Radio Legend Kidd Kraddick Has Passed Away

Kidd Kraddick R.I.P.

ALL ACCESS is shocked and saddened to report the untimely passing of YEA! NETWORK syndicated radio star KIDD KRADDICK on SATURDAY (7/28).  KRADDICK, age 53, was the longtime morning man at CCM+E Top 40 KHKS/DALLAS and was syndicated on hundreds of stations nationwide over the years. He was also one of the stars of DISH NATION on FOX-TV.

CLEAR CHANNEL/DALLAS Market President and SVPO KELLY KIBLER said: "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.  He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him.

"All of us at KISS-FM, CLEAR CHANNEL/DALLAS, YEA NETWORKS and the KIDD KRADDICK IN THE MORNING crew are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend and leader.  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."

And, this just in from KIDD's FACEBOOK page: KELLIE, BIG AL, J-SI and JENNA will be live TOMORROW (MONDAY) at 8a (ET) / 7a (CT) for a short while to share their feelings regarding KIDD's passing.

KHKS has a KIDD KRADDICK tribute page set up here.

Coverage from the DALLAS NEWS features local reaction from fans and celebrities.

Here is a photo, courtesy of WFAA-TV/DALLAS, showing KIDD at the charity event, shortly before his death.

Industry Mourns, Shares Comments

ALL ACCESS President & Publisher JOEL DENVER commented, "KIDD and I were friends for many years.  I watched him grow into one of the true giants of radio.  His loss will affect so many close friends, his many listeners, and the children who greatly benenfited from KIDD's KIDS.  Our hearts go out to you all."

COLUMBIA EVP/Promotion LEE LEIPSNER had a very close and personal relationship with KIDD.  He told ALL ACCESS, "I'm just stunned.  It was this past MONDAY (7/22) that ONE DIRECTION and I were with him.  We had an incredible time together.  

"I have known KIDD so many years and was always a major source of support for me and one of a kind person in our business and lives. He was so real and passionate and loved music.  He was always accessible.  I could call him up and tell him about a new and exciting act and he and would immediately put your music or artist on his show. No one does that.  My artists, my staff and I are heartbroken.

"KIDD was key for so many of my artists over the years like ONE DIRECTION, BIG TIME RUSH, and TRAIN to name but a few.  PAT MONAHAN was in total shock about this and is making a dedication during his show this coming weekend (8/3) in DALLAS at the GEXA ENERGY PAVILION."

LEIPSNER summed it up: "He was part of the radio experience from beginning to end ... so real and strong.  I was proud to call KIDD a trusted friend.  And, when KIDD handed me my award at WORLDWIDE RADIO SUMMIT this year, he was so kind with what he had to say to me. And, we went out that evening and chatted about his future plans for his personal life with his fiancee and the charity ...  I just cannot believe he's gone.  But I will tell you, that I'm a better person from knowing and being KIDD's friend."

ENTERCOM President and CEO DAVID FIELD noted, "The entire ENTERCOM family is shocked and saddened by the tragic death of our friend, KIDD KRADDICK.   Yesterday the world lost an amazing man and radio lost a tremendous talent.   Even as he died, KIDD was doing what he loved and helping those who loved him.  KIDD was a shining example to others.  He brought joy and hope to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children through his dedicated work with his charitable foundation.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his friends at this very difficult time.  KIDD will be missed and always remembered."

CUMULUS SVP/Programming MIKE McVAY was close with KIDD, and commented to ALL ACCESS, "Life is too short. Kidd was an amazing talent and a loving and caring human. One of a kind. To say he will ve missed would be an understatement."

FOLGER MEDIA President JOEL FOLGER told ALL ACCESS, "I loved that guy!  KIDD and I arrived in DALLAS the same week in the early 80s.  We worked together for about 8 years. I was the best man in his wedding and he was in my wedding.

"One of my favorite memories of KIDD... He came to my home town in THIEF RIVER FALLS, MINNESOTA for my wedding.  My bachelor party was held at a cabin in the woods.  First time KIDD saw the Northern Lights and I'm certain it was the first time he ever made a wager on wood tick races. Ironic ... I got the news about KIDD while visiting that same cabin.  Even in death KID found a way to make me smile.

"Through his charity work KIDD did so many good things for children.  He made so many people in NORTH TEXAS and around the country laugh.

"At one point I became KIDD's PD.  I was his boss and I remember telling him, during one of many times he was recruited by other stations to leave DALLAS ... 'Don't do it KIDD, if you play your cards right ... You will be as big as RON CHAPMAN.'  And he was.  KIDD was at the top of his radio game right down to the last day of his life.

"Please join me in praying for his family.  I am also praying for GEORGE LAUGHLIN and all of KIDD's friends and staff at the YEA NETWORK. SATURDAY, DALLAS lost a radio icon.  So many good memories...  R.I.P. my dear friend KIDD KRADDICK."

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