Music David 'Kidd' Kraddick dies at 53

Al Bundy · 07-28-2013, 07:21 AM

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/p...-dies/2593341/

David "Kidd" Kraddick, the high-octane radio and TV host of the "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" show heard on dozens of U.S. radio stations, has died at a charity golf event near New Orleans, a publicist said. Kraddick was 53.

The Texas-based radio and television personality, whose program is syndicated by YEA Networks, died at his Kidd's Kids charity function in the New Orleans suburb of Gretna on Saturday, said publicist Ladd Biro in releasing a network statement.

"He died doing what he loved," said Biro, of the public relations firm Champion Management, speaking with AP by phone early Sunday. He said he had no further details on the death.

The "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" show is heard on more than 75 Top 40 and Hot AC radio stations and is a leader among most-listened-to contemporary morning programs, Biro said. The radio program also is transmitted globally on American Forces Radio Network while the show's cast is also seen weeknights on the nationally syndicated TV show "Dish Nation," he added.

"All of us with YEA Networks and the "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" crew are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend and leader," the network statement said. "Kidd devoted his life to making people smile every morning, and for 21 years his foundation has been dedicated to bringing joy to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children."

"He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him," it added.

The Dallas Morning News reported Kraddick had been a staple in the Dallas market since 1984, starting in a late-night debut. The newspaper said he moved into morning show work by the early 1990s in that market and his show began to gain wider acclaim and entered into syndication by 2001 as he gained a following in cities nationwide.

Kraddick would have turned 54 on Aug. 22, according to Biro.

The network statement said the cause of death would be released "at the appropriate time."

Many fans, celebrities included, tweeted condolences and talked about the death on social media sites. One Texas radio station where he was a mainstay ran photographs on its website of Kraddick at the microphone.

Word of Kraddick's passing spread quickly via social media.

"RIP Kidd Kraddick. You were an amazing man and a friend. You are already missed," Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted.

"Oh Man, I just heard Kidd Kraddick died! He's my childhood dj. What a sad day. His poor family. He was always nice 2 me from the beginning," singer Kelly Clarkson tweeted.

Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, only recently announced as the headline act of a planned first-ever Kidd's Kids charity concert in Dallas next month, wrote: "The sad sad news about Kidd Kraddick is shocking. He will be missed greatly."

Richie Tomblin, described as the head golf professional at the Timberlane Country Club in Gretna on its website, told AP that Kraddick wasn't looking well when he saw him getting ready for Saturday's charity event.

"He came out and he borrowed my golf clubs and went out to the driving range," Tomblin told AP when contacted by phone. "It's kind of a freaky situation. He came out. He practiced a little bit. He hit the ball at the first tee and wasn't feeling good and after that I didn't see him."

Tomblin said the hundreds of amateur golfers taking part went ahead with the event Saturday. He added he only found out afterward that Kraddick had died and he was still shaken about it.

"I'm still trying to figure it out. I really don't know what happened. Everyone keeps texting me asking, 'What's going on?' I really don't know," said Tomblin.

He added he was reluctant to even touch the set of clubs Kraddick had borrowed Saturday for his practice swings.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Archie F. Swin · 07-28-2013, 07:28 AM

Dude raised tons of money for terminally ill kids for over 20 years.

BlackHelicopters · 07-28-2013, 07:41 AM

R.I.P.

**Predarat** · 07-28-2013, 07:50 AM

Hate that this happened, he seemed like a really good person, on his show and off it.

big nasty kcnut · 07-28-2013, 08:00 AM

RIP yet alex jones still alive.
Posted via Mobile Device

stonedstooge · 07-28-2013, 08:04 AM

Thought it was this dude when I saw the thread title

Ceej · 07-28-2013, 08:20 AM

That's insane.

I listen to him every morning up here in Topeka.

Wonder what the cause of death was.

Planetman · 07-28-2013, 08:35 AM

I'm going with heart attack. The article says he died "suddenly" at a golfing event.

Dallas radio-TV personality Kidd Kraddick dies suddenly at 53

David “Kidd” Kraddick, the radio and TV personality whose locally based Kidd Kraddick in the Morning is heard on Dallas’ “Kiss FM” KHKS-FM (106.1) and stations across the nation, has died, sources said late Saturday.

