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)
Deidre, Wyatt, Zach and the Imus family,
My condolences on Don's passing last week. I listened to him for 30 years, first through a staticky radio 150 miles away from the WFAN signal when I was in junior high, eventually listening more conveniently on simulcast or through the internet later on. The great thing about Don Imus was that you never knew what you were going to take away from his show on a given day. It might be an education on current events, a touching story about someone from the ranch, a silly phone call with Fred or laughing bout something so juvenile. It was all A+. There were 2 great qualities Don had, 1, was he was the best interviewer ever, hands down and 2 was his ability to make sense in simple terms of complex situations or problems. The latter, made me feel connected to him, even though I never met him.
My prayers to all of you.
Devastated, speechless, and empty at the news of Imus’ passing. I wrote this when he retired in 2018, and it pretty much says it all about what he meant to me. Happy trails, I-Man, and thank you.
Since 1998, I've listened to Imus nearly every weekday morning. Imus and his crew of Bernard, Lou, Charles, Warner, Sid, Connell, Rob, Tony, and, yes, even Gunz have been staples in my life just about as much as anyone or anything else. Imus is family. Over the last 20 years, Imus informed my perspective on everything from politics to entertainment to news to religion to music to sports to society to the media to comedy to human behavior and beyond. He's one of the most significant and influential people in my life, and my mornings will Never. Be. The. Same. Happy trails, I-Man and crew, and thank you.
#Getitonyourmind
#GOAT
Listening to Imus' show helped get me through college and later my years in the military. He was a true treasure and what he did for those children on the ranch over the years was amazing. God Bless Don Imus and his beautiful family. We'll miss you immensely Don.
My sincere condolences on your loss...the Iman was my commuter buddy for many years and last of the cowboys. RIP.
To:The Imus Family
The I man filled in a lot empty time in my life!I just want say the Thank you for being the I man!It should know that with out Don Imus on WFAN that Sports talk radio should have never stuck!Don Inus saved sports talk radio!Don Imus was and for ever will be the greatest Radio man ever!I am shut by Now if he was reading this Imus would have nuked me!RIP Don Imus!
My most fond memory of mr. imus was his coverage of 9/11 as it was happening. He, Warner, Charles and the Crew were amazing and did a great job that day, and in the days following the event. The real, caring, and true mr. imus shined through. Thank you, mr. imus. You will be missed.
I am sorry to hear about I-man. He was the best. I missed him when he went off the air. Prayers for all of his family.
I was in high school when I was introduced to Imus in the Morning I just turned 65. Thank you I -Man for years of laughter, music, history and political insight. You will be missed! Deirdre and Wyatt/ anyone who ever listened knows how much he loved you both and how proud he was of both of you! Thank you Deidre for keeping him with us as long as you could and thank you Wyatt for making him so proud
Well... the I-Man was not “Perfect-Man” ... and nobody is. All I can say from where I sat (and listened) is that he entertained and his show informed me via his guests and questions... for decades! He had a fantastic team with him. I’m sorry for your loss. Condolences to all of his family and friends.
Mr. Imus, you were the soundtrack to my commute for literally decades. You were always willing to laugh at yourself, which is part of what made you so terrific. A big thank you, and rest in peace. To Dierdre, Wyatt and Zach; thank you for sharing him with us. Know that you'll be in our thoughts, and that he will live in all of our hearts in the months and years to come.
Our mornings were never the same once Mr. Imus retired. He brought us decades of entertainment, laughs and great music with his show. Deepest condolences to Mrs. Imus, Wyatt, Zach and family.
The man who set the standard for morning radio, the legend himself, Mr John Donald Imus, better known as the I-man, has died.
Over his 50 plus years on air, both radio, and later also television, Imus pioneered many things that other presenters use on shows to this day, all around the world.
Yes, he was contraversial, and yes he offended many, and yes he occasionally crossed the line, but whether you loved, or hated him, you had to respect hkm. I said, you HAD to respect him.
People from every walk of life spoke to him over the years. Politicians, musicians, actors, newsmakers, reporters, legends. If someone was someone, they would find themselves on the other end of Don Imus' microphone, knowing damn well, that he would not hesitate to ask the tough questions, and demand you answer them.
Over the years, he, along with his wife Deidre, sons Wyatt, and Zach, helped many children with the Imus ranch for kids with cancer. A working cattle ranch, these children could spend a week there in summer working and being made to feel that cancer did not define them, and they could do anything any other kid could do. The Imus family ensured that there were physicians and facilities on the property to accommodate any medical needs.
One of the best human beings to ever walk the planet, John Donald Imus was 79.
Below is the best report of the I-man's death, from Fox News.
"ladies and gentlemen, Imus, in the morning".
My sincerest condolences for your loss.
He made me laugh every morning as I made my way into work...such a character. God bless him.
I first saw you on TV in 1977 and followed wherever you went until you dropped the mic. I looked forward to your tweets to find out what Wyatt was doing or what song was on your playlist. My days are sad and dull without your brand of humor and unique insight. Deirdre, Wyatt and Zach, he loved you beyond measure and I pray you find peace in knowing his love still surrounds you when you look at each other. May God continue to strengthen and provide comfort to you. We all miss him, we all loved him, too.
So sorry for your loss. I first heard Imus on the radio in 1998. It took me a couple of weeks to figure out what he was all about. But once i “got” what he was all about I never turned the dial. He was a fierce interviewer. If you were less than honest or not sincere he smoked you. Everyone was fair game.. He talked us thru 911 with Warner. I cried with him as talked about Fred’s passing. He was so good and made it look so easy. Truly one of a kind.
I loved Imus!!! Started watching on msnbc early in the morning 5 am in Nashville. I recorded everyday! He was so funny, angry, self-effacing and yet kind. What a complicated guy. God bless Deidre, Wyatt, Zac and all his family and close friends. He will be missed. I hope his shows are archived for us to listen to the old days. He, Charles, Karith, Chris C., Maddog, Bernie, Lou,Tony,Sid, Connell, Rob, Bo, Fred,Deidre, Wyatt and his many interviews with regulars and more, were all great!!! I could listen just for laughs.We had to work hard in Nashville to follow, but I did it. RFD, MSNBC,Fox, WABC,WFAN stream. I know Imus was sick and it was hard, but we missed him when he finally “parked the bus”. God speed radio friend.
This sucks! So glad I got to listen for 2 plus decades. Iman was the best at what he did, there was no better interviewer on the planet. No one controlled the airways like he did.He really made it feel like he was just talking to you.Sad day, was following his twitter and was happy to here of a possible podcast with Wyatt and Rob, man would have been #1 for sure. I know enough or as Iman would say get over it you p----. Great man, DJ, and music lover. condolences to the family...God Speed my friend and R.I.P.
God Bless Deirdre, Wyatt and Zach. Rest in Peace I-Man! Thank you for the many laughs!! We had serious illness in our family and listening to him Monday thru Friday was a great distraction from it all!
Listened to The IMAN every day for many years and even after his passing hearing his voice in radio clips brought back great memories.
God bless you all !!
I take the Iman's loss as a personal loss. Even though I never met him in person I regarded him as a close friend. He was more than an entertainer. He was a political/social commentator, a benefactor, a humanitarian, a philosopher of sorts, and a truth seeker. And he was funny as hell. Love you always Iman. With deepest condolences to the Imus family.
After retireing 8/2019 ,after 40+ years of driving and listening to the I-man all that time, i often wonder if maybe I would have gotten a better job if I didn’t love his show .
I do not care.......it was worth it., RIP Iman, catch you on the flip side.
Dear Don, thanks for starting my mornings with some thoughtfulness and a smile. My family’s condolences to the Imus family. He will be missed.
RIP I-Man. So many good times listening to you over the years. You were a fine man who made a difference in so many lives.
For over 30 years I grew up with Imus. I cheered when he married, had a child, bought the ranch, and spoke about his sobriety. I learned so much from him. Lessons about politics, authors, and how to laugh. Imus, your sense of humor and wit will be sorely missed. To the Imus family, my deepest condolences to all of you. Your dad and husband brought comfort to so many people. My prayers go out to all of you.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the I-man's finan farewell. I'm 58 and I listened to his show from the time that he came to NY until his final broadcast. He was a very important part of my life. I extend my condolences to his loved ones and I promise that I will never forget the joy that he brought me.