Longtime Chattanooga DJ Bobby Q Day dies

photo Local disc jockey Bobby Q. Day died Saturday, according to the John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Chattanooga disc jockey and local blues scene fixture Bobby Q Day - whose real name was Eddie White - died of heart failure Saturday. He was 72.

"His name is synonymous with rhythm and blues in Chattanooga during the '70s and '80s," said David Carroll, WRCB-TV Channel 3 news anchor and author of the book "Chattanooga Radio and Television," which chronicles the city's media history.

White, better-known by his radio moniker, was a DJ for Chattanooga AM station WNOO for about 20 years in the days before FM radio dominated the airwaves. His far-reaching knowledge of the music and his inviting on-air demeanor built up a large following.

And there was the voice. White's longtime friend, veteran disc jockey Tommy Jett, said it emanated both an energy and a smoothness.

"His voice was instantly recognizable. He had a lot of personality, this very distinct style. All these things you don't hear on the radio now," Jett said.

And his listeners were loyal, as shown by what happened when White moved to AM station WDXB to DJ a blues show slated from 7 p.m. to midnight.

"Back then the AM stations cut a good amount of power at night time, so there typically was not a very good signal then. But he still had very good ratings, and a great following," said Carroll.

White also developed close friendships in the radio scene.

"Bobby was well known and well loved," said Jett. "His death is a big loss. I'm going to really miss that man."

Funeral arrangements will be announced by John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Contact staff writer Kate Harrison at kharrison@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6673.

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