Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2006 > May > 19 > Entry
5/19: Cadillac Jack takes morning at Kicks, Jill out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After much coaxing, Cadillac Jack is going to take over the morning show at Kicks. Kicks dumped Moby back in 2002, landed Bandy & Bailey for three years. But they left last fall. Kicks nabbed a guy from St. Louis named Craig Cornett but that didn’t work out either. So they pressed upon Cadillac to take over and my guess is they threw enough money at him to take it. I’ve known in the past he was happy where he was and resisted requests to go to the higher-pressure morning slot.
The popular Jill Kelly is out, too. With Kristen Gates as the primary female voice, the station had been reducing Jill’s role in recent months. Kelly told me that management said that they didn’t feel they needed two female voices on the show; thusly, she was out. But she struck me as fairly chipper about the situation. “When one door closes, another one opens,” she said. She’d been at Kicks for four years and had previous gigs in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Columbia, S.C. and Augusta. She’s got a three month non-compete and then plans to seek another radio job in this market. She’s open to different genres, having worked in news/talk and soft rock. As you’ll notice in the press release below, the fact she was let go today at 9 a.m. is not mentioned at all:
ATLANTA GA – KICKS afternoon host Cadillac Jack is announced as host of the “New KICKS Morning Show” beginning Monday May 22, 2006.
“Cadillac has been our go-to guy for a number of years at the station. It is just natural to see him take on a new leadership role for the station in the morning,” said ABC Radio Atlanta President and General Manager, Victor Sansone.
Cadillac Jack has been one of Atlanta’s most listened-to radio personalities over the last 13 years. Nominated in 2005 as the CMA Major Market Broadcast Personality of the year, he has hosted national radio shows, including the Jimmy Buffet “License to Chill” World Premiere Radio special. Cadillac has appeared as a guest news reporter on the popular ABC sitcom, “Hope and Faith.” Cadillac Jack also co-hosted the CMA red carpet television special for the CBS television network last year.
According to Mark Richards, Operations Manager, “Cadillac knows Atlanta, Cadillac knows our music, and Cadillac knows our audience. We could not have offered this opportunity to a better person.”
“KICKS is a legendary radio station and one of the best places to work in America. I have been here since I was 20 years old, and look forward to making the morning show the best it can be,” said Cadillac Jack.
Cadillac will be introduced as host of “The New KICKS Morning Show” this weekend to more than forty thousand people at the station’s “Country Fair,” a two-day country music festival held every May in Atlanta. He officially joins producer, Kristen Gates, and News/Traffic Director Jim Vann, on the air Monday morning.
Comments
By john
May 19, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
I think KICKS needs to be disbanned. EAGLE 106.7 is a better station (even though they are both in the same building and owned by the same company). Ever since Moby left KICKS has gone down hill. I don’t even have it on my preset buttons in my truck anymore. Time has come for another white elephant.
By Jamie in Atl, Ga
May 19, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
I like Cadillac and welcome him to join me on my ride to work that early in the morning…I leave my house the latest at 5:30AM. I liked Craig and am sorry that he had to go, and I liked Jill…don’t know the story there..but without a doubt I love KICKS! They are my number one choice!
By James
May 19, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
Maybe they can play the Dixie Chicks now!
By Ann Shockley
May 19, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
I really am addicted to Kicks and listen all the time. i went through Moby and Bandy and Bailey and now I really like Cadillac Jack very much. He really adds something to the morning show. I wish I could get Kicks here in Macon where i work during the day.Good Luck Cadillac Jack. A very loyal listener, Ann Shockley
By Bonnie in Lawrenceville
May 19, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
It’s about time…..I quit listening to the morning show after Bandy and Bailey left. What were you thinking???? I couldn’t stand listening to Craig…that voice and he wasn’t entertaining at all. Glad to have Cadillac Jack for the morning drive down I-85…Sorry about Jill…I really like her.
By 2Country4KIX
May 19, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this
I haven’t listened to them since they got rid of Moby and haven’t missed them for a minute.
By Dani
May 19, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
Way to go Caddy!! I’m so glad you took on this role. I love to listen to you on my drive in to work!!
I am really going to miss Jill.
By Paul
May 19, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
Well it really doesn’t matter KICKS hasn’t been the same since they let Moby go.