Kraddick was 53. His cause of death was not released.

“It has been confirmed that Kidd Kraddick passed away today in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd’s Kids charity,” KHKSFM owner Clear Channel Communications Inc. said in a news release Saturday. The statement was attributed to Kelly Kibler, Clear Channel’s Dallas manager, and was confirmed by a Kraddick’s publicist, Ladd Biro.

“He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him,” the statement read. “Kidd devoted his life to making people smile every morning, and for 21 years, his foundation has been dedicated to bringing joy to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children,” the company said.

A statement from Kraddick’s family said: “We are all shocked and saddened by Kidd’s untimely passing. At this time, we ask that you respect our privacy as we mourn and grieve our family’s tremendous loss.”

New Orleans media outlets reported that Kraddick was taken to a hospital in the city and died just after 1 p.m.

Kraddick has been a staple in the Dallas market since his late-night debut in 1984 on “The Eagle” KEGL-FM (97.1). But his ascension to mainstay status began in 1992, when he moved to Kiss-FM and began broadcasting his morning show. By 2001 the show was syndicated, and, according to his website, is heard in more than 100 cities.

The Marconi Award-winner’s brand expanded even further in recent months when he and his morning crew were added to Dish Nation, a syndicated TV show.

Social media exploded with activity after news of the death broke. Kraddick’s Facebook page and a Kiss-FM tribute page were drawing a constant stream of condolences, and Twitter was active as well.

“RIP Kidd Kraddick. You were an amazing man and a friend. You are already missed,” Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted.

“The sad sad news about Kidd Kraddick is shocking. He will be missed greatly,” wrote Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, who were announced Friday as the headline act of next month’s first-ever Kidd’s Kids charity concert in Dallas.

And news anchor Gloria Campos of WFAA-TV (Channel 8) tweeted: “Kidd Kraddick one of the good guys & a tremendous talent. I’m stunned by the news of his passing. Thoughts & prayers to his family & fans.”

Jay Pond, a member of the board of directors of the Kraddick Foundation, said he was not aware of the reports that Kraddick had died. But he said Kraddick’s death would be tough for the nonprofit.

“He’s the driving force,” Pond said. “He’s kind of a larger than life, very generous giving man. Year after year he did these phenomenal trips for these kids. It was spectacular.”

WFAA-TV reported that Kraddick was divorced and had one daughter.

Staff writer Tanya Eiserer contributed to this report.

rwilonsky@dallasnews.com

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local...enly-at-53.ece

apeppard@dallasnews.com

**Buehler445** · 07-28-2013, 08:53 AM

That sucks. Seemed like a decent dude. Didn't particularly like his show, but I always listened when he did the Kidds Kids thing. That was pretty goddamned special.

Dayze · 07-28-2013, 09:12 AM

I've literally never hear of his name before. Have I been living in a cave?

siberian khatru · 07-28-2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dayze

I've literally never hear of his name before. Have I been living in a cave?

Same here. Apparently several of my Facebook friends listen to him, and my wife's co-workers (she asked me, "Did you hear Kidd Crashick or Kraddick or something died?").

Deberg_1990 · 07-28-2013, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dayze

I've literally never hear of his name before. Have I been living in a cave?

Depends on what city you live in. I'm not sure if his show is heard in KC area? The show is based in Dallas.

RIP. seemed like a decent dude. His show was pretty entertaining. I would listen quite a bit in the car on the way to work.

PunkinDrublic · 07-28-2013, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Depends on what city you live in. I'm not sure if his show is heard in KC area? The show is based in Dallas.

RIP. seemed like a decent dude. His show was pretty entertaining. I would listen quite a bit in the car on the way to work.

I never listened to his show but new of him because he was universally respected by everyone in local radio regardless of format.

blazzin311 · 07-28-2013, 09:40 AM

Well this a bummer! I guess it wasn't Video who Killed the Radio Star, after all! RIP, David "Kidd" Kraddick!

MTG#10 · 07-28-2013, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

Same here. Apparently several of my Facebook friends listen to him

Mine too. Its been all over my news feed today and I have no clue who he is.

