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)
I was very saddened to hear of your passing. Wondering how your wife and sons are managing, I hope they find strength and peace. You made such an impact on the world. I listened to you every morning on my commute, always loved hearing your perspective! And I am a woman saying this! God bless you and your family for all that you did for the sick and needy. No doubt you are resting in peace and being treat well in heaven.
Dear Deidre, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have followed you and Don on the internet for years. You both have accomplished a lot of good and the ranch sounds like a place that encourages, strengthens and gives hope to many. Again, I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Rich
Godspeed IMan. You were a part of my morning for many years and provided much joy. You will be missed.
Thank you for the memories Imus. You provided great laughs, memorable characters, amazing insights into our world and showed us how to help others. You defined radio and will be missed....
you and don should have been given the nobel peace prize. you have saved thousands of children.
I have missed you since you stopped your show. Over the years, I listened, laughed, learned and pushed myself beyond my comfort level. All to my personal betterment. Be in a peaceful place Imus. We all deserve this at some point.
Been listening to air checks every day since the news. I started to follow Imus since the first time he was in Cleveland, before his first gig in NYC. A giant of broadcasting and humor. Feeling empty right now.
My sincere condolences to the Imus family... I enjoyed watching The Iman over the years..he was a kind soul, God Bless"
simply, thank you I man! 🙏
We were avid listeners of Imus. We felt like we lost a friend when he went off the air. He was a constant companion during the morning commute. We loved his interviews and the music he played. He was so well-read and brilliant. Our deepest sympathy, Deidre, Wyatt, and Zach.
We shed tears and were heartbroken when hearing about Mr Imus' passing. He was apart of our everyday morning for 35 years up until his retirement. He was "genius" and is so very much missed. Our condolences to his devoted wife and family.
Imus was the soundtrack of my mornings for almost 40 years - godspeed I-Man
Thanks for the music, I-Man! Prayers for your family and friends. I learned so much from you about music and enjoyed a concert by The Blind Boys of Alabama after I saw them on your show. RIP.
There was and will always be only one Don Imus. My heart breaks for your family. We will keep you all in our prayers. May God rest his soul in peace.
Former on air XERB - XERF - KILT - Dallas - Houston..I couldn't keep a job. Just paying my respects.
Thank you formally years of insight, outstanding guests, and a fast of characters that brought laughter to my life every morning. Who can forget the Cardinal, Bill from Chappequa, or the senior senator from Massachusetts? The interviews with prominent people and authors were simply unmatched anywhere else. The impromptu events such as the Bernie vs.Did boxing match were unforgettable. TOP Oman and may the Reverend Billie Sol Hargus insure you safe passage through the gates of heaven.
Rest in peace to the "I Man". You were a great broadcaster. Like so many others, I really enjoyed your show. God bless you.
My condolences to all of Mr. Imus's surviving family first and foremost, and second RIP and Godspeed Mr. Imus. Thank You for the many years of morning entertainment that you provided to millions of people nationwide. You were missed even before you died , now there is a gaping hole.
Godspeed Imus
Dear Deirdre, Wyatt, and Zach, I have been so sad all week. You are in my prayers. It is wonderful to know that your sweet husband and father is now healed from all of his physical infirmities. You enhanced his life and gave it so much meaning. I realized this week how much I know about all of you from listening to Mr. Imus's mellifluous voice. I remember when Wyatt was on Tim Russert's show when he was a baby, and I would listen to Mr. Imus as I got my 3 boys ready for school. My boys are now grown, and so are you! We all know that Imus had a heart of gold, and his philanthropy and caring and giving to others were not worn on his sleeve. We will miss hearing about all of you in the future, but know that we will never forget all that Imus did for us to help us make through life in a very fun way. Much love and many prayers and peace to you! I know that you will continue to honor him by your wonderful lives that are ahead of you all.
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants." Psalm 116:15
"I heard a voice out of heaven saying, Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on," "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors; for their works do follow them." Revelation 14:13
I listened to the I-man for over 20 years, first driving to work every morning and later finding myself tuning in with my wife when we woke up and sometimes saying tuned in at home until the show ended. Aside from my work and my own family, I spent as much time listening to the I-man as I did on any other activity in my life. Why? And how do I express my appreciation for what he delivered that left me anxious to tune in every day?
In simple terms, Imus delivered much of what is inherently needed in the lives of every human. Laughs, memories, context for understanding external events, thought provoking intellectual challenges, roadmaps to literature and the arts that might prove uplifting and an open glimpse into his own life. His instincts in entertaining his audience and his unrelenting commitment to the types of people who fit that audience (and his utter disdain for casual listeners that he was glad to offend and turn away) was remarkable. For me, and millions of other listeners, he was more than just entertainment. He was an important part of the fabric of out lives, a voice that will always speak to us in our memories and our ongoing thoughts.
Wyatt, Zack and Deirdre thank you for sharing him. I know you will miss him, but so will we.
I will miss this man, he made my day each and every morning. My deepest condolences for Deirdre and Wyatt and Zack. Know he is at rest and Fred was right there waiting for him 🖤
Started listening on local radio in Oregon over 30 yrs ago. Only lasted a short time on locally, so then had to chase him down all over map to finally end up hearing him on WABC podcasts. Best interviewer ever, made me laugh every morning. Already sorely missed. Condolences to the Imus family.
My heart is saddened. I knew it couldn't last forever, but I sure enjoyed it while it lasted.
Thank you, Imus! For all you did for listeners, for music, and for children.
Sincerest condolences to the entire Imus family...
Charlie Reilly
Loved the Imus Show so much. Listened on the radio, watched on TV, went to live broadcasts in Boston three times, two times in NH. Best talk show host ever. Love to Deidre, Wyatt and Zach.