By Tray
May 19, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
YEAH love Caddy getting the am shift! that kind of sticks w/Jill I wonder if Wylie will keep the afternoon. the dude who is taking the night, not to sure about him. wait and listen
By Debbie
May 19, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
Why Jill???? She has history with KICKS. She survived the Moby, Bandy and Baily, and short lived Craig. I think she has brought so much more to the morning shows with ALL those MEN, She will be GREATLY missed. Congrads Caddy Love you anytime of the day
By Chris
May 19, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Cadillac, I was calling for him to take over after Bandy and Bailey, and glad to see he is finally taking the chance. I have long thought Cadillac was the most talented country personality in Atlanta radio, and think he will do great in the mornings if given the chance to make decision on the shows content, music, etc. Good luck
By Donna
May 19, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
Should have left Caddy where he wanted to be - why mess with the best you have. Ya’ll should have sucked it up and admitted you made a mistake when you let Moby go and brought him back - then everyone could be happy - especially your listners.
By ruger13
May 19, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
GOOD - BYE KICKS…….. HELLO EAGLE!!!!!!!!!
You just don’t treat loyal people that way. Yes, I know it’s business (I’ve done radio). Buth then again, my defection is just business :)
By John
May 19, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
ruger13 - they’re both owned by the same company….
By Louise
May 19, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Maybe Caddie will play music for ALL your listeners, INCLUDING THE DIXIE CHICKS MUSIC… DJ’s should not be the “decider” as to what can be played. ALL fans are important. A lot of us out here want to hear the Chicks. If I don’t get the Chicks, I am gone from country music stations. All of them…
By ruger13
May 19, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks, John…
Only been here 6 months….have to scan the dial for other stattions. Any suggestions?
By Mayr
May 19, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
I agree. “NOT READY TO MAKE NICE” by the Dixie Chicks. Lets here it.
By edge770
May 19, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
Dixie Chicks are no longer welcomed in Atlanta get over it. and get rid of those Canadian country wannabe’s while your at it. Stick to George Jones, Hank Sr. and Patsy Cline with Johnny Cash.. modern country music is a trash bin of low talent
By Debbie
May 19, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Caddy, have loved him for many years no matter what time of the day it is. I will miss Jill very much I loved her and thought she added a very fresh funny start to the day! Dixie Chicks lets hope that Kicks don’t have to play their music, not because of the comment she made about the president I am over that, but the way she treated her fans after the fact. She told one audience right after it happened, The Dixie Chicks came out on stage and she got booed and she told the audience she didn’t care what they thought she already had their $35.00. She won’t get any of my hard earned dollars and if Kicks does HAVE to play I will change the station at least for that song.
By Rod
May 19, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
edge770, you need to listen to the Eagle (it’s for old folks who like to sit in their rocking chairs and remember back when gas was a quarter a gallon) and let those of us who live in today have Kicks. They play the current stuff. If all I wanted was the old stuff, I’d just buy some records or eight tracks and listen to those.
Debbie - if you were on stage and some people booed you, you saying you’d kiss them? Get over it - only a handful booed, the rest (99.9%) loved it. The Chicks exercised their American right to disagree with the Government - Communists like you condemned them.
By Stephanie
May 19, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to Caddy. I love to listen to him in the mornings and I think this is a wonderful move.
By Chip
May 19, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
I have been boycotting Kicks until they put the Dixie Chicks back on. I don’t care if the put a Caddie or a Lincoln on the morning show. You will get more listeners when you play all the music, not just what a few people tell you to play.
By Rod
May 19, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Exactly what did the Dixie Chicks do that was sooooo wrong? They expressed their disagreement with the President over the war situation. 1) Most Americans now agree that Bush was wrong with the whole weapons of mass destruction thing 2) The great thing about being in America is you can express your disagreement with the government. A bunch of Country fans boycotted them stating they were anti-American. No - not allowing them their 1st Amendment right of free speech is anti-American.
If you don’t like the Chicks - fine (there are lots of singers I don’t like). But to call them anti-American and lead a boycott - that’s just ignorance.
Kicks needs to get their butt in gear and start playing the Chicks - most of their listeners want them to. I was at the Chick’s Atlanta concert right after the incident (won the tickets on Kicks - choose between Dixie Chick tickets or a Toby Keith CD - easy choice) and the place was packed full of Chicks fans. Kicks lost a ton of listeners over that.
