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)
Growing up with I-man in the morning... from teenager to worker to almost retiree, morning routines and commutes were ALWAYS punctuated by the I-man and crew, brother Fred, Charles, Deidre, Wyatt and countless guests. You made my days / years with boundless laughter, intelligent interviews, book discussions, meaningful music, and the personification of selfless giving for the better good. I will always hear the I-man's laugh, then his soft heart for Deidre and Wyatt, headed off to Rice. You are family to me, and as I too grieve and cry with you, I send sympathies and love to the entire Imus family. You busted his proud buttons, Wyatt!!! Be seein ya at the rodeo, I-man.
I was so sad to learn of Mr. Imus' passing. My deepest condolences to Dierdre, Wyatt, and Zac. Morning radio has been sorely lacking since Imus signed off. He'll never be forgotten, by his listeners and the thousands of people his philanthropy benefitted. He was a giant and will be sorely missed. Love and prayers to the family.
Imus was one of a kind. He brought much to many. Never be another. Imus may you RIP
Miss him..
I got to buy an original shirt many years ago.
I called ..
Fred answered and took my order.
Shirt is gone now.
So is Fred.
So is Imus..
Thank you .
Loved him from afar
Ken Fallon.RI
😎
I started listening to the Imus in the Morning radio show in my car on the way to work from Brooklyn starting in 1973. Those were the days when we were lucky if he showed up for work 2 or 3 days a week. I was a single 22 year old at the time and my lifestyle was not far from Don’s, so I was happy on those days he made it to work. That was during his Billy Sol Hargis alter ego persona period and I found those sermons very funny and occasionally inspirational in a gonzo way. Lost track of him after a bit when he got fired and was banished to Cleveland but picked him up again after he returned to NY on WFAN and then the MSNBC simulcast. Wasn’t too crazy initially about the political slant he was moving to but the show kinda grew on me and I became a regular listener once again. Everyone thought he went overboard at times but he was still in his heart the quintessential shock jock so you got what you should have expected most times. RIP Don and condolences to his extended family.
Thank you Iman for bringing it every day. You have been an inspiration to me in more ways that you could know
You were a truly brilliant personality on the radio. Godspeed to you and your family. Come on baby.
S
Enjoyed your very entertaining, informative morning shows for many , many years . Your musical guest were just the best . Always looked forward to that part of the show . Dwight, Hayes, Delbert . Watched Wyatt growing up to be quite the cowboy . Proud dad for sure . RIP I-man .
As Woodrow told Call, “ By God Woodrow, it’s been one hell of a party”
Same applies to Imus. Rest easy cowboy.
Imus brightened up many a car ride and many a morning before going to work. He introduced me to great minds, good books, and amazing music. He even had (the) God (squad) on the air. Condolences⚘
I live in MN. First came across Imus in the Morning on MSNBC. Began listening while on the home treadmill because network morning TV is/was awful! Became a huge fan because Don Imus & crew were smart, fun & best interviews ever! Loved the show & followed Imus to RFD & Fox. Was their juvenile comments & bad boy behavior? Certainly! But it made things interesting! Deirdre, Wyatt & family you are in our thoughts & prayers always. RIP Imus you were one of a kind & you will be missed. You made our day better, thank you.
So sorry for your loss. The IMan’s Show kept me company on my long commute.
I was and am a big fan of Imus and a ranch wrangler. He was a great talent and humanitarian, willing to support great causes because it was the right thing to do. I send my sincere condolences to the Imus family as I’m sure he leaves a huge void in your lives. He has left one in mine but I will pray for you and him.
Grew up listening to the I-Man in the 70’s and listened as much as I could until the final show on WABC. He is a true legend who will be missed.
My deepest condolences to the Imus family, his friends and loved ones. Long-time listener from the beginning of FAN. I’m absolutely heartbroken and saddened by his passing. The humor, laughs and insights he provided for so many mornings makes this even harder to accept that he is gone. May our Lord hold him close to His Sacred Heart and comfort his family. Thank you, Imus, for the laughs and memories. A part of all of us is gone with you. God Bless! - Nick
He was real. Awesome talent. Hilarious wit and smart as hell. Never boring. I was depressed when he went off the air. He made me feel like I knew the whole Imus family.
