DeDe McGuire, host of the nationally syndicated “DeDe In The Morning” show, will receive the Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award at the 2025 Living Legends Foundation Gala on October 3rd. The recognition celebrates McGuire’s trailblazing career in broadcasting and her longstanding commitment to community empowerment.
McGuire, whose considered one of the hardest working women in radio, is an undeniable force when it comes to her craft. With her trademark blend of humor, insight, and charisma, she has built one of the fastest-growing morning shows in the nation, now syndicated in more than 80 cities across the U.S. Based at KKDA/K104 in Dallas, Texas, she has redefined morning radio with her authentic, engaging style—blending entertainment with candid conversations on pop culture, social issues, and everyday life. In doing so, McGuire has paved the way for women and people of color in an industry where representation has often been limited.
McGuire has been featured in Hype Magazine, CNN, Fox, BET, Forbes, Essence, Yahoo News, and Black Enterprise, and has interviewed global leaders and cultural icons including President Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé.
Her achievements have earned her widespread recognition, including her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame (Class of 2025), a 2024 Hall of Fame nomination, the 2023 City of Dallas Trailblazer Award, the 2022 Gracie Award, and the 2021 Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Airblazer Award. Her show was also voted Best Morning Show in both 2022 and 2023.
DeDe McGuire, one of the hardest working women in radio, has transformed her nationally syndicated show “DeDe in the Morning” into a powerhouse that now reaches more than 80 U.S. cities; Photo Credit: DeDe McGuire/Instagram
McGuire is a dedicated philanthropist. She’s the founder of the DeDe McGuire Foundation, which was established through her company DeDe McGuire, Inc. Guided by the motto “inspiring families, inspiring change,” the foundation has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships, including DeDe’s Do Over and Achieve the Dream HBCU scholarships. McGuire also hosts an annual women’s luncheon and provides critical resources such as financial literacy programming and daycare assistance for single mothers.
McGuire remains deeply connected to her hometown, serving on the boards of the Dallas Black Dance Theater and Women Called Moses Domestic Outreach Program, while also acting as an ambassador for United Way Dallas and Dress for Success Dallas.
DeDe McGuire is a “Living Legend” icon in the world of radio, using her platform to entertain and inspire future living legends.
