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)
Praying for Deirdre and Wyatt today...
I watched the Iman for many years and heard him on his podcasts. I meet him at a rodeo in Sinton Tx it was one of Wyatt’s first professional rodeo events. I saw Imus sitting by himself while Dierdre was videotaping the calf roper’s. He thought He knew me. He sure was proud of Wyatt. I sure miss Iman in the morning.
I thought about Don on the 27th. I could not believe he has been gone a year. I often think of what he would say about all that has happened in 2020 I am sure he would have plenty to say. I so enjoyed him in the morning. I learned so much about politics and he turned me on to some great music. You wonder when you get older if you made a difference in your life. I can assure you Don made a difference he left quite a legacy. I am so glad I got to know him even if it was only on TV.😊 I miss him and I think about him often.
My family had the great fortune to work with Don for many years. Like all of us, he made mistakes along the way in his career but what I always appreciated was his honesty in admitting he was wrong. He was tough but with a big heart. He loved the ranch and those kids as well as his wife and son. He was the real deal....and he was always very kind to my family. It was intimidating at times being on air with him but he did "his best" to make us feel like we belonged. He had a certain way about him-to the point, didn't mince words but he was extremely well read and felt his job was to "get right into it". That is what made him so special- truly one of kind. I don't know if he will ever be replaced on air, his style was just so unique...so IMUS.
We miss working him and his team....they were like family,
Cindi and the entire Bigelow family.
Brightened my morning drive to work on so many days. Loved his humor and wit. Honest, generous and always entertaining.
More and more I find myself wishing that the I-Man were here to help us parse out the crazy events of this past year. The world could use his wisdom, his "call it like he sees it" approach to the "Freak Show." Thought of him this morning when the headline on the Daily News said that Twitter had Trump "banned for life." How many times were people banned that same way from the Imus in the Morning program? We still laugh around here and invoke his memory often. He was one in a million and I miss him very much.
I've listened to Imus since he first came to NY. Going way back to Moby worm and I'm still waiting for "coming to Imus in the morning, Rex the wonder dog". In one of my conversations with me, he said, "you know he's never coming, right"? I first spoke to him when I was a NY Telephone operator and he was making a person to person call to his daughter in Cleveland. The stuff he said to me during those 5 minutes had me crying from laughter. The operators around me were wondering who I had on. Once on my way to one of his book signings in Lake Grove NY for his God's Other Son book signing, my two friends and I arrived at the mall and we saw a huge white stretch limo. Imus was alone in the back seat. We walked up to the car and he rolled down the window. He said the girl from Simon and Schuster went into the mall to find the book store where he was to make his appearance. We said, c'mon, we'll take you. So me, my two friends, and Imus were walking together through the mall to the signing. The stuff he told us as we passed people I still remember to this day. I also called in twice and spoke with him on the air. I did a whole skit with him about my bird that I named Imus that I fed Creamette Pasta, and taught him to say Nah, Nah, Nah. Then when Imus said, "let me hear him say Nah, Nah Nah". Of course, I made that up, and after urging the bird to say it with no response I said Nah, Nah, Nah and made it obvious it was me and McCord goes, "that's amazing". I ended with the bird plucks the feathers around his neck and now looks like you. Everyone broke out and Imus ended with, "I don't need this abuse from the view". I'll remember him always. I lost the autographed book in a house fire but I met Rob Bartlett on the ferry after being at a fund raiser that Imus had at Mohecan Sun and he was able to have Imus autograph another copy and sent it to me. May he rest in Peace.
Don,
I just read Wyatts letter and was crying my tough ass Army eyes out, wow.
My son Christopher and I have the same type of relationship described by your son, what a great man he is, shall be forever because of your influence.
I miss you everyday, I had quite the political downfall ( CBS “ Power and Passion) high profile political leader ( Discovery Channel “ Love the Way You Lie the End of Affair ) and remember the situation and the dignity and grace you showed, it exodus from Wyatt's heart. My son was always there for me in my darkest days of public humiliation, Christopher, like your son is nothing but love, caring and kindness! Of course most from Deirdre, you old sack of dust :) ! My humor level is so down missing you destroy Kinky, Bernie and Sid, who is now bigger than Arnold Swartzneger and Rob! Love you Old Man
Stephen
D and W I miss you all so much too hope everyone is well and love all of you!
Imus,we miss you & wish we could hear your views on what's happening to our Country. Watched you for years,agreed with your views. Deidre & Wyatt,my condolences. He still is missed by us. God bless you both.
We constantly see people on tv and realize we first/heard them on Imus. We hear music that he introduced us to. Just a great show.
I was so sorry to hear of Imus's passing. I can not count how many laugh out loud by myself moments he gave me over the years. As you all know, those are pretty rare in life and IMO on of the best gifts anyone can ever give. Fly High my Friend, you are missed............................
I began listening to Don Imus in 1978 on a small transistor radio hidden under my pillow. You see I was 9 years old, and Imus said some things my mom didn't appreciate so she forbade me to listen to "that filth", oh my mom, if only you knew the genius that was soaking into my still forming brain.
