Radio in My Soul

In 1966, Louisiana native James "Dr. Daddio" Walker arrived on the Denver scene in pursuit of his long-time dream to own and operate a radio station. A determined visionary, Dr. Daddio would go on to fulfill numerous roles at Denver's KDKO AM 1510 including on-air personality, sales manager, operations manager, and program director; eventually becoming the first African American to independently own a radio station between the West Coast and Kansas City, Missouri. For nearly 15 years, KDKO was the voice of Denver's Black community under the leadership of this powerful groundbreaker. Many of Denver's greatest names, such as former Mayor Wellington Webb, Hiawatha Davis, and Cleo Parker Robinson, were invited to share the mic during KDKO's memorable time on the airwaves. With his life mission of "Unity in the Community," Dr. Daddio guided the careers of radio personalities, popularized R&B music in Denver, promoted James Brown, Gladys Knight, Donny Hathaway, and B.B. King, among many other musical legends, and became one of the most prominent activists who has tirelessly fought for the advancement of the community. James "Dr. Daddio" Walker's legacy extends far beyond radio, and his compelling journey continues to inspire the lives of countless other individuals.