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DMF KeyNotes – James ‘Radio’ Kennedy Video Transcript

 

[Images are slides with written words matching the dialogue, with upbeat music playing in the background]

 

[Narrator:] Daniel’s Music Foundation presents

[Image – Daniel’s Music Foundation logo, which includes an arch (half circle) made up of musical notes, with a treble clef in the middle, and three musical notes on either side]

 

DMF KeyNotes

A Celebration of Individuals with Disabilities

 

This week features 

[Image – Sketch of James Kennedy]


James ‘Radio’ Kennedy, born 1946-2019

[Image – Photo of James Kennedy, holding a radio on his lap]


He was a national football figure who had developmental disabilities. 


Born in South Carolina, he was fearful and bullied as a child because of his differences.

[Image - Black & White Photo of James Kennedy, standing and smiling]


Passionate about music, he carried a radio everywhere he went which earned him the nickname 'Radio.'

[Image – Photo of James Kennedy sitting and holding a radio]


Although Radio could barely speak, was unable to read or write; he had a love for football.


In the 1960s, he became a fixture at T.L. Hanna High School football practices, initially watching passively, and then began to mimic the actions of the coaches.


At age 18, Radio met coach Harold Jones, a lifelong friend, and mentor, who helped Radio become a staple in the community.

[Images (2) – Left: Photo of James Kennedy, dressed in a suit and seated and Coach Harold Jones, standing behind James Kennedy and his hand on his left shoulder. Right: Photo of James Kennedy and Coach Harold Jones standing next to each other.]


In 1965, the school made him a permanent high school junior, meaning he would never have to graduate or leave if he didn't want to.


His friendship with Coach Jones was the inspiration for the 2003 film 'Radio' starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris.

[Images (2) – Left: Photo of Cuba Gooding Jr., and James Kennedy, smiling. Right: Photo of James Kennedy, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Coach Harold Jones standing next to each other, smiling.]


The award-winning film raised enough money to provide housing for Radio and his family.


After 40 years, Jones retired in 1999; he and Radio traveled together volunteering to help others.

[Image – Photo of James Kennedy, standing and wearing reindeer ears and a red Salvation Army aphron, with Coach Harold Jones, standing and smiling.]


He embraced who he was and made no attempts to change himself or others, simply accepting everyone for who they were.


In 2016 he was inducted into the T.L. Hanna Athletic Hall of Fame with a bronze statue in his honor.

[Image – Photo of James Kennedy, standing next to his bronze statue at T.L. Hanna Athletic Hall of Fame.]


'He taught us all how to love.' Coach Harold Jones

[Image – Photo of James Kennedy, standing above and hugging Coach Harold Jones, sitting]


Thank you James ‘Radio’ Kennedy!

[Image – Photo of James Kennedy, standing, arms folded, smiling]


You can thank him too by sharing his incredible story today!

 

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Photo Credits (in order):

  • 4th Slide - Sketch of James Kennedy: Getty Images/ Clip2Comic

  • 5th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy: Daily Mail

  • 7th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy: Independent Mail

  • 8th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy: Anderson Independent

  • 11th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy & Coach Harold Jones: Radioandcoachjones.com

  • 11th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy & Coach Harold Jones: Carolina Panthers

  • 13th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy and Cuba Gooding Jr.: Snap Stills/ Shutterstock

  • 13th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Coach Harold Jones: Radioandcoachjones.com

  • 15th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy and Coach Harold Jones: Radioandcoachjones.com

  • 17th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy: Anderson Independent

  • 18th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy and Coach Harold Jones: Anderson Independent

  • 19th Slide - Photo of James Kennedy: Tim Dominick

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