From there and over the course of 40 years Imus remained the closest friend I never really knew, but always felt like I knew better than anyone. All the incredible charity work, I donated what I could to the ranch, bought the salsa, have an Auto Body Express T shirt I never wore but got it since the proceeds went to great things, all of it, completely and totally irreplaceable. When I read Wyatt's letter it brought me to tears, and reminded me that this great man no longer walks the Earth with us, spreading his cantankerous self around for all to enjoy or suffer depending on what side of his graces you were on. My son and I have the same relationship, and while I'll never be 5% of what Imus was, I've given the same love, support, and good up bringing to him as Imus did for Wyatt. I'm glad you enjoyed your dad in the years you had him, and I wish you and your mom all the best in the many years you have to come.
In closing, thank you Mr. Imus for making my life better. Your friend - Marc McDonough (770 WABC NY, 660 WFAN NY, FOX, MSNBC, et al)
Deirdre can you please let us know how you are coping? Thank you for keeping this site open.
Imus entertained me for years and made my commute bearable. Mark Chernoff retired at WFAN last week and was telling great stories of Imus, Stern and Mike and the Mad Dog. He went over that horrific day on 9.11 when Imus had Warner describing the tragedy that was 9.11 over the air. Rest in peace Imus, you were special.
Thank you Imus for making me laugh, think, ponder, and care for nearly 40 years of my life. From a transistor radio played low so my mom wouldn't make me turn it off, to my hour commute every morning you made my day better, all the while making the world better one little sick child at a time. When one man is more responsible than any other for donations to wonderful causes year after year, there is a special place in heaven reserved at the big table. One quote I will never forget, when some company was trying to charge The Ranch full blow out retail on some supplies you asked the simple question, "Do you hate little children with cancer or do you just not like them"? That and so many other incredible moments helped shape my world view, made me generous to those with less, and created a fan/admirer for life.
You left the world a smarter, funnier, and better place for having lived in it.
All the love,
Marc
I worked with Imus the first 4 years he was at NBC.I was his production assistant on Monitor,the network radio show,and briefly on the local radio news desk during his morning show. I was in my early 20’s and I went on to have a 17 year career as a news and weather reporter in Virginia.
I have nothing but good memories of Imus,Charlie McCord, the local reporters and producers. All of them were very supportive of my career goals.
I was already gone by 1981 so I cannot speak to what the atmosphere at the station was like.
When Imus passed away I decided to write condolences to his family on this web page. Since all responses just went to my spam page, I rarely if ever looked at them for the past 2 years. But as I was cleaning out my spam box over the weekend,I started to read read what I thought were additional thoughts about Imus 2 years after his death.
I am sure every fan of the great and incredibly talented Don Imus is thrilled that all is right with the Memorial tributes pages. I hope it stays that way. Imus in the Morning was my frequent morning companion during my commutes during college. I discovered the Crusaders because Imus used “Put it where you want it” as he read commercials live. I learned so mush about music, particularly country music, from the I-Man. The Greatest of All Time!
One of the best features of the show was the assortment of characters offered up by Rob Bartlett. My two favs were “General Patton” and “The Godfather.” It’s great to know that Rob is keeping a watchful eye on the memorial. The Godfather is loyal like no other! Thanks again to Chuck, Lou, Bernie, Mike Breen, Warner Wolf, and the cast of hundreds others voiced by Larry Kenny and Rob Bartlett. There will never be another show like Imus in the Morning!
I know I miss the Iman so much.. I miss them all.. I used to make sure I was available for all his shows no matter what time it was or how tired I was.. I hope the best for Wyatt and Deirdre.. Joseph Benevides..I feel the same way about the Iman and his cast of peeps.. I have some great clips of Rob on YouTube.. if you are the fighter Joe?.. I've seen you in the ring as well!!!.. peace my friends!!!
Joe:
uh hate to break it to ya dude but it was Larry "Liono" Kenney who voiced General Patton.
Just sayin'
Holy smokes John! You’re exactly right. Well, you know what they say. After a while they all sound alike. Thanks for the correction. Like I’m now saying “I LOVED Larry Kenny’s General Patton!”
Joe,
Iman had SO many GREAT people over the years doing characters.
Rob's characters were some wicked awesome. Especially Blind Mississippi White Boy Pigs Feet Dupris
https://youtu.be/IbGPgIF7ohI
Iman, still miss you on my drive to work. Would have loved to hear your take on Afghanistan since I listened to you and Warner that horrible bright sunny morning September 11th. You made a mark and I really miss your show and company, miss your take on the world. Rest in peace.
Many days I say to my husband, "I wish I could hear the Iman's take on this shit show"! Learned so much from him listening and watching for so many years From politics to people to bullshit .He told it as he saw it, always He covered it all and schooled us all along with him. Greatly missed Hope you are all well to the family!
Deirdre Imus is so BEAUTIFUL