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)
just want to say thank you for so many good years of laughter, stories, and great music and helping so many people. RIP IMAN...
The great, great, great Don Imus. The best. The best of all. It's not even close. He meant so much to me and so many. RIP, I-Man. You're with Fred. #Imus #RIP #RIPImus
Imus- The things he did for sick kids. The way he loved his family and pets. The way he changed radio. The way he made us cry laughing. How proud he was of Wyatt. What a wonderful, wonderful maniac. We love the I-Man. #Imus #RIP #RIPImus
Imus is completely responsible for the fact that my kids have terms like 'pigeon gut sucking worm', 'bald headed snunk', and 'he can't suck enough' in their everyday vernacular. For that alone, thank you I-Man!!! #Imus #RIP #RIPImus
While in a full denim outfit, Imus yelled at me- 'Let's not worry about how I'm doing, OK?' Then he maniacally laughed like a complete nut. Truly one of the greatest moments of my life. #Imus #RIP #RIPImus #TheIMan
The loss of Imus is a big blow. He's meant so much to me. He is already greatly missed. #RIP #Imus
Imus' Gulf War coverage was second to none. #RIP #Imus #RIPImusImus' Gulf War coverage was second to none. #RIP #Imus #RIPImus
I still cherish my Imus/Mets bobble head. My Imus Ranch coffee mug is still going strong, as is my Imus in the Morning T-shirt. I loved when my Imus chips and salsa delivery would come. That was some good stuff. Oh how I love the hunky I-Man. #Imus #RIP #RIPImus
I was interning at WFAN in 1995. This very nice lady gave us an orientation tour. She was all smiles as she spoke glowingly of Mike & the Mad Dog & others. Then with fear in her eyes she pointed down the hallway toward #Imus' office & said 'DON'T EVER GO DOWN THERE'. #RIP #RIPDonImus #RIPImus
“I feel like I know you, even though we’ve never met”.
When Fred passed, Don read every note, and I’m certain each of these will be read as well. Sending thoughts of strength, peace and good memories to your family.
With all of this, a pending conflict overseas and knowing a mother’s and brother’s heart: God bless all of you.
I looked at every family photo posted, and that’s the story that really matters.
I-Man was my idol. I wanted to be him. I’m 41 now and not in the industry anymore, but one thing is for sure, the history book has been closed because what he did will never happen again. Ever.
Every loss is different and while I can’t pretend to understand yours, I can certainly relate. It becomes your new normal. Pain comes in waves and the waves get less and less frequent, but they never stop. And, that’s a good thing because memories are the best thing we can carry with us.
Lean on each other. Make new friends. Tell stories and live life. Laugh again, and often. He would want that.
Simple gestures mean so much. I’m wishing you the best, as it’s all I can do here. But if for some reason our paths ever cross, I’ll buy dinner and we can tell stories, hopefully laugh too.
If you’re ever at DFW, I may see you. My daughter is begging to go to a rodeo.
Everyone is cheering for you.
With Respect,
Allen
The I Man made my mornings so damn invigorating! Always predictably unpredictable. A great irreverent sense of humor, a great interviewer, and an unabashed conveyor of what was on his mind. Imus was confident enough in his talents to surround himself with talented people, who do deserve credit. However, it's the I Man who lead this gaggle and I suppose as some have said, could be demanding. Well folks, I don't know of another way to remain in the public eye, on radio for decades, and still maintain an identifiable format, and dedicated audience.
I was introduced to Imus through my partner who ate vintage radio, and the medium for lunch. He loved it. He spent 10 years of his life in local radio and found in it, the most stimulating and talented group of people! And yes, perhaps they were nuts, but sooooo interesting. That goes with the territory amongst talented individuals.
I remember Imus in his last interview when asked about who he would include in the pantheon of the greats of the medium. He listed, Godfrey, Benny, Wolfman, Stern and of course, himself! (Should it be any other way?) He then quipped, and I might be paraphrasing a bit, "I'd include Paull Harvey, but hell, he was only on for three minutes a day!"
As always, this was a thought provoking answer!
Imus, we remaining, seek a substitute for your morning magic! That's all anyone could be! You stated in your closing , that you always felt that you were communicating with one person and that came across to each and every one of us. As if you were letting us in on the secret! That's where our trust in you derived from.
Bless you good buddy, and Dierdre & family!
Dear Imus Family,
Saddened to hear about your loss.
I was a huge fan of the Imus in the morning tv/radio show.
So glad I saw you reached out on Twitter was hoping you would.
I loved the Iman.
Take Care of each Deirdre,Wyatt and Zach❤️.
Lori
RIP I-Man. Listening to your show on my travels to New York and points in Conn. were the favorite part of my job. Your humor had no boundaries and no equal. Thank you.
I was so saddened to learn of your passing. I became a faithful listener back in the late 1980s, and I still haven't figured out what to listen to when getting ready for work in the mornings since you went off the air! I had always counted on you and your show to give me a laugh and start my day in a better place, and you always delivered.
I appreciated the kind and generous nature that was apparent through your many stories and all the charities you donated to and promoted. My deepest condolences to your family on their loss. You definitely left a mark on this world, and a positive impact. Thanks, Imus, for all the laughs.
