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Breaking news: Two more radio friends sign off

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  (We will be back soon with a regular column, I wanted to ensure readers learned of some breaking news.) We're sorry to report KIIS-FM veteran Domino  has suddenly passed away. Most recently the afternoon personality nd assistant PD at Classic Hist 105.9 Sunny FM (WOCL / Orlando), died on Monday, March 4 . Born Tony Lini, he arrived at KIIS-FM in 1993 via KHKS / Dallas and WPLJ / New York. Every night he offered his listeners an on-air party. He was perhaps best known for the nightly feature "Desperate and Dateless." He returned to KHKS in 1995. Domino was also heard on 99.1 KGGI in the Inland Empire. "Almost four decades in Radio and still going. It never gets old, I just do," Domino wrote on his Facebook page. Born Tony Lini, in 1990 Domino worked nightsat WPLJ-New York. The party jock joined KIIS for frantic evenings in thelate summer of 1993 after a similar post at KHKS-Dallas. He hosted anightly feature, "Desperate And Dateless." In the summer of

The flu and Don Barrett

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  (click to enlarge all of the pics) I’m recovering from my annual bout of the flu. I do get the vaccine every year, so my symptoms are attenuated – in other words, I only feel like a zombie for three days instead of four, but as always, I digress. Anyway, whenever I reveal I’m down with the flu, I would get an email, text, or phone call from Don Barrett who would always tell me “you opened the window and in-flu-enza!” A corny line to be sure, one I never quite understood, but somehow it was endearing. It also reminded me Don Barrett was more that my (and likely your) radio guru. To me, he was my historian, occasional annoyance, mentor, and most of all, friend. \ Somewhat similar to my parents' radio, Lohman and Barkley Don Barrett the historian: My memory of radio goes way back to the upside down (for better reception) Philco tube radio sitting on my parents’ kitchen counter, listening every morning to Lohman and Barkley on KFI, “the World’s Biggest Radio Station.” My paren

Passing parade: Jim Carson, Shaune McNamara Steele, Ronnie Bradford

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One of the most versatile talents of LA radio who could brag having tenure at multiple stations has died. Jim Carson , last heard on the air at K-EARTH 101 (KRTH) died Friday. Earlier this week, Carson had emergency surgery for a brain bleed.  Born Vic Gruppie, the La CaƱada native studied journalism and radio / tv at Pasadena City College, plus attended the Don Martin Broadcast School He served overseas with Armed Forces Radio, in Panama (Southern Command Network) and Korea (Korean Network). Carson debuted locally on KBLA in 1965. A couple of years later, he played country music at KBBQ as Vic Gee. He had successful stints at KGB-San Diego and KFRC-San Francisco, doing mornings at the latter prior to the arrival of Bay Area radio legend Dr. Don Rose. Carson would eventually land at 100.3 FM in 1973, where he broadcast on top 40 "K-100," CHR "100 FM," AC "FM-100," CHR "KIQQ," and Soft AC "K-Lite" (different moikers for KIQQ) for the nex

Bulletin: The "last DJ" has passed

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  Known by many as "the last DJ," Jim Ladd  has died. His passing was announced by Sirius XM , where Ladd was a prominent host on their "Deep Tracks" channel: It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the passing of Jim Ladd. A dedicated patron of the arts and steadfast advocate for the importance of freeform rock radio, Jim’s voice touched the hearts of millions.  For over fifty-years, Jim’s baritone voice cascaded from High in The Hollywood Hills, championing the best rock & roll had to offer. During his stints at KMET, KLOS and SiriusXM, he interviewed countless artists, from John Lennon, Pink Floyd, and Stevie Nicks to Led Zeppelin, the Eagles and Joni Mitchell. The insight and passion Jim held for the genre of rock & roll shines through in each of these conversations. Decades later, and his broadcasts remain as pertinent and meaningful as the day they first aired. He will be remembered by his family, friends and the millions of listeners who held h

Another fun radio gathering (pics!)

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  (Click on all photos to enlarge, group photo coordinated by Kerri Kasem ) I had the privilege of joining a gathering of local radio veterans, hosted by Jeff Leonard , over the weekend. It's a reunion for many, for me it's an opportunity to both meet and re-meet some of the veterans of the L.A. airwaves. Jim Carson, Bob Marlen   Jim Carson  shared with me his last conversation with Don Barrett , their relationship dating back to when Carson started his 16-year gig on 100.3 FM and its various formats.  Jane Platt, Neil Ross Now the news chief for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, I once listened to  Jane Platt 's newscasts on KRLA, then later heard her work on the ABC Radio Network. Dave Hull  tells the story he went to watch Neil Ross  on the air, saying that Ross was one of the most creative talents on -air he'd ever heard. Reed Berry, Randy West Reed Berry  is perhaps best known as "The Traffic Guy" at KRLA, someday we will have that breakfa