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)
To the I mans family.
The I man left no question to his audience how much he loved you both.....And all his friends .........
I made my post paying tribute to his character many years before he died ... and yet his death was such a shock.
I and my friends always spoke so highly of the I man .....how he helped so so many along in the business...ie. Carley , Connell , Bernie ,,Sid,, Charles , Dagen, Gunz, Warner, Ashley, and too many more to name....Love and Respect to the I Man and his family who loved him...
Broadcasting Icon, comedian, best ever interviewer of politicians and authors, music encyclopedia, and philanthropist.
Condolences to Deidre, Wyatt and Zach and the entire Imus family.
R.I.P.P. Rest In Perpetual Peace I-Man
Thoughts
1. I’ve missed I-Man since he dropped the 🎤 the end of March, 2018. Now it’s final, thanks to video tape, his legend lives on.
2. So tired of hearing the Rutgers story.
a. They never tell the entire story, never show the video that prompted the comments by Bernie I-Man reacted to.
b. They don’t report on Imus meeting with the team and the fact he apologized several times.
3. I’m surprised some I-(Kinky, Delbert, Dwight, etc.) haven’t made public statements re: John Donald Imus passing.
4. Charles McCord is alive, speaks on radio for first time since retiring to reflect on Imus.
5. I wish those who blatantly call Imus a racist would do a little homework, to find Imus’ adopted son Zachery Cates is black. And his tv producer, Tom ‘Bigfoot’ Bowman, was also black, and followed him from MSNBC to RFDTV to Fox Business.
My condolences to the Imus family. Don gave us many mornings of laughs and head scratching times. We appreciated all of it. RIP
I never really knew much about the IMan until I began running the board at Clear Channel Communications in Portsmouth NH. What a Great time in my life where I learned of his talents and humor. Because of him I didn't mind getting up so early as it was one of my FAV jobs I have held. AND he even mentioned my name while live in Portsmouth!! He was a radio treasure that will SURELY BE MISSED! God Speed Good Sir....
I started my day with the I-Man for years. My mornings have never been the same. My condolences to the Imus family. Rest in Peace I-Man! God Bless!
I watched the iman ever morning for years
MSNBC to fox. I know he loved Deirdre
And Wyatt very much. Hopefully he’s with Fred now
Who he loved just as much. I think about him pretty much
Everyday. And missed him since he went off the air.
Where my Imus at!? In Heaven with Fred. RIP
The first time we heard the I-Man was shortly after 9/11 on the MSNBC simulcast. My wife and I were both Army Sergeants at Fort Hood Texas and were glued to the TV for news about our imminent deployment to Iraq. He became a part of our morning routine, and really, a part of our lives. I was able to find the show released on podcast and I took Mr. Imus with me to Iraq. Listening to old shows kept me connected to life back home and I looked forward to hearing them in the times I could. Thankfully the show was on Armed Forces Radio and I was able to hear new episodes some afternoons on base in Iraq. We got home relatively safe and we stayed with the show and followed the Imus family through his retirement. Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Imus, Wyatt, Zack and the Imus family. Mr. Imus was a giant in media and much bigger than many gave him credit for. His philanthropy, honesty, and incredibly sharp mind and wit will be missed.
I watched and listened to Imus in the Morning since I was 12. Always informative and entertaining. He did a great job of evolving the show with new segments and crew members. True talent. And the Imus Ranch was such a special philanthropy. He’s made countless lives better, that’s the I-man’s legacy.
I am sending deeply felt condolences to I-Man's family and friends. Just the other day, Mr. Imus's name came up in a conversation I was having with a friend over lunch -- how many retired radio show hosts' names arise in conversation a few years after they retired? The answer is few. But, I-Man's name came up and we commented on the quality of his show and how his wife took such great care of him.
His morning shows . . . I used to watch his cable television morning show, and then followed him to radio and whether his guests were elected officials, or actors or musicians or people I'd never heard of, the interviews were always dead-center fascinating. It was as if every morning he started with a large hunk of marble which he chiseled into a magnificent sculpture by the end of his radio show.
Don's amazing brilliance with music is something else I miss -- I LOVED the music he played on his show and I learned about good music. And lastly -- I cannot help but still laugh at the memory of his improvised "turkey neck" commercials -- I think that was what I was laughing about the other day at lunch when we started talking about him.
I imagine that Mr. Imus will be closely watching over his family in spirit, helping the children he helped, and probably having a heck of a great time Upstairs --
I’ve listened to Imus since throwing papers as a kid. When my dad died, it was a very dark time for me. Imus helped me laugh again. May his memory be a blessing to the Imus family.
