Renowned Los Angeles radio host Jim Ladd, famous for his extensive career championing rock music, died Sunday at the age of 75. The veteran radio icon, who spent more than a decade on SiriusXM’s Deep Tracks, succumbed to a heart attack at his Los Angeles residence.
Meg Griffin, a fellow radio veteran who temporarily assumed hosting duties on Deep Tracks, shared the grim news with the audience on Monday, fondly remembering Ladd as a person who truly “lived for the music.”
Los Angeles DJ Jim Ladd dies at 75
During the 1970s, Ladd became a prominent figure in the Los Angeles rock radio scene, beginning his DJ journey in 1969 at KNAC before transitioning to KLOS and KMET. In 2011, he joined the ranks of SiriusXM, where he continued to make a significant impact.
Recognized as one of the few remaining freeform rock DJs on US commercial radio, Ladd conducted interviews with legendary rock figures such as The Doors, Pink Floyd, Stevie Nicks, Led Zeppelin, Eagles, Joni Mitchell and John Lennon.
Jim Ladd’s influence extended beyond the airwaves, inspiring Tom Petty’s 2002 song, The last DJ, from the album of the same title. The song tells the story of a disc jockey who challenges the management of a radio station to play music of his choice. Additionally, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters was inspired by Ladd and invited him to feature on his second solo album, 1987’s Radio KAOS.
Ladd even played a semi-autobiographical role as a radio DJ in Cameron Crowe’s 1989 romantic comedy, Say Anything. Jim Ladd’s legacy leaves an indelible mark on the world of rock music and broadcasting.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn