Although I've known of Caroline Kraddick for 20+ years, I didn't actually meet her until this past Spring when I was seated at her table at DIFFA. (BTW it's Caro-line, not Cara-lyn) I was instantly smitten with her - she has an infectious laugh, a beautiful smile and is one of those people that you are just drawn to because of her warmth and charm. Radio DJ Kidd Kraddick ruled Dallas airwaves for over 25 years until his death in 2013. Growing up, most people knew Caroline as "Kidd Kraddick’s daughter." Listeners got to know his only child from a radio bit called "Bath Time with Caroline" that Kidd started when she was around three or four-years-old, where he would interview her while she was taking a bath. She would tell stories and sing songs and was just generally adorable, as most 3-4 year olds are. Caroline attended Oklahoma City University and got a degree in musical theater. "I’d always wanted to be on Broadway but my self-esteem had taken a serious blow after not being cast in any of my college shows. Like … ever. But, I’m funny. And acting comes easily to me," says Caroline. "So my new plan was to work for a while, save some money and then move to Chicago to pursue improv. My dream was to be on Second City and SNL. I was sure I’d spend my life performing on a stage, but sometimes God has other plans!"
Kidd and Caroline Kraddick in 2005
Caroline was 23 when Kidd passed away from a heart attack and says she couldn’t have been in a weirder place in her life. "I spent the year after my dad passed away in Nashville and while it sounds SO cliché to say that I 'found myself' while I was there, I really did. I came back to Dallas, with a clear head and a lot of perspective, ready to start the next chapter of my life.""I’m continuing my dad’s legacy as Executive Director of Kidd’s Kids and starting a career in radio. Growing up, I never let my dad use his connections to help me build my career, so it’s ironic that I’m now following in his footsteps on the radio show he created! I started with the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show in May of this year, giving a weekly recap of ABC’s “The Bachelorette”. I’m also on periodically discussing music and trending topics. I’m absolutely obsessed with being on the radio and even though that 4:00 AM alarm is not fun - it is totally worth it." Caroline created a website when she moved back to Dallas in March of 2014. "(The blog) is my baby. It represents everything that I am, good and bad. I’d kind of unknowingly compartmentalized my life into three sections – inspiration, creation and exploration. So that’s how I divided the blog. And everything about it is me."
RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH CAROLINE KRADDICK
OSC: When you need some "me" time to relax, where do you go or what do you do to relax and recharge?
CK: I love to take a walk on Katy Trail and then post up with some friends at the Ice House afterward. I live close to Mercat and it’s my favorite place to go for an Americano and croissant when I need to catch up on work.
CK: I wouldn’t be a good Dallas girl if I didn’t say the cantinflas at Javier’s. Al Biernat’s is obviously one of my favorites and I am absolutely obsessed with the chicken piccata and DYING for the recipe (hint, hint…Al)! I also really love Terilli’s. It’s such a Dallas institution but with a NYC feel. Nothing better than an ice cold dirty martini and some Italchos.
OSC: What are your favorite places to shop?
CK: I LOVE to shop and might have spent my most recent paycheck on makeup! Oops! Riff Raff always has really cute clothing options as well as great gifts and tchotchkes for your home. Rio Ritz in Uptown is my go-to when I need something cute and sassy. And of course Stanley Korshak is always a must!
OSC: What's your favorite Dallas festival or event?
CK: I absolutely love the Texas/Oklahoma weekend! I went to school in Oklahoma City but all of my best friends went to UT so it’s so much fun when all my OU and UT friends come to town. We always do a big dinner on Friday night and then get tables at Big Al’s bar for the day of the game.
OSC: What are 3 things you always take out-of-owners to see or do in or around Dallas?
CK: My perfect day with out-of-towners would be lunch at Zodiac (at Neiman Marcus Downtown), some time at the Perot Museum and then follow that with a nice massage or facial at the Ritz. Dinner at Stampede 66 and then a show at the Kessler!
CK; Obviously, my favorite charity is Kidd’s Kids, the foundation my dad started that I now run. We take 50 children with life threatening illnesses and their families to Disney World every year in November. We also have a program called Kidd’s Kids Glam where we go to hospitals and give tween and teen girls makeovers. This is a program that I host and absolutely love! It is so special to give the girls a chance to look and feel good. Seeing the looks on their faces afterward is everything!! I also LOVE DIFFA and appreciate everything they do for the community. Music Meets Medicine is a foundation that provides music therapy and donates musical instruments to children, which is also really close to my heart.
OSC: Tell me something about you that most people don't know.
CK: I am a huge crybaby! I weep at every Facebook videos (happy and sad!), weddings, commercials … I can’t help it! I also have a tattoo on my left wrist that says, “I love you” in my dad’s handwriting. My watch covers it, so most people don’t know I have it. I’m also an old soul. I collect records and have an actual record player. Nothing makes me happier than listening to Fleetwood Mac and Carole King while making dinner for friends.
OSC: What do you think makes Dallas such a great place to live, work and raise a family?
CK: Dallas just has so much to offer! The city is culturally diverse and the cost of living isn’t outrageous. And there’s always something to do! Sports, theater, music, shopping, restaurants … the list is endless!
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