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 (566)
The world is a little darker and colder since the 27th. 2019 claimed my father and rwo others very close to our family and hearing about Imus's death was just a heartbreaking
end to a crappy year.
My brother got me watching/listening to him back in the MSNBC days and I was immediately sucked in by his intelligence, heart and ability to zero in on and call out any prevailing bull shit, no matter who was throwing it.
I learned so much from his detailed interviews, his music and book recommendations and just general observations.
I realize that he was an entertainer and not really part of my family but boy it sure doesn't feel that way.
Please don't let the crap out there stick to you in any way. You were loved by a great man who wasn't afraid to show it and that's a blessing.
God Bless and keep you all
Melody
PS-He's also the only public figure who I've ever heard talk about just taking time to sit and think......I love that!
I started listening to Imus when ha first came on the air in New York and never stopped, I lost a good friend I never met
I have listened to the show for over 40 years, also watched on simulcast, I have been to see a live show in Boston. You made me laugh you had great regulars and guests on the show. You will be sorely missed. I also would like to send out my deepest sympathy to the family. R. I. P. Don.
Had to find a provider for RFD. No more needs to be said. I man gone yet Blubber titties lives on......It will get better. You have to be your own man. My dad died when I was 23, takes time but life goes on.
I built my life around I-mus listening from 1970 thru his last tv broadcast in Washington DC.. I taped his show so that I could watch as well as listen to the entire show. I attended your last two broadcasts in Washington and had a chance to meet Imus, Diedra Charles and Bernie. I and millions of other fans miss you.
I watched Imus each morning on both MSNBC and RFD TV. I will forever be grateful for the knowledge, wisdom, and entertainment the I-Man bestowed upon me each morning. I enjoyed that he included his family on the program, as well as his ability to say he was sorry when he knew he had crossed a line. I flew out to New York (first time) to see his relaunch on RFDTV. I asked him for an autograph from the audience and you could tell he was beyond irritated by the request. Nevertheless, he signed my vintage Imus record (Hamburgers to Go) and I treasure it to this day. Imus’s gift is that he made each listener feel like he was talking directly to them. I realize and appreciate that not everyone liked him as an entertainer. Demographically speaking, it’s kind of surprising that I would have liked him as much as I did...but I truly did. I only wish I could have gotten the chance to shake Don and Deirdre’s hands and personally thank them for their efforts over the years. It just doesn’t seem right not having the I-Man on this Earth.
Imus was a kindred spirit. For years, I spent my mornings with him, watching the freak parade from his vantage point. Rest In Peace, I-man. Godspeed to his family.
May God bring peace to the late Mr. Imus, and also to Deidre, Wyatt, and Zach, and the extended Imus family at their time of loss. I loved listening to "Imus in the Morning" for decades, many times having to go 'round the block to hear the end of a segment. Rest in Peace Don Imus. You made the world a better place and your family continues that work.
Don Imus was a fearless American original. I'm so thankful to have been able to watch and listen to him for many years. Because of Imus, my wife and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in Santa Fe in 1999 and fell in love with the West. God bless him, his great cast and his family.
Thank you, I-Man.
Thank you Imus family for posting the photos. I have fond memories of how Don made me think, made me mad, taught mE .whichh music mattered and made me laugh out loud. May he RIP and may you all feel the love that millions of people are sending your way.
Very sad! Don was a complicated yet simple man.
I remember how he took care of his brother Fred and how crushed he was when Fred died.
He was able to manage his addiction, have a wonderful family and do so much good in a significant way
I was a listener since 1970 and he was the best so unique funny with a razor focus and talent
Rest In Peace Don. Say hi to Fred. You had a very good ride!!
Best
Larry Schillings
NJ
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you all know how much he loved you all. I am 53 years old and my husband and I have one son who just turned 21 in January. I started listening to Imus in the morning when he started at Fox Business. I had heard of him before but had not listened. I was hooked from the start! So refreshing! So funny and real!
I absolutely loved his show and the interactions with the ensemble. I am so thankful for all of the music that he shared and all conversations with the guests that he had on. I cried when he left the Fox Business network! I kept listening online. I am a State Farm insurance agent and I work alone every day. Imus and his crew and his family became my family! I loved them and was so thankful they were on! I never met him or any of you, but truly felt closer to you all than many in my own family!
When he talked about Wyatt going to Houston to go to college and him watching him go down the driveway to leave, I balled like a baby! I could so relate as my Austin is close to Wyatts age.
