Radio Veteran/Legend Steve Ladd has passed away. Steve Ladd crossed over to the other side of life on July 20, 2008 at approximately 1:46 pm at he age of 63.

The Real Dr. as he was affectionately called by his listeners on KKDA-AM (730 AM) at Service Broadcasting in Dallas, Texas back in the 80's and 90's was currently an On Air Personality at America's Original Black Radio Station-The Legendary WDIA (1070 AM) in Memphis, Tennessee from 4:30 pm-6 pm on "What's On Your Mind Line" Monday-Friday and "All Blues Saturday" shows from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

His voice was the epitome of an Original Old School Radio Disc Jockey that did not sound scripted, (in other words he did not sound like anyone else), he had a distinctive voice and style that put him in a class all by himself.

Steve became one of my Radio Mentors back in 1976 when we both worked at K104-FM (KKDA's Second Radio Station) in it's infancy days back then, and he welcomed me aboard as he was proud of me-his home girl from Sherman, Texas. Steve Ladd was born in Denison, Texas on October 31, 1944 (10 miles from Sherman), he was a proud Denisonian.

Steve Ladd's career started in 1972 at KPFK-FM in Los Angeles, California before moving on to KVON in Henderson, Nevada, and then blossoming in 1976 when he made his Radio debut for Service Broadcasting Corp. at K-104 FM in it's infancy stages working from 12am-6pm as the overnight On Air Personality.

Steve graduated from Booker T. Washington School in Dallas, Texas. Grayson County College Jr. College in Denison, Texas and Don Martin School of Communications Career Academy in Hollywood, California.

He use to say to me, that he was born to be on the airwaves and in the music business". He was truly Blessed with the Gift of Gab. He sounded like he was on the Radio when he talked to you every day.

His resume is very impressive. He has received numerous Awards and Recognitions for his many hours that he donated to the citizens in the community.

Some of his contributions include: Founder of 'The Johnnie Taylor Memorial Christmas Dinner' at The South Dallas Nursing Home, Founder of 'Hope for The Homeless', Founder of The 'Down Home Blues Happy Hour' at Booker's Arandas Club. In 1993, the U.S. Mayors 'End Hunger' Award all in Dallas, Texas.

He was an innovator and pioneer. He was the first black Disc Jockey to go on the airwaves at KRRV from 1974 to 1975 as the Morning Show Host and KIKM from 1975 to 1977 hosting weekends in Sherman, Texas. Founder of The 'Afro-American Student Union' at Grayson County Junior College also in Sherman, Texas.

He has Promoted several concerts and managed various entertainment groups as well as Marketing/Promotions for Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS, and Promotions for Singer/Producer Leon Haywood's EveJim Records in Los Angeles, California. Written liner notes for his good friend Entertainer Ernie Johnson and more. He was a proud member of The Prince Hall Masonic Lodge.

No doubt Steve's Legacy will supercede him and the wonderful things he did from his heart. I personally have appreciated everything I've learned from him about the Radio, and Music Business, and Life in general, his kindness and generosity especially for the Homeless. He fed The homeless for a number of years while working for KKDA-AM.

Doc has made his last house call when he crossed over to the other side on July 20, 2008. Everyone will miss that million dollar smile and hearing him stopping by for a daily dose of mental medicine over the airwaves at WDIA in Memphis and also via Internet.

Thanks Doc for being our friend and for giving us our daily dose of Vitamin "U". Steve Ladd whose real name was Bernie Henderson Smith, Jr. (aka B-Bat and Steve Ladd), we will truly miss you and we will never forget the impact you have made on everyone's life.

Steve Ladd leaves to cherish his Legacy-6 Children; LaDonna, Andre Tyrone, Bernie III, Kimberly LaVon, Stephanie Nicole, and Jarod. 1 son; Jordan Christopher preceded him in death in 1997. 13 Grand Children and 2 Great Grand Children. 1 Brother; James Smith, 2 Sisters; Wilma Smith and Margaret Moore and a host of other Relatives and Friends.