James “Dr. Daddio” Walker, a legendary Denver DJ and radio station owner and operator, has died, his family confirmed on Tuesday.
Walker owned and operated KDKO Radio, a Black-owned radio station now operating as KPLS, 1510 AM. Walker’s family described him as a “visionary voice in media,” who used that voice to “uplift culture, amplify community voices, and mentor generations of broadcasters and leaders” on the radio.
“With hearts full of love and gratitude, we announce the peaceful transition of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, James ‘Dr. Daddio’ Walker,” his family said in a statement. “He has gone home to meet the Lord and to reunite with his beautiful wife, Pat.”
Historically a station that played R&B, soul, and blues music, the station transitioned to a Christian programming format in 2020. The station was sold by a group of investors to Walker in 1989, at which point, it had become a mix of music and talk radio, with a focus on the Black community…