Radio pioneer James Walker, known as Dr Daddy O, has died. The cultural icon owned Denver's KDKO AM 1510 radio station – the first black-owned station west of Kansas City in the 1960s. Dr Daddy O's voice represented a community and opened the doors for countless black radio professionals. His station, located in Five Points, was known as the Soul of the Rockies and went on to inspire the black community and beyond.

He passed away on Tuesday (January 27) morning due to health issues, reports 9News. Announcing his death on Facebook, Dr Daddy O's family penned: "With hearts full of love and gratitude, we announce the peaceful transition of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, James 'Dr. Daddio' Walker. He has gone home to meet the Lord and to reunite with his beautiful wife, Pat. We thank each of you for the prayers, love, and unwavering support you have shown our family. His life was profound, purposeful, and deeply impactful. The legendary voice that carried us through sunshine, rain, and long afternoon drives home."

They added: "He touched generations, shaped lives, and leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, wisdom, and of course, 'Unity in the Community.' A love that will continue to live through us."

The family said they would share details regarding a service for the late star, signing the post off with: "A life well lived, a soul well loved and a legacy eternal."

Dr Daddy O arrived on the radio scene in 1963 after leaving Houston. 

"I had gone as far as I could go in Houston [in radio] but I always wanted to be a pioneer, and open doors in other cities with my talent," he previously said.

For the next 18 years, he worked a number of roles within the station, including sales manager, operations manager, program director, and on-air personality, reports IMDb.

He was the was primary owner of KDKO from 1989 to 2002 during its Power 1510 - Unity In The Community era, who brought the soul format to Colorado on KDKO in 1967. 

Denver resident Terry Gentry, a close family friend of Dr Daddy O, paid an emotional tribute to the radio pioneer on 9News. 

She said: "On KDKO radio, he opened up the opportunities for all of our community members to have access to resources. My dad was in the Denver Police Department and started the Crime Stoppers programme and Dr Daddy O would invite my dad down to do the Crime Stoppers programme on a weekly basis.

"That was a major accomplishment, especially when you're looking back in the 60s."

On learning about his death, Gentry added: "That broke my heart. I heard that and all I could do was just break down and cry. I'm going to miss him so much. He elevated us. He celebrated us. Our community is in mourning for such an incredible loss. Dr Daddy O, you've got your wings, job well done. 

Among his many honours, Dr Daddy O was inducted into the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame in 2008.

Tributes have flooded in for the late star on Facebook, with one writing: "This man was a true pillar in the black community sharing news, r&b, Gospel turns through the airwaves, A Salute to Dr. Daddy-O aka Mr James Walker for his dedicated service to the black community."

Another said: "KBPI certainly didn't last for long, thank goodness for KDKO and Dr. Daddio. I would have never had any SOUL around here without the station and all it's ....music, love, and support."

A third echoed: "Congratulations to a man who was the Man of Radio. I met him years ago at the Blues show on 1-70 and Chambers Rd at Z Z Hills show in the 80’s. This was one occasion when he was down on the 5 points for Juneteenth. What an Icon."