Atlanta Radio: Remembering Personality Cadillac Jack

William 'Caddy' Jack (1974-2025)

William “Cadillac Jack” Choate, a beloved Atlanta country music radio personality, passed away at the age of 51 due to a heart attack. 

His death was confirmed by his ex-wife, Donna Choate, to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. This was not Choate’s first heart attack; he had a previous one in 2017, requiring three stents to clear a blocked artery. 

In a social media post, Donna also referenced Choate’s “long and difficult struggle with mental illness and addiction,” noting that he “battled demons we couldn’t always understand” and expressed hope that he found peace.

Career Highlights:

• Kicks 101.5 (WKHX-FM): Choate, a North Carolina native, began his radio career at WKHX in Atlanta in 1993 at age 19, initially as a night DJ. He became a morning host in 2006, a role he held for 13 years until his abrupt dismissal in 2019 after 26 years with the station. Known for his easygoing, relatable style, he was a team player who survived multiple ownership changes and time slots, including a stint at sister station Y106.7 in the late 1990s.
• The Bear 92.5 (WEKS-FM): After his exit from Kicks, Choate returned to radio in 2021, hosting afternoons and later mornings on 92.5 The Bear, a country station serving south metro Atlanta. His wife, Donna, joined him as co-host in 2023. He remained with The Bear until his passing.
• Podcasting: In 2020, Choate and Donna launched the Cadillac Jack: My Second Act podcast, a twice-weekly show covering current events, parenting, and country music. The podcast, part of the Appen Podcast Network, allowed Choate to stay connected with fans after leaving Kicks. He also started Jack In Your Box Productions with Donna.
• Community Impact: Known as “Caddy,” Choate was a fixture in Atlanta’s country music scene, fostering strong relationships with artists and listeners. His warm, authentic on-air presence made him a fan favorite, and he was remembered for events like interviewing guests at the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting in 2014.

Choate’s 2017 heart attack was a significant health scare, and he openly discussed its emotional and psychological toll. In August 2024, he shared on Facebook that he had been struggling for two years and had recently completed an intensive inpatient mental health assessment at two Atlanta wellness centers.

Mental Health and Addiction: Donna’s statement highlighted Choate’s battles with mental illness and addiction, which he addressed publicly, including on his podcast. While some reports speculated these struggles contributed to his death, no official cause beyond the heart attack was confirmed by his family.

In the weeks before his death, Choate was finalizing a book, Monkey’s Fly, and had signed with a literary agent, signaling a positive trajectory despite his challenges.

Controversies and Legal Battles: In July 2019, Cumulus Media fired Choate from Kicks 101.5, citing “highly unprofessional conduct” at a Luke Combs concert, including allegations of intoxication and inappropriate behavior. Choate denied these claims and sued Cumulus twice, alleging wrongful termination, discrimination based on his bisexuality, and breach of contract. He claimed Atlanta market manager harassed him over his sexual orientation since 2015, creating a hostile work environment. The lawsuits, seeking over $732,000 for the remaining 22 months of his $400,000-a-year contract, were dismissed in 2022.

The Department of Labor granted Choate unemployment benefits, deeming Cumulus’ allegations insufficient for a “for cause” firing, as they relied on hearsay. The legal battles and his firing garnered significant attention in Atlanta’s radio community.

Choate is survived by his ex-wife Donna, their three children (Olivia Grace, Charlotte Anne, and William Hyde Choate III), his sister Julie Choate Fotheringham, and extended family.