By itsme
May 19, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
I agree it will never be the same without Moby, but they really should give Jim Vann a bigger role. He’s great!
By SMH728
May 19, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Good news about Caddy but hate to see Jill leave. Too bad. I am not fond of listening to Kristen on the air. Hope the station reconsiders that decision during Jill’s non-compete.
By smh728
May 19, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Good news for Caddy but I will miss him in the afternoons. Too bad about Jill. Hopefully the station will come to their senses and reconsider. My daughter loves Jill Kelly.
By Rita
May 19, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
KICKs screwed up when they let Moby go!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Amy
May 19, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
For all those that miss Moby, you can hear him on 106.1 in the mornings. Granted, its “piped in” and broadcast throughout the southeast - but it’s Moby!
The a.m. show on any channel is a delicate balance of music, comedy, and news/weather.
By smh728
May 19, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
I hope the Chicks never come back to ATL radio. Criticizing the govt - no problem but doing so on foreign soil during a time of impending war, not okay.
By Jim
May 19, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
Congrats Caddy on the morning job. You always soung upbeat and great. Jill will be missed. She did a great job and I really like to hear her in the morning as well. Jim Vann does great and is very funny.
You can play the Dixie Chicks if you like, but no matter what station I listen to, I will turn to another station for a time while their song plays. Yes - they had a right to say what they did, but I have a right not to agree with them. I disagree with them espcially at the time of war questioning OUR President. My choice and my 2 cents.
By Spike
May 19, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
I’m with Jim. Actions have consequences and, while the Chicks have a right to express their opinion, I have no less right to express mine. They’ve turned their backs on a good bit of their fan base and will have to live with the fallout whether they like it or now.
Good for Caddy-I’ll miss Jill.
By Spike
May 19, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
Make that, like it or not
Doggone typos!
By Mitch
May 19, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
Rod, I totalling agree with you on the Dixie Chicks. It is time people get over it. Most people in this Country feel the same way or his approval rating would not be sitting in the 30% bracket.
I for one will be in my local Walmart on Tuesday to buy my copy of their new CD.
And yes, I was as mad as everyone else when they made the comment.
Tim & Faith have come out against the President and the Government and how they handled the Hurricane Katrina aftermath but we don’t see their music being banned on the radio (I wish they would so I wouldn’t hear them 4 times every hour).
By Sara
May 19, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
I agree James, drop the pin-headed Nazi attitude and play the Dixie Chicks, it’s about music not politics.Besides, look at the polls, most folks are more in line with them now days. With that said, Eagle is just boring; John Denver, Alabama, Charlie Daniels…I mean come on, thats old stuff, play that on retro Wednesday or something. I’ll miss Jill, she was always good to listen to. I liked Craig, the new guy, I thought he leant some class to the station and I was surprised to see that his stay was so short. It won’t be hard to beat Rubarbs hokey show on the Eagle. The new Dixie Chicks CD comes out May 23 and from I have heard so far IT IS GREAT. I will buy it on that day and see them here in October.
By JT
May 19, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
Forget the Dixie Chix! Put the Spurs to it Cadillac!! I knew you when you hung out with Heidi B. Good Luck you the man!! Moby sucked and always will.
By jrhd
May 19, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
Congrats Caddie. Boo hiss on letting Jill Kelly go. I don’t care much for Kristen one way or the other. As for the Dipsy Twits, if you want to disagree w/ the President, go for it. I am a conservative and I think he is doing a HORRIBLE job. I would never go to a foreign country and tell a crowd of people on the eve of war that I was ashamed of him. That is un-American no matter what your political leaning. I would also never fuss and cuss about my right to free speech when my former fans turn their backs on me and express their right to not listen to my music. If you don’t want to apologize, don’t, but don’t expect me to kiss your butt when you offended me.
By Anne
May 19, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
Some of you on her live up to the image that country music listeners live in mobile homes, have kids when they’re 14 and dip. Toby Keith made millions off his war songs and he publically states all the time he is against the war, but the Dixie Chicks excercise their feedom of speech and look at what happens. I’m not stupid, it’s because they are women and they had the best contract for their records, they filled arenas and the men were insecure and jealous.