07-28-2013, 07:21 AM
Al Bundy Damnit Peg Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $3531831	David 'Kidd' Kraddick dies at 53 http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/p...-dies/2593341/ David "Kidd" Kraddick, the high-octane radio and TV host of the "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" show heard on dozens of U.S. radio stations, has died at a charity golf event near New Orleans, a publicist said. Kraddick was 53. The Texas-based radio and television personality, whose program is syndicated by YEA Networks, died at his Kidd's Kids charity function in the New Orleans suburb of Gretna on Saturday, said publicist Ladd Biro in releasing a network statement. "He died doing what he loved," said Biro, of the public relations firm Champion Management, speaking with AP by phone early Sunday. He said he had no further details on the death. The "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" show is heard on more than 75 Top 40 and Hot AC radio stations and is a leader among most-listened-to contemporary morning programs, Biro said. The radio program also is transmitted globally on American Forces Radio Network while the show's cast is also seen weeknights on the nationally syndicated TV show "Dish Nation," he added. "All of us with YEA Networks and the "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" crew are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend and leader," the network statement said. "Kidd devoted his life to making people smile every morning, and for 21 years his foundation has been dedicated to bringing joy to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children." "He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him," it added. The Dallas Morning News reported Kraddick had been a staple in the Dallas market since 1984, starting in a late-night debut. The newspaper said he moved into morning show work by the early 1990s in that market and his show began to gain wider acclaim and entered into syndication by 2001 as he gained a following in cities nationwide. Kraddick would have turned 54 on Aug. 22, according to Biro. The network statement said the cause of death would be released "at the appropriate time." Many fans, celebrities included, tweeted condolences and talked about the death on social media sites. One Texas radio station where he was a mainstay ran photographs on its website of Kraddick at the microphone. Word of Kraddick's passing spread quickly via social media. "RIP Kidd Kraddick. You were an amazing man and a friend. You are already missed," Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted. "Oh Man, I just heard Kidd Kraddick died! He's my childhood dj. What a sad day. His poor family. He was always nice 2 me from the beginning," singer Kelly Clarkson tweeted. Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, only recently announced as the headline act of a planned first-ever Kidd's Kids charity concert in Dallas next month, wrote: "The sad sad news about Kidd Kraddick is shocking. He will be missed greatly." Richie Tomblin, described as the head golf professional at the Timberlane Country Club in Gretna on its website, told AP that Kraddick wasn't looking well when he saw him getting ready for Saturday's charity event. "He came out and he borrowed my golf clubs and went out to the driving range," Tomblin told AP when contacted by phone. "It's kind of a freaky situation. He came out. He practiced a little bit. He hit the ball at the first tee and wasn't feeling good and after that I didn't see him." Tomblin said the hundreds of amateur golfers taking part went ahead with the event Saturday. He added he only found out afterward that Kraddick had died and he was still shaken about it. "I'm still trying to figure it out. I really don't know what happened. Everyone keeps texting me asking, 'What's going on?' I really don't know," said Tomblin. He added he was reluctant to even touch the set of clubs Kraddick had borrowed Saturday for his practice swings. Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Posts: 23,615

07-28-2013, 07:28 AM	#2
Archie F. Swin This is the way Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Casino cash: $9975673	Dude raised tons of money for terminally ill kids for over 20 years. __________________ "No Two People Will Do It The Same, You got It Down...When You Appear to Be In Pain!"
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07-28-2013, 07:41 AM	#3
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $-699412	R.I.P. __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
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07-28-2013, 07:50 AM	#4
Predarat Run Chiefs fans, run!! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nashville, TN Casino cash: $9963863	Hate that this happened, he seemed like a really good person, on his show and off it.
Posts: 10,776

