Tucson’s Beloved DJ Kidd Squidd Passes Away at 76

Dave “Kidd Squidd” Squires, a beloved radio DJ known for his engaging “Mystery Jukebox” program, passed away on April 5 at the age of 76. For decades, Squires captivated Tucsonans every Saturday afternoon with his eclectic mix of music.

A volunteer DJ at KXCI 91.3 FM since its inception in 1983, Squires continued to create new episodes until the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. His shows remained popular, with replays airing until January 2022. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Tucson Musicians Museum in 2022 and frequently earned accolades as Tucson’s Best DJ from readers of Tucson Weekly.

Gregory McNamee, a Tucson author, remarked on Squires’ deep passion for music, emphasizing its spiritual significance in his life. “Music was Squidd’s religion,” McNamee noted, lamenting the loss of a voice that passionately advocated for diverse genres, from blues to jazz. “Who will tell us about it now?” he questioned.

Squires described his show as “all over the place,” with themes ranging broadly from motorcycles to UFOs. Each broadcast reflected his expansive knowledge of music history, presenting connections among various songs and genres. KXCI Music Director Duncan Hudson praised Squires for his ability to weave emotional threads through music, particularly in an era dominated by algorithms that often overlook the human experience.

Howe Gelb, leader of the band Giant Sand, remembered Squires as a gifted storyteller whose enthusiasm for music was infectious. “Kidd would deliver the goods with such glee,” Gelb wrote on social media, highlighting Squires’ ability to connect listeners with the essence of music.

Rialto Theatre’s Executive Director Cathy Rivers noted Squires’ unique perspective as an ethnomusicologist, sharing his extensive knowledge and love for all music. Their friendship blossomed over common interests, including Harry Potter. Rivers recalled an event where they enjoyed a live performance of a Harry Potter film, reflecting Squires’ joyful spirit and openness to wonder.

The Rialto Theatre paid tribute to Squires this week, thanking him on its marquee for “all the kool toonz.” Local musician Hank Topless remembered him as an exceptional professional dedicated to enriching the lives of others through music. “He was just the nicest and classiest guy,” Topless said.

Born in 1948 in Illinois, Squires discovered his passion for music after playing basketball during high school. His journey led him across the United States, culminating in an unforgettable experience at a Buffalo Springfield concert in Los Angeles. Squires eventually settled in San Francisco during the Summer of Love before moving on, feeling disillusioned by the emerging scene of the late 1960s.

While studying transcendental meditation in Iowa, he realized music’s profound impact on his life. “No music is an island unto itself,” he once articulated, depicting music as an interconnected river that continues to inspire him.

In 1983, influenced by a flyer from his brother, Mike Squires, he quickly relocated to Tucson to join KXCI. Photographer Michael Hyatt credited Squires for his infectious enthusiasm and commitment to sharing the joy of music.

After stepping back from the show due to concerns about COVID-19 vaccinations, Squires spent his final years in assisted living at St. Luke’s Home, where he continued to entertain residents. His brother recalled Squires running the movie night and playing films multiple times a week.

Struggling with diabetes, Squires faced health complications in his later years, ultimately succumbing to sepsis resulting from a foot infection. Mike Squires shared that his brother expressed peace in his final days, looking forward to whatever lay ahead.

Plans for a memorial are underway, with Mike aiming to honor his brother by sharing Squires’ music books and CDs with the community, providing a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to celebrating the art of music.