I was definitely a fan, my alarm goes off every weekday morning at 6:05 am. It plays “Victim of life’s circumstances “.
I followed him on Twitter and would get notified every time he tweeted. I was excited when he tweeted that he and Rob and Wyatt were thinking of doing a sports podcast!
I was devastated when I read on Facebook that he had passed. I cried a Lot. I cried more about him than many in my own family. He was family to me.
I know he was not perfect, who is.
He did an amazing job at what he did. He made you feel that you knew him.
He will be missed.
I so hope you all are doing well and I hope that I can hear you all again. You are all missed!
Thank you for allowing us to share with you!
God bless!
Julie Hazeltine
Sterling, Michigan
Thanks for the laughs and the great talk. Thanks for playing Martin Luther King Jr
ever year on his holiday. Thanks for the great music that you provided for us .
Just thanks for being Don Imus.
I've had a hard time grappling with the loss of the I-Man and apologize for my tardy tribute -- his passing took a lot out of me -- insane, on a why-would-you-care level. I cannot imagine the sadness and loss Deirdre, Wyatt, Zach, the Imus family, and friends are experiencing. I'm just an I-Man fan.
When I moved to NYC, I was immediately hooked on the I-Man's show and told everyone I knew what a hilarious, brilliant program it was, regardless of network. With pride and without shame, the I-Man called it like it was. I'm grateful for the 30+ years of commuting entertainment and insights.
What prompted me to write was Delbert's "Here Comes the Weekend" which popped up on my playlist tonite. I've always loved that tune. This song has always grabbed me because it reminded me of how much Don loved Deirdre -- he played that song nearly every Friday for as long as I can remember - and how much we should adore each other.
I truly miss the I-Man - and Fred (loved their banter).
Prayers for all affected by this massive loss. Long live the I-Man. xo
I've already posted but now that some time transpired since the I-man passed to another level of existence, I'd like to say he was on another level when here, a higher level than most purported broadcasters. A true iconoclast on the scale of a Richard Prior, Robin Williams and George Carlin. A true master of his medium.
Drake-Chenault distributed a double-album featuring their formats on one platter, and radio personalities on the other...Don had an entire side devoted to himself. That is how I first learned of him. I greatly appreciated his...what I labeled as..."locker-room style" of radio. That caused me to try to be true to myself when on-air...
I remember Don Imus’ Radiothons held on the campus of Hackensack University Medical Center. Thanks to him a tremendous amount of money was raised for The Tomorrows Children’s Fund throughout the years. So very many children/families were helped because of his commitment and generosity.
Rest In Peace Don Imus.
I was a regular listener and yes...a fan.
You were not just funny....you are everything everyone has said. Most of it is incredibly good.
I’m sure Diedre,Wyatt and your loved ones will miss you desperately but, wow! What a life.
I bet Fred will be glad to see you.
Condolences to your loved ones.
To the Imus Family,
So belated are my condolences.
I have been a listener of Imus since I first drove to high school in 1971 and have never looked back.
I'm sure its been very hard for the whole Family, but hearing his last speech and the words, "YOU DID IT... DIDN'T WE", hopefully it gives you some comfort.
It was a great ending.
My only wish was that Lou played, "The Last DJ" on the way out...
Again please accept my condolences...
Some of the funniest moments that I've ever heard on radio ---Timeless! He was loved by us listeners and will be missed😔
RIP I-Man
I recall Imus saying not so many years ago that every death is a tragedy to someone. I am sure that he would repeat that about his own death if he could. However very few who walked this earth have touched as many lives as Don Imus. My sympathies go to his immediate family, but also to all of us who were part of a gigantic extended family whose days were made better by his take-no-prisoners humor, insights, irreverence, generosity, love of music and musicians, and constant commentary on almost everything. Of all of his talents one stands out to me. Don Imus was a master at interviewing people. God bless you Don.
Don signed off just 2 months shy of me listening to him for 20 years. Miss his viewpoint on world events. Miss the Love & Laughter. RIP I-Man. Condolences to the Imus family.
I have been a fan of this beautiful man for decades, His knowledge on every subject, his humor, his thoughtfulness for letting his “interviewes” talk without being interrupted, and his wonderful family he shared! Thank you Mr. Imus..... I miss you, enjoy time with Fred❤️
Just thinking that the I man would have been off the rails with this cruise ship corona virus nightmare. Made me smile