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‘Make people smile’: David Cannon of ‘The Ace and TJ Show’ passes away

CHARLOTTE — Former morning radio personality David Cannon of “The Ace and TJ Show” has died.

The announcement was made on the Facebook page of Hits 96.1.

“I literally just started screaming, “No, it’s not true. It can’t be real,” Cannon’s sister, Piper Wilson, told Channel 9.

A sense of shock and heartbreak was also felt by thousands in the Charlotte area after his death was announced.

The “Ace and TJ Show” dominated mornings in the Queen City for decades.

For family though, that’s not all he will be remembered for.

“He taught me how to ride my first bicycle,” his sister said. “He taught me how to roller skate. He would question all of my boyfriends growing up so, he was in essence, like my father.”

Wilson said Cannon was an energetic kid growing up in central Louisiana, about three hours from New Orleans.

She still lives in their hometown.

She said Cannon helped raise her and gave his heart to everyone he could.

Cannon started his powerhouse radio show in his native state in the early 90s before moving to Charlotte in 1998. He continued the show which was on the air until September 2024.

“His main goal, truly, was to make people happy,” Wilson said. “That’s all he wanted to do. If you wanted him to be happy, let him make you happy. Let him make you smile. That’s all he wanted to do.”

He brightened up thousands of listeners’ mornings through the airwaves throughout the week.

In his personal life, Wilson said the last few years were a struggle for Cannon.

Cannon’s daughter died in a crash in 2020. His mother died soon after.

Wilson said his signature trait of thinking of others first was evident during those tragedies.

“I just remember how strong he was for everybody else,” Wilson said. “How strong he was for our mom when his own daughter passed.”

Wilson said he will be missed and is proud he left an impact.

‘All he wanted to do was to make people happy,” she said. “All he wanted to do was to make people smile and have a good time. And he made the world a better place.”

The cause of death has not been made public.

In a statement, Hits 96.1 wrote:

“The iHeartMedia Charlotte family is devastated to learn of the passing of David “Ace” Cannon.

For years, he was an important part of so many people’s lives, providing companionship and laughter to his many listeners and colleagues.

Our thoughts are with Ace’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”


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