Sending my love to the Imus family. It was such a great ride. We experienced life changes together. The shows got me through college, marriage, a baby (who turned into a toddler that would sing "Imus in the morning!" to me) and beyond. The IMan may have been an anti-social a-hole, but his love for his family and the kids at the ranch was BIG. And I couldn't help but adore him. Not to mention how smart he was and how good he was at his craft. There will NEVER be another like him. NEVER.
My husband passed away a few days before Mr. Imus. He was a huge fan! He would have been devastated by his passing...they were the same age and grew up in like manor. My heart broke once again when I saw the news of his passing. I (we) truly expected him to resurface with a new broadcast! We saw little Wyatt grow into young adulthood through Don ‘s eyes... his wife, Deirdre, made us all aware of the dangers of vaccine preservatives and the importance of keeping our homes free of toxins.
I hope and pray my Bill is chatting it up with the Iman! My most sincere condolences to the entire Imus Family.
The I-man truly was one of a kind. Listening to him was appointment radio/tv. He summed it up many times to the listeners “ You have one job. I talk, you listen “. Well said I-man..... To the Imus family: a very sincere thank you for sharing him with America. My heartfelt condolences on your loss...
I-Man ... Thanks for the Ride !! ... Damn glad I caught it .... Roll on ... Roll on ... Roll on ... garrison
When I found Don Imus on the radio, I felt I had come home. I listened to every possible show.I love him and will always miss him. Don Imus was the best.
The I-Man has gone to that big Auto Body Express in the sky. RIP sir, you are missed. Thanks for nearly 40 years of memories.
40 plus years of the Iman enlivening my mornings and learning a lot along the way. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a trailblazer in his field and a fundamentally good person who changed thousands of lives for the better.
Rip! Iman! You brought a lot of joy and laughs to me over the years!
You have earned your rest. Thank you for taking us on a singular ride through politics, literature and life. Your voice will be missed. Peace to you and your family.
Good Night Mr. Imus
Now that you've gone, there's pause and reminiscing,
while not knowing you personally, there's a void now not dismissing.
That emptiness we feel could it be our mortality?
The truth you always spoke has that shade of reality.
Say what needs to be said sometimes leads to hot water,
the cost was high yet your example did not saunter.
The label makers only point to those moments of woe, forgetting how you sought and won forgiveness they neglect that so.
"Let he who sin not cast the first stone."
Forgetting their moral compass they then stand alone.
For ages we were able to peer into an audio realm and settle in, to what on the surface gave us pause to grin.
Edge, grit and occasional slides into too far,
Only to recoil, reflect and then return to make par.
Charity is generally dismissed by those who may not see need in another,
but there inlies the mission of your brother.
Was the reason for being to indulge in that daily computer's escape, or did you miss the true charitable example that far outshadowed
that raucous landscape?
With one's passing the temptation is to judge, yet many seize the moment to instead extoll their grudge.
As you consider the body of work and the impact he had, perhaps the measure should be how you now can be an example to others instead of a fad.
Remember too there's a family at stake, whose loss and grief knows pain and heartache.
Time is the balm that will apply to healing, wondering of the future that at present is concealing.
Pray for their comfort found in His Holy hand, for that reliance will help them to stand.
Of his life that he shared I for one will say "Thanks", and consider the substance of his efforts while standing here on the banks.
I loved Imus - I respected him - and when he worked hard to change after Rutgers he became an inspiration.,He lived quite a life & was a really underrated interviewer. Every time he announced the time it was a reminder of his radio roots. He was so proud of Wyatt & his cancer campers. He was such a hard worker - broadcasting that time he busted his ribs & worked with supplemental oxygen. Terrific part of my life. A real entertainer, a straight shooter. Unforgettable. Blessings to his family.
Imus made me laugh during my morning commute to work; he graciously helped many people during his lifetime; and will be truly missed. To Deidre, Wyatt and Zach: you have my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy. May you be comforted by many happy memories and God’s love.
Dear Deidre, Wyatt and family,
I extend my heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of Imus. A man who gave much more to each of his devoted listeners then he ever received. Imus made us laugh, and brought thought provoking discussions onto the airways.
We are all I thankful for being on this planet with him. May he be free from pain and rest now.
Sincerely,
Donna M Carroll
I listened to the Iman for 25 years. My husband introduced me to his radio show in college. I listened every morning - Don
taught me about politics, current events, calf roping, autism, you name it. I did not always agree with him. But I respected him.
He built up trust with me and it made me give him the benefit of the doubt when things were rough. I was upset when he retired - I really
hoped he would not. I always held out hope that he would come roaring back. Thanks for making our world a more interesting, meaningful
place. Happy trails Iman.
Listening to Imus In The Morning was pure pleasure...so funny and so smart. We will never forget him. Our sympathy to the Imus family.
Condolences to the family. Don left a legacy of service - to the kids, to folks in recovery by openly sharing his experience and by raising millions for charity. I have missed him since the day he retired. God bless.
Don was actually a long lost cousin dating back to the Imus's from Parkfield, CA. All the men got up and drove cattle to Kingman, AZ and the women stayed and married. I never met Don but always admired him as a radio pioneer and legend. My condolences to the Imus family.
Despite his protestations, Don Imus was an inspiration to many. I loved listening to his stories and his expressions of love for his family. I will miss him. Sending prayers of strength and healing to his family and all who loved him.