The Atlanta radio community is mourning the loss of one of its most distinctive and enduring voices. William “Cadillac Jack” Choate, a veteran broadcaster who spent more than 25 years on the airwaves of WKHX (101.5 FM), has passed away following a heart attack.
He was a larger-than-life figure both on and off the air—a voice that brought music, laughter, and connection to generations of listeners. His ex-wife, Donna Choate, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, reflecting on his struggles and expressing hope that he had finally found peace after a long battle with mental health and addiction.
“He battled demons we couldn’t always understand, and while things weren’t how any of us wished they could be, I know there was love somewhere beneath the pain,” Donna wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. “I hope and pray he has found the peace he was searching for all this time.”
Cadillac Jack’s radio career began in earnest in the mid-1990s when he joined WKHX—then owned by Capital Cities Communications. His unmistakable voice, upbeat energy, and deep love for country music quickly made him a fan favorite.
In 2006, he took over the morning drive slot, where he remained a fixture for 13 years. Cadillac brought a blend of humor, heart, and authenticity to the mic each day, forming a genuine connection with his audience that transcended the usual radio fare.
To many, he wasn’t just a morning show host—he was part of the family. After his departure from WKHX in 2019, Cadillac Jack made headlines for filing two lawsuits against the station’s parent company, Cumulus Media, alleging discrimination and breach of contract.
While the lawsuits sparked conversation throughout the industry, Cadillac remained resilient and determined to have his voice heard. The case was settled in August 2024, finally bringing closure to a turbulent chapter of his life.
But even after his tenure at WKHX, Cadillac wasn’t ready to leave the airwaves. He most recently hosted mornings on “92.5 The Bear” WEKS-FM, a Legacy Media station based in Zebulon, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb.
His familiar presence returned to fans, many of whom had followed his career for decades. His time at WEKS-FM was brief, concluding in the spring of 2024, but it served as a reminder of the enduring appeal and undeniable talent Cadillac Jack brought to every broadcast.
Yet behind the iconic voice and public persona was a man quietly wrestling with personal pain. Mental health struggles and addiction were a part of his journey—challenges that, while deeply painful, also revealed the human side of a man so often seen as larger than life.
His openness about those struggles, especially in his final years, helped others feel less alone in their own battles. William “Cadillac Jack” Choate leaves behind a complicated, but ultimately compassionate legacy.
He was a radio legend, a fearless advocate for himself, and a man who—despite his internal battles—continued to try, to connect, and to matter. He made people laugh on their morning commutes, introduced them to new music, and became a steady voice in countless lives.
For all his struggles, Cadillac gave his listeners something they could count on: a voice that felt like home. His passing is a profound loss to Atlanta radio, to his loved ones, and to the fans who welcomed him into their lives each day.
But his legacy endures—not just in the soundbites and radio memories, but in the impact he had on a community who knew him, flaws and all, and loved him still. Rest in peace, Cadillac Jack. May your voice carry on through the echoes of every station you ever graced.
