An ayoda on radio

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 Cañada 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...

  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...

  (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 tha...