Thank you for sharing him with us, his loyal fans.
Started listening to Imus 40 years ago on WNBC.
...He changed radio forever.
...Imus is on the Mount Rushmore of radio!
Peace to his family.
What a sad day for those of us who worshiped at the Iman alter for years. Here’s hoping you ride your steed for eternity
I had read and heard plenty about Imus before I actually was able to listen. I used to watch his simulcast and listen on Sat Radio and became quite a fan. He was always putting on the tough guy act when in fact, he was a big pussycat. As he got older, he was even funnier because he was pretty fearless. I think he was a giant and no one will ever top the I-Man. Rest In Peace you old goat.
To the Imus family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was able to listen for my short morning commute, so I was delighted when I retired and could watch on TV. Imus and the whole crew were great, as we're all the great guests. I could see beyond his crankiness, when he spoke to his family, he was so proud of Wyatt, he had a good heart. And, he loved country music, as I do! His morning show is greatly missed. RIP IMan🙏
My heart felt sympathy to the family and the entire Imus community.
I say this because not only did you lose a loved one, but because in some strange way we did too. When you start a routine of getting up in the morning, and turning on the radio to The Imus In The Morning Show for 40+ years, this person becomes part of your routine and part of your life. I didn't listen to him every day, but there have also been days that I didn't see my own family over the past 40+ years. I was heartbroken when I heard this terrible news. Mr. Imus never once let me down when he was on the air, I could always count on him to make me laugh, or turn me on to a new author or musician that I never heard of before. I really don't have anything else to say but thank you Iman, thank you for the 40+ years of helping me start my day with a smile on my face....Thank you SO much.
RIP Don Imus. I loved listening to you on the radio and watching you on cable TV. I shared your variety of interests--clever humor, politics, great music, human behavior and idiosyncrasies. You had a great crew with you--Charles, Warner, Rob and many others. And I loved your interviews whether it was Jack Valenti, John McCain, Doris Kearns Goodwin or Dwight Yoakam. All great fun and full of life and energy. You made a big impact on the world and it was primarily positive. You called it like you saw it, warts and all. I know you loved your brother Fred and the Baby Jesus.
What an icon to radio was John Donald Imus. He's right~no one combined all of the different elements of news, entertainment, sports, politics, with the command that he had. Imus and his team were just brilliant on Imus in the Morning, day in and day out. No wonder he won radio's Oscar equivalent (4) times. I know that I am only one of millions who listened and will share that I will truly miss him, and his show. Rest easy I-Man.
Fin
Moore OK
My dad was a delivery man. In the summers of my youth, my dad took me along for the ride. He listened to Imus in the morning. I listened to all the madness of Imus' return from his exile in Cleveland and didnt stop listening to his last broadcast. I later became a DJ in local bars. My DJ handle was The E-man in tribute my favorite radio personality. Thanks I-man for the memories
15 years ago I moved to Houston TX from Boston where every single morning I would listen to the I man faithfully.
Sadly when I moved here ,Houston radio did not carry his radio show and my mornings were not the same.
Shortly after I arrived here, I met Kinky Friedman who was running for Governor of Texas at the time.
I asked him , Kinky why can we get Imus in morning in Houston ?
He responded, “ Sir that is a great mystery. Although I will say I have a better chance of being elected Governor than Imus being
on the radio here in Houston” With that he stuck a fat cigar in his mouth ,shook my hand and walked away.
It was Houston’s loss.
I hope the I man is ok with his fans being panty sniffing wuses since his passing. He was a member member of our family too who will be loved and missed.
May God bless him always.
Mrs.Imus and Wyatt, we all love you share in your grief.
Michael Duffee
Spring Tx
Not just one of the best, he was the best.