The HistoryMakers

"The music host who loves you most," Holmes "Daddy-O" Daylie was born May 15, 1920, in Covington, Tennessee. His mother died during childbirth and his father five years later, leaving him to be raised by an older brother, Clinton. The family moved to Chicago's South Side when Daylie was a child. He attended John D. Shoop Elementary and Morgan Park High schools. A talented athlete, after graduation Daylie played professional basketball with the Harlem Yankees and the Globetrotters. However, he soon tired of the lodging discrimination encountered while traveling across the country, and he returned to Chicago to begin a new career.

Affectionately called "Daddy-O" long before his entrance into radio, Daylie was known for his linguistic gymnastics and sense of humor. These qualities proved the key to his success. Daylie was discovered in 1947 while working as a bartender in the Beige Room of the Pershing Hotel where famous disc jockey Dave Garroway was impressed by the artistic rhymes Daylie used while serving his clientele. On Garroway's suggestion, Daylie enrolled in radio school to refine his skills and, in 1948, Daddy-O's Jazz Patio made its debut on WAIT.

Daylie's relaxed style and hip improvisational rhythmic monologues during the 45- minute program were an instant success. In addition to introducing audiences to the innovative sounds of jazz, blues and swing music, Daylie used his program as a platform to further the cause of civil rights and to highlight other social maladies in African American communities. One of his proudest achievements was Operation Christmas Basket, which helped feed hungry Chicagoans during the holiday season.

After leaving WAIT, Daylie first joined the staff of WMAQ radio and then WAAF. He retired in 1988. Daylie died on February 6, 2003.

Daylie was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on May 29, 2001.