Kidd Kraddick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kidd Kraddick
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| Born |
David Peter Cradick
August 22, 1959 Napoleon, Ohio, U.S.
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| Died | July 27, 2013 (aged 53) Gretna, Louisiana, U.S.
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| Career | |
| Show | Kidd Kraddick in the Morning |
| Station(s) | KHKS (home station) or Syndicated: 70+ affiliates |
| Time slot | Weekdays, 6-9 a.m. Central |
| Country | United States |
David Peter Cradick (born August 22, 1959 – died July 27, 2013) was a famous American radio host and TV star. He was best known by his on-air name, Kidd Kraddick.
His popular morning radio show, The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show, was heard all over the United States. It started in Irving, Texas. Kidd Kraddick also appeared on the TV show Dish Nation.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Kidd Kraddick was born in Napoleon, Ohio. He grew up in Dunedin, Florida. His very first job in radio was in Tampa.
Later, he worked at radio stations in many different cities. These included Fresno, California, Miami, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, he also performed at comedy clubs as an emcee.
A Star on the Radio
Kidd Kraddick got his nickname "Kidd" from a radio producer. He used this name on the radio from 1978 until he passed away.
He won many important awards for his radio work. He won the Billboard Magazine “Air Personality of the Year” Award three times. He also received the Marconi Award for "Radio Personality of the Year." In 1999, he won the first WB Radio Music Award for "Best Radio Personality in the Country."
Becoming Famous in Dallas
In 1984, Kidd Kraddick moved to Dallas. He started working the night shift at a new rock-pop radio station called KEGL (The Eagle). He quickly gained a lot of fans.
In 1990, he was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. This award recognized his achievements and leadership.
In 1992, KEGL changed its music style. Kidd Kraddick then moved to a morning show at KHKS-106.1 "Kiss-FM" in Dallas-Fort Worth. He continued to win awards there, including another Marconi Award in 1998.
In 2001, his show began to be heard across the country. It was moved to a special studio in Las Colinas. Kidd Kraddick was also honored by being inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. After his death, in 2016, he was also inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
Kidd Kraddick in the Morning
The show "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" started in 1992 as a local radio program in Dallas. It aired on weekday mornings.
Today, the show is heard in over 70 different cities across the U.S. It is also broadcast on the American Forces Network for military members.
Kidd Kraddick was known for creating many funny characters on his show. He often used voice-changing technology to make them sound different. One popular character was "Must Be Nice Guy."
After Kidd Kraddick passed away in 2013, the show continued. It is now called "The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show" to honor him. The show features the original cast members: Kellie Rasberry, Alaric "Big Al" Mack, José "J-Si" Chavez, and Jenna Owens.
Other Projects and Charity Work
In the early 1990s, Kidd Kraddick started two businesses related to radio. One was a magazine for morning radio hosts called "The Morning Mouth." The other was a service called "BitBoard" for radio personalities to share ideas. He later sold both of these businesses.
In 1991, Kidd Kraddick started a charity called Kidd's Kids. Its goal is to "provide hope and happiness" to children facing serious health challenges. The charity helps these children and their families create wonderful memories.
What started as a bus trip to Sea World grew into something much bigger. Kidd's Kids now takes over a thousand children and their families on a special trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando.
Personal Life
Kidd Kraddick went to the University of Miami for a short time. However, he left to focus on his broadcasting career. He had one daughter named Caroline.
In 2009, Kidd Kraddick faced a health challenge. He kept this private from many people.
Death
Kidd Kraddick passed away on July 27, 2013. He was attending an annual fundraiser for his charity, Kidd's Kids, in Gretna, Louisiana. The cause of his death was a heart condition.