By Benaway
May 19, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
It is amazing how people are intent on making the Dixie Chicks debacle a freedom of speech issue. This has absolutely nothing to do with freedom of speech. This has to do with the platform of entertainment that is given to artist by the fact that we buy their CD’s and concert tickets. We, the public, gave them that platform with hard earned money, and we can take it away. They do not have a constitutional right to waste my money on political diatribes intent on making their audience support their views. If they want to be in politics, run for office. Otherwise, do what we pay you to do, and entertain. I’m not ready to make nice either!
By Phil
May 19, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
The biggest mistake was dumping Moby, I have never listened to Kicks since, but Caddy is a well rounded D J and I respect him. I think he needs to find a better station than 106. Really I think that Kicks should pack up and disban.
By LINDA
May 19, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
I am happy for Caddy but why Jill she is great and should be treated better.
By Chris
May 19, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
If the majority of listeners to Kicks wanted to hear the Dixie Chicks, Kicks would play them. They have ran polls on their websites from time to time, and evidently the majority of people don’t want to hear them, so get over it. Buy their CD, download, go to their concerts, but don’t expect that everyone wants to hear them. I personally didn’t like them a whole lot before the comments overseas, and their attitudes suck, so I for one turn CMT off whenever they come on, and would turn Kicks off if their stuff come on. They have freedom of speech, and we have freedom of choice not to listen to them.
By sherri
May 19, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
Jills gone too? That sucks! I’m thrilled for Caddie though!
By Bill
May 19, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Cadillac. Take a stand, play the Dixie Chicks. Their talent is exceptional and they continue to make great music. I’ve heard several tracks from the new cd and they are excellent. If you don’t like them, you don’t have to listen to the song but why should all the people that do like not get to hear them?
BTW - I didn’t agree with their comments but this is America and we have the right to speak out against our government. Those of you intent on banning them for an opinion can always move to China where disent is frowned upon.
By Shari
May 19, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
GREAT for KICKS!!! I love Cadillac Jack!! and I love Kristen Gates! I have followed her since she was the morning show host on South 107 - then traffic at STAR and now Kicks!! I love the rapport the 3 of them have on the show!! Finally - a new team for a new generation of country fans!
By Lauren
May 19, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
I think it should be the Caddy and Kristen show!!
By Patty
May 19, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
I am so glad Kristen is on the morning show. Welcome!! The Kristin & Caddy show would sound great!!!! I love Jim.
By jenn
May 22, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
Sorry to see Jill go. Love Kristen and Jim(such a cutie)! I am pleased that KICKS does NOT play the dixie chicks. Not playing the dc’s is one of the few good decisions made by KICKS. Besides, they decided country is for dumb rednecks and I do not consider myself as such. What a nice way to thank the ones that got them their fame. Won’t listen to them ever again. Go Toby Keith- he is a much better person (and artist) than the little fat one!!
By Rodney Ho
May 22, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
Patty and Lauren: Indeed, as you may have heard this morning, it is the “Cadillac Jack and Kristen Show.”
By Teemariec
May 22, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
Caddy is great for mornings. They needed to do SOMETHING…to put a morning man in. Sorry for Jill, but good to see her attitude so positive. Kristen will grow on you. Give her time. She’s real.
By NcogNe2
May 22, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Some of yall seem to be forgetting that the Dixie Chicks BASHED our President on FOREIGN soil. For me, it would be different if Natalie made those comments here. While I wouldn’t have agreed with her, I would have respected her opinion.
By Fireball
May 22, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
Ncog, et al: What the hell difference does it make that the Chicks made their comments on “foreign soil”? Would it sting a little less if she had made them here? Who is Dubya anyway? Your Ayatollah? Your religious leader? Let’s just make it illegal to say anything negative about him. NcogNe2 you and others like you are simply morons.
By Chris
May 22, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
The people defending the Dixie Chicks are obviously doing so as part of their political idealogy. I didn’t agree with what they said, they should not have done it overseas while we were building to war. But the reason I don’t want to hear their “music” anymore is the way they have acted after that episode. They continue to insult country music, and country music fans. So why on earth would country music stations play a group who insult the music and the fans. Natalie has said she could care less if they are ever played on country radio again, so I say the stations should see that they aren’t.
And Fireball, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Kettle.