Wyatt thank you for letting us into your lives. I remember begging your dad via tweet message to do XM radio, and then I heard Rob was talking him into doing a Podcast with you. My dreams would have been answered. I will always defend your dad's reputation! I know he is responsible for getting wives of dead serviceman 200,000 (not enough) for their dead soldiers. I think it started out at six, and then went up to nine or twelve, but that wasn't enough, and he shamed congress into paying them more. I listened to Martin Luther King's speech this year on Alexa, and thought of how many years I had listened to the whole speech with your dad. I will continue to listen every year, because of your dad. Almost ALL of my iTunes are songs that your dad introduced me to. My Christmas playlist is DEFINITELY his! I fell in love with Dwight Yoakam, because of him being on your dad's show. I still use all of the Greening The Cleaning products, and DO NOT get the flu shot, because of the Thimerosal in it. I remember when you were born, and have watched you grow up, and Zach join the family. Your dad was responsible for women's sports getting more attention, too bad nobody recognized that. I received a signed copy of Tim Russert book, for having a crappy father story. He wanted to know if I still loved my dad even though he wasn't the best, and I told him yes. Your dad was part of my morning ritual for so long. It was like he was family. I mourn for you, because I can't even imagine your loss! Love you guys!
Condolences to Mrs. Imus and Wyatt Imus. My wife & I were sorry to hear about Mr. Imus passing he was a very talented, smart & witty man. He continuously demonstrated how much he loved & was proud of you both. He will be missed.
A comic genius - and was to the very end. I followed Imus on Twitter. He always made me laugh. Because his views were never politically correct, this is one reason he was so good at what he did. My deepest condolence to Deirdre and Wyatt.
Loved me some I-Man every morning for 30+ years.
My deepest condolences to Dierdre, Wyatt, and Imus’ daughters. I know from listening/watching for 30+ years that he loved his family dearly. Oh, how he missed Fred. He just seemed lost when he would talk about his beloved brother. I watched when he was simulcast in CSPAN and was still listening when he left WABC two years ago. I still miss him. Over the years I ordered the cleaning products and Imus Ranch CD’s and I donated what I could when they had the marathon to raise money for the ranch. I always thought I would have been so wonderful to be able to sponsor one of the buildings and have my name on it. I still have a copy of God’s Other Son. I know I’m way to old to have teenage crushes, but I really do think I have a little crush on him. I felt as if I had a personal relationship with Imus as I’m sure many other listeners did as well. He will be missed by so many. Dierdre, you probably saved his life. I think I heard him say that. God bless you all.
First of all, condolences to Deirdre, Wyatt, and the family.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Best ever on the radio. And his philanthropy will not be forgotten. Thousands of kids helped.
I listened to him for the final 18 years of his broadcast career. Darn near every day. Pulled out my exercise bike most mornings and put on MSNBC at 6:00 while I rode the bike. Fox Business Channel, same thing, and then for about the last 7 or 8 years up until the retirement, I listened to the program on my computer at work until 10:00. Always got some laughs and information, and the program has inspired me to be more charitable in my own life.
RIP.
So sorry for your loss. Don gave me so much joy over the years. He literally made waking up and going to work something I looked forward to as I listened to him every day. He was THE radio pioneer of all time. There will never be another like him. Thank you, Iman. Rest In Peace. Your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mark from Missouri
I have been a fan of Mr. Imus for about 50 years. Back in the late '60s I had one of his Albums and the only part I remember today is about 'Flash' and then a riff on the difference between a white guy being pulled over by a cop and a black guy. In those days it was all harmless fun and the world was a better place when we didn't take ourselves so seriously. Saw him perform at the Nannette, New York 'Theater in the Round' in the mid-70's. Watched Mr. Imus, Wyatt and Deirdre on the Fox Business channel until he retired. Will miss his humor. He's with the 'Baby Jesus' now.
I used to set my alarm for 6 to leave the house at 7:15. Laying in bed listening to the I-Man for an hour before getting out of bed was the only thing that made getting up that early bearable. Thanks for the laughs I-Man, rest easy
I know Imus interviewed many great people over the years but there was nothing I loved more than when he had Wyatt on the radio with him. Although you couldn't see the interview, you could hear the pride and love in Imus' voice. Wyatt held his own with his dad, speaking very respectfully but honestly. What a great son he and Deidre raised together. I loved the banter between Deidre and Imus - I can just imagine the great conversations they had together. This is crazy but listening to the program every morning, I felt like I was part of the family, always siding with Deidre in any discussion. I'm so glad I could write this to let you know how sorry I am for your deep loss. I've missed Imus since he retired. He was bigger than life and I pray for strength and peace for you both as you grieve; I'm so glad you have each other.
I loved the Iman ever since his days at WGAR in Cleveland! I followed his career & many "Imusisums" have found their way into our everyday vocabulary! "That (insert name or object) can't suck enough!" My sincerest condolences to Deirdre & Wyatt!
What a loss, RIP Iman from Mississippi. I downloaded the podcast each and every day, and when on tv I dvr'd. May God Bless you Mrs. Imus and Wyatt!!
Prayers are with your family. May God give you strength trough this difficult time. Love the sinus morning show. It was informative and funny. Love it when Imus interviewed politicians. Imus was the GOAT on talk radio. Stay strong.
Sincerely,
Anthony
I remember Imus once had Jeff Greenfield on and they were talking about the funeral for Elvis Presley - and how hundreds of thousands of people were lined up for miles on a hot summer day to see the motercade carrying him pass by. That's how much he meant to them.
After waking up to Imus for over 30 years, I felt more of a connection to him than I do my own neighbors. So when I heard the news last Friday, it was like losing a member of my own family. That's how much he meant to me.