This was posted Monday, March 27, 2017 by Rodney Ho on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Long-time Kicks 101.5 morning host Cadillac Jack returned this morning on air with a big party at Carl Black Buick GMC in Kennesaw after recuperating from a heart attack. And his boss Sean Shannon announced he is getting a new contract that guarantees he'll be around four more years.
Caddy has been with Kicks since he was 19 years old, a true lifer in a business where that is exceedingly rare. He was the afternoon host for many years before moving to mornings 12 years ago with Dallas McCade. At age 43 last month, he had a heart attack and a Wellstar medical team placed three stents in his heart. Fortunately, he survived a two-hour surgery. He said the first question he asked was when he could go back to work. His cardiologist recommended he rest a month.
"Everything is fine," Caddy said. "Between [his wife] Donna and my cardiologist and Dallas, I had 24-hour nursing care."
Brantley Gilbert (who did a turkey call), Trace Adkins, Big & Rich and Cole Swindell were among the country stars that called in. Braves manager Brian Snitker checked in from spring training to send his well wishes. Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney and Gov. Nathan Deal pre-taped well wishes. Georgia boy Mark Wills showed up to talk to the radio host in person. Whiskey Gentry provided music during commercial breaks. (Credit program director Scott Lindy for putting all this together.)
Michael Julian Bond, an Atlanta City councilman, proclaimed today Cadillac Jack day.
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Brad Paisley, in a pre-taped call, jokingly gave Caddy an "in memoriam" as if he were dead. Caddy said Paisley was one of the first country artists he became friends with long before Paisley was famous and was one of the first members of Paisley's fan club back in 1999. And he understands Paisley's "sick sense of humor."
Caddy also sincerely thanked the Milton Fire and Rescue team and Wellstar for saving his life. The guys who had showed up at his home came by the party at 7:15 a.m. Caddy teared up. And he appreciated the fans who showed up for the party. "It truly truly truly means a lot," he said.
"I love working with him and wouldn't want to do it with anybody else. I am so glad you are here," McCade said as the show wrapped up at 9:50 a.m.
Carl Black has been an advertiser with Kicks for decades and in the past has hosted many a concert in its parking lot. (I met Rodney Carrington there many many years ago.)
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
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