By Kim
May 22, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
I really love Caddy and I think that he is a very nice addition to the morning show. However, Jill has been great and I think management is a fool to let her go. Kristen is wonderful as well, but I believe that as the result Jill was squeezed out. If you let Jim Vann go I will quite listening all together. I think that the station has been suffering since Bandy and Bailey were let go. Management! Get you head out of your rears and keep a morning show! Bring Jill back!
By Kim
May 22, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
P.S. The Dixie Chicks still suck! Keep them off of the airways!
By Fireball
May 23, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this
The Dixie Chicks rule!! I am going to buy 100 of their CD and give them away as presents, just for the heck of it. In addition to their enormous talent, they stand for something, unlike most of the people who dutifully obeyed the order to excommunicate them. You people ought to be ashamed of yourselves. You are nothing but mindless sheep.
By Ryan
May 23, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this
Glad to hear about Caddy!! I have always enjoyed listening to him. I am shocked that they let Jill go lie that. Kristen is ok, but Jill should have stayed with Kristen not doing much on air in my opinion. I wish Jill well and hope she lands another job here in Atlanta. Kicks has let yet another talented DJ leave. Dumb!
By Chris
May 23, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
Caddy was very good in the afternoons. I hope he can adapt to mornings. The style people expect in the mornings is a little different than afternoon, I think. I also think they made a mistake keeping Kristin and not Jill. Kristen comes across as condescending. Her little game of trying to insult Caddy is insulting to him and to his fans. I know she’s trying to be funny … but it doesn’t work. Jill was more laid back and fun conversations with Caddy and Jim. Speaking of Jim, they really need to broaden his role. He adds so much to the show.
Also, keep the Dixie Chick out of Atlanta!
By Chris
May 23, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the Dixie Chicks may be the stupidest act in music. It is not about the comments about G.W. They are a country act, and for a while now have been bashing country music fans, not exactly the best way to endear yourself to your audience. I hope their album bombs, although they are getting plenty of unwarranted free publicity.
By Trish
May 24, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Chris, what is up your but! Are you ever positive. Bad childhood? If you don’t like KICKS, move along and find something else to your liking. Certainly there are radio stations that would like your negativity. Kristen is great! She is here to stay, so move along little doggie!
By Karen
May 24, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
Chris - Just an FYI - Jill was only on the air with Caddy for a week or so - I think it is way to early to be making snap judgements about Kristen. Give the show a chance or take Trish’s advice.
By Chris
May 24, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
To be clear, the two posts above are from different Chris’. I made the first post.
Karen - I’ve listened to Jill for years and I’ve listened to Kristen for months. I’ve had plenty of time to determine who I want to listen to and who I don’t. I liked B&B. I didn’t care too much for Craig and that situation got worse when they brought in Kristen. The only reason I kept listening through that period was Jim, Jill and the music. Now they’ve brought in Caddy so that’s another plus. I think if they’d kept Jill and not Kristen, they’d have a much better morning show.
I’m not gonna comment on Trish’s reply as I think she was referring to the second Chris’ comment.
By Chris#2
May 24, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
If Trish was talking about my post I don’t know what she is talking about. I have listened to kicks for many years, it is the number one preset on all my radios, I love Kicks and have long thought Cadillac should have been a morning host. I also don’t believe I made any comments about Kristen good or bad, I haven’t really heard her enough to.
By Linda
May 24, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
I love Cadillac Jack, Jill Kelly, Jim Vann, and Bill Cellar and Jill will truly be missed. I think the morning show should include Jill Kelly, she has the VOICE for that station, but I only listen to the show I don’t make the decisions. Kicks 101.5 is the #1preset on my radio. Way to go Cadillac you will make that morning show stronger than it already is!
By julia
May 29, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
if yall play the dixie twits, I will go back to rock.
By Rusty Turner
May 30, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this
I think it’s great Cadilliac Jack got the morning slot at Kicks. I listened to Caddy when he was on Kicks the first time arround,and then followed him to Y106,and then back to Kicks. I’ve been listing to Rhubarb since ‘96 and will continue to listen to him,but i will listen to Caddy as well. I’am glad Atlanta now has to Great country morning shows. Rusty.
By Kelley H.
May 31, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
The Dixie Chicks are most certainly NOT welcome back in the Atlanta country music scene. Their first song is a big “screw you” to all the country music fans. Their attitudes are insulting and their music is as well. Aside from the few “liberal” country music fans, these chicks have burned their bridge twice now.