Dilbagh Singh Bhangoo, affectionately known as Baba to listeners of CKUA radio, passed away in mid-May. His life was marked by a deep love for music and a strong connection with his audience.
A Life Shrouded in Mystery
According to his daughter, Namananda Singh, many details of Baba's early life remain unknown. He was born in Chandigarh, India, around 1947, but record-keeping was sparse. Baba himself chose September 8 as his birthday. He immigrated to Canada in the early 1970s, working various jobs, including taxi driving in Toronto and delivering newspapers. He also hinted at working in a machine shop and a nuclear power plant.
Finding His Voice on the Radio
Baba moved to Edmonton in the 1980s with his wife Margaret and their family. His towering height, flowing robes, and turban made him a recognizable figure. He began his radio career at CJSR in the late 1990s, hosting a show called Crocodile Connection under the name Master Crocodile. Determined to join CKUA, he persistently applied until he was offered a Christmas Day slot. He never left.
Grant Stovel, a fellow CKUA host and close friend, noted that Baba's radio style, though seemingly spontaneous, was carefully prepared. He practiced crossfades and respected music deeply. Baba's eclectic taste included unexpected tracks like Hotel California or Loverboy, which he played with confidence.
Music as a Lifelong Bond
Namananda recalls bonding with her father over music, especially the Woodstock movie and 1960s rock. Baba's grandmother, despite objections from others, loved Jimi Hendrix. Baba's second marriage to singer Lara Yule further deepened his musical connections. Stovel and Baba overlapped on late-night shows in the early 2000s, where Baba's fearless programming stood out.
Baba retired from CKUA in 2024 after several health scares. His need for connection made retirement difficult. He is remembered for his warmth, his love for his listeners, and his unwavering passion for music.
