Don Dada

I was born November 10th, 1971 at the age of zero. My parents were musicians. I was raised on The Beatles, Harry Chapin, Jim Croce, James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Young, & Bob Seger infinity. I love talking to music lovers. It's been a way of life. In my mind, Zeppelin, The Who, & The Rolling Stones were BAD~ASS! At 8 years old, I'd lay on my bed with my old~school "cans" on, in a rockstar-fantasyland. I'd like to think I had all those artists songs memorized by the time I was 12. I wore nothing but Zeppelin t-shirts, a red bandana, & ripped up jeans for a solid 2 years. I smoked Marlboro Red Wides. Remember, 12 years old & 4'9' at best. My best friend (also named Joe) & I rode our 80cc mini bikes to 7-11 often. Upon entering the store, I'd grab a box of Trojan condoms & bring them to the counter. It was mandatory to ask any teenage girl working there if there was changing room? This was strictly to ask if I could try one on...LOL. In a adolescent "Teenage Wasteland" we were crazy little dudes having a really "rad" time. My Italian friend (also named Joe) would then order our "smokes." In the event Joe C. was carded, he'd announce we were 21 year old midgets. That kind of "slapstick" comedy usually got us what we wanted. Basically moronic behavior probably derived from the oregano we were smoking (very briefly) before knowing any better. We alternated daily with a shot of Johnny Walker Red or JW Black at lunch depending on the day. We "drank alone." The shots were a daily buzz we thought was necessary to launch our little motorcycles 20 yards through the woods. We had to impress our neighborhood girlfriends to keep our "rep."

I raced BMX bikes 5 nights a week, & was sponsored by 2 big companies. At night, I'd jam with my big ass Panasonic "boombox" to lots of incredible artists. I'd play a Red "Firebrand Deluxe" Gibson SG guitar I received (in the name of Angus Young birthday. Angus Young, the headbanging lead guitarist of AC/DC. I got the guitar as a present from my old man. That makes me think of Neil Young. LOL. I met Ozzy the same year. Geezer Butler ( Black Sabbath Bassist's wife) lived in my neighborhood. That whole story is better left for "in person." It was a crazy time. My Dad died of Aids in 1987. I grew up in Chesterfield, a middle upper-class neighborhood in a suburb just outside St. Louis. He gifted me with an immense knowledge of music & how to play a guitar. He was the 27th person to die of Aids in St. Louis, MO. I find that number ironic as many of my childhood heroes are in the "27 Club." Jimi Hendrix leading the way. He took me to see "The Police" concert in 1984. It was the "Synchronicity Tour." I ended up having dinner with Sting & Annie Lennox years later here in Kansas City. It was definitely my proudest memory on the radio doing afternoons at KZPL. My second concert was Van Halen for "1984" Tour. My dad took my friends & I. When the lights ugwent out, & all you could see & smell was "sweet leaf." I was petrified as a guy passed my Dad a joint. He declined saying we all "smoked" on the way. He was a really cool guy. As the 4 man rock sensation came onstage, David Lee Roth jumped off Alex's drum kit doing his signature "Flying V" toes touch, 15 ft off the ground onto the stage!!!. I'll never forget it. We were in heaven!

I became a radio dj in 1993 just out of high school. They're hundreds of great stories I'd like to share with you about my carreer as a radio personality..

Unfortunately today, I have to leave the old "To be Continued" sign up just like the producers of my favorite childhood sitcom "Happy Days" in 1977. The best part of the show is always "To be Continued" right before the highlight of the show. Henry Winkler as "Fonzie" to jump over the sharks on water skies!!! LOL.

I'm not sure I have the balls to give you this partial bio today. I'm hoping I get a full-time gig here sometime soon! It would be an epic opportunity to have an "Inside the Double Wide" podcast of my own someday. I'm definitely many years past my teenage shenanigans & can always behave myself quite cordially in any social situation that arises~

Carey, I truly hope I didn't scare you away with this "for your eyes only" magical memory" tour. HR might frown. LOL. That said, I think I could entertain 101's audience very well from a veteran Rock Music DJs point of view. I'd like to help Kansas City's "101 The Fox" celebrate a 50th Birthday. It would be a dream come true to be a part of the 100,000 watt flamethrower. I'm hoping maybe "time is on my side!" I pray you'll give me the opportunity.

Thanks Brother,

Joe Rapp

913-314-7888

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