deep affection for him. I grieve for you, your mom and family.
I enjoyed listening to Don Imus for decades. He had his up and down moods, but I certainly had many laughs over the years. I listened to the Bernie and Sid tribute show yesterday to Don yesterday. All the guests, Mike Francesca, Chris Russo, David Juris, Charles McCord, Mike Breen, Leslie, were wonderful with their stories. My condolences to Don’s family. May he Rest In Peace.
Our sincerest condolences Deirdre,Wyatt and Zack. What a great loss not only for your family but for those of us who loved listening to him on radio and watching him on tv and reading his Tweets. When he retired he left a hole that no one could ever fill and I know that this loss your family is going through is a loss that will never be filled....I know from watching Iman all those years that he was a wonderful husband, father and brother and I for one as a listener learned so much from him and I am forever grateful.
You will be missed Iman
...Go and Rest In Peace.....your journey on earth is complete.....thank you for all you did......God Speed.
You made cry with laughter many mornings. You will be missed by me and many others. You won't have to worry about a phonebooth in Heaven..
Rest easy brother! Semper Fi.
I hope all of this is a small measure of comfort. I am sure you were already aware of the love we all have for Imus. It is probably more for us to be able let those close to him know how much he meant to us. He would probably tell us to hang up and lose the number. We had it great for a little while..
Don was and still is an inspiration to me as I'm sure he was and still is with others.. he will be sadly missed and always thought about. Condolences to all his family and friends as he was loved and respected by so many!
Imus was a national treasure and had a heart of gold. He will be missed and remembered fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was in a league of his own. Thanks Imus for all the great laughs and ALWAYS speaking your mind. Sometimes for a laugh I watch old footage of Imus and Charles screaming at each other. He was the best and there will NEVER be another like him.
I am a Democrat. I started listening to him in 1997 as I worked morning prep in a pizza restaurant in the Ozarks. It was the only thing I enjoyed about that job. No one nurtured my love of politics more. Damn, I’m going to miss him. The I-Man was a funny dude. More than that, the old grump cared about people. It’s been hard watching fellow Democrats who never listened act like he was a racist. People who say that didn’t know him. Much love and respect to his family and friends. Your loss is mine too. 😔
RIP Don Imus. You will be greatly missed.
Mr Imus has been a part of my life since 1978! My heart goes out out to the entire Imus family. I know Mr Imus and Fred are creating havoc in heaven. God bless you all. :(
You will be greatly missed. I had a lot of laughs and enjoyed listening to your show and everyone you interviewed and worked for you.
My condolences to the entire Imus Family.
Godspeed Iman 🎙
I am now 73. Back in 1971, I was dating a bartender at one of those 2nd Avenue bars around 48th Street. “Dale” invited me to see Imus do his standup at The Village Gate. We sat at a small table near the stage and during one of Imus’ breaks, Dale caught his attention. Did I mention that Dale was also an ordained minister? Imus joined us at our table and Dale presented him with one of his “collars”...Imus was so pleased and wore it in his next set as the Reverend BSH....a solid memory for me. Never did find out what happened to Dale.
Miss your Dad, Wyatt. All my best to you and your mother.
Kitty Gould
My prayers and thoughts for the Imus family. Also, my thanks to a man and his team who made me think, laugh, see other points of view, and attempt to understand the mind of a man who had the unique ability to see the world and everything in it in a way that most would pass by without such perception. I always felt challenged, a little bit shocked, and thoroughly entertained by him and those who participated in his discussions. He will be missed, remembered, and those who knew of him will take part of him with them as long as they live. Rest in peace Don Imus...…..
My sincere condolences and prayers .... Deidre, Wyatt, he was a genius. For me? He was my ride home when I worked the overnight shift at our restaurant in the mid 80s. Learned a lot, laughed a lot, and even cried 3 times with Dad; that 9/11 broadcast as he and the crew kept us informed, his calm demeanor was so important as we listened intently; the day Uncle Fred went home to be with the Lord was another time I shed tears as he eulogized him on the air; and of course the last 5 minutes before he signed off were so moving as well... Honor his memory, cherish them as well. Wyatt, take care of Mom. Warmest regards, God bless... be safe, be well...
I will miss him! I had listened to him since I was a child in my dad’s barbershop. He made me laugh and forced me to think at a different level. I miss him! God bless you all, prayers and sympathy at your loss. He was a good man!
My sincerest condolences to the Imus family. Don's selfless contributions to sick children and veterans will be remembered by me as his lasting legacy. He made me laugh, he made me mad, he made me question most of what we hear from politicians of all stripes. As Don used to say "I'm not happy until you're not happy". Well, I'm not happy that we lost a great entertainer and person, so I guess that makes Don happy - I hope so anyway. God Bless you Don Imus.
I truly admired Mr. Don Imus, when I was in New York City, he was the voice which made my day. It didn't matter what the subject was he created such a wonderful, interesting and inspiring way for you to think before engaging in any dialogue. He created challenges for his quest and listener's, and everyone became more knowledgable. I miss him when he left radio and tv, but I followed his tweeter feed. Be blessed and encourage family and friends he will always be remembered.
I am very saddened by the loss of Don Imus. I began listening to him on 77WABC radio way back in the early '70s..."Moby Worm" days. I enjoyed his programs right up until his retirement. He did so much to help others and will be greatly missed. I hope and pray that he is happy in his new home in Heaven with his cat Collins and brother Fred. Thanks for all the great times, Imus In the Morning 🎵🎶! My condolences to his family and friends.💚
I was a listener since 1974. He was the best! Thank you Deirdre and Wyatt and Zack for taking care of him. God Bless you and RIP I Man!