07-28-2013, 08:00 AM	#5
big nasty kcnut The pizza king of kansas Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Somewhere in the u.s.a. Casino cash: $-2019100	RIP yet alex jones still alive. Posted via Mobile Device
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07-28-2013, 08:04 AM	#6
stonedstooge Arf! Arf! Arf! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Casino cash: $3894173	Thought it was this dude when I saw the thread title __________________ 2013 ADOPT A CHIEF Eric Kush "Often is a word I seldom use"--JP
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07-28-2013, 08:20 AM	#7
Ceej BOOM!1! Join Date: Aug 2004 Casino cash: $6735541	That's insane. I listen to him every morning up here in Topeka. Wonder what the cause of death was.
Posts: 19,219

07-28-2013, 08:35 AM	#8
Planetman Superhero Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Secret Location Casino cash: $10085080	I'm going with heart attack. The article says he died "suddenly" at a golfing event. Dallas radio-TV personality Kidd Kraddick dies suddenly at 53 David “Kidd” Kraddick, the radio and TV personality whose locally based Kidd Kraddick in the Morning is heard on Dallas’ “Kiss FM” KHKS-FM (106.1) and stations across the nation, has died, sources said late Saturday. Kraddick was 53. His cause of death was not released. “It has been confirmed that Kidd Kraddick passed away today in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd’s Kids charity,” KHKSFM owner Clear Channel Communications Inc. said in a news release Saturday. The statement was attributed to Kelly Kibler, Clear Channel’s Dallas manager, and was confirmed by a Kraddick’s publicist, Ladd Biro. “He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him,” the statement read. “Kidd devoted his life to making people smile every morning, and for 21 years, his foundation has been dedicated to bringing joy to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children,” the company said. A statement from Kraddick’s family said: “We are all shocked and saddened by Kidd’s untimely passing. At this time, we ask that you respect our privacy as we mourn and grieve our family’s tremendous loss.” New Orleans media outlets reported that Kraddick was taken to a hospital in the city and died just after 1 p.m. Kraddick has been a staple in the Dallas market since his late-night debut in 1984 on “The Eagle” KEGL-FM (97.1). But his ascension to mainstay status began in 1992, when he moved to Kiss-FM and began broadcasting his morning show. By 2001 the show was syndicated, and, according to his website, is heard in more than 100 cities. The Marconi Award-winner’s brand expanded even further in recent months when he and his morning crew were added to Dish Nation, a syndicated TV show. Social media exploded with activity after news of the death broke. Kraddick’s Facebook page and a Kiss-FM tribute page were drawing a constant stream of condolences, and Twitter was active as well. “RIP Kidd Kraddick. You were an amazing man and a friend. You are already missed,” Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted. “The sad sad news about Kidd Kraddick is shocking. He will be missed greatly,” wrote Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, who were announced Friday as the headline act of next month’s first-ever Kidd’s Kids charity concert in Dallas. And news anchor Gloria Campos of WFAA-TV (Channel 8) tweeted: “Kidd Kraddick one of the good guys & a tremendous talent. I’m stunned by the news of his passing. Thoughts & prayers to his family & fans.” Jay Pond, a member of the board of directors of the Kraddick Foundation, said he was not aware of the reports that Kraddick had died. But he said Kraddick’s death would be tough for the nonprofit. “He’s the driving force,” Pond said. “He’s kind of a larger than life, very generous giving man. Year after year he did these phenomenal trips for these kids. It was spectacular.” WFAA-TV reported that Kraddick was divorced and had one daughter. Staff writer Tanya Eiserer contributed to this report. rwilonsky@dallasnews.com http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local...enly-at-53.ece apeppard@dallasnews.com __________________
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07-28-2013, 08:53 AM	#9
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $-1385266	That sucks. Seemed like a decent dude. Didn't particularly like his show, but I always listened when he did the Kidds Kids thing. That was pretty goddamned special.
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07-28-2013, 09:12 AM	#10
Dayze Resident Glue Sniffer Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $1939358	I've literally never hear of his name before. Have I been living in a cave? __________________ Life is 99% inspiration, 1% Perspiration, and 1% Attention to Detial. RIP & Godspeed: Saccoppo Lonewolf Ed Fire Me Boy
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07-28-2013, 09:40 AM	#14
blazzin311 Blazzin311 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Miami, FL Casino cash: $9375101	Well this a bummer! I guess it wasn't Video who Killed the Radio Star, after all! RIP, David "Kidd" Kraddick! __________________
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