Bulletin: The "last DJ" has passed

 

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 his words dearly.

Ladd was born outside of Sacramento in a small farming community. He moved to Long Beach to begin his time on local radio at KNAC back in 1967, before moving to "Rock 'n Stereo" KLOS in 1969. He headed to "the Mighty Met," KMET from 1974-1985, then another short gig at KLOS. He returned to KMET before the station flipped to smooth jazz "The WAVE" (KTWV) in 1987. He worked at "Full Spectrum" KMPC-FM (later renamed "the EDGE," KEDG) before four years at "Classic Rock" KLSX in 1991.

The frequency was rebranded as talk "Real Radio 97.1" in 1995, which caused Ladd to leave the station. Gary Lycan of the Orange County Register quoted Ladd on his departure: "The problem is not KLSX but radio in general. It's not run by people who know the music anymore. This decision was made 3,000 miles away, and all radio is like that. They try to pick a little narrow slot."

Ladd was last heard on KLOS doing late nights from 1997 - 2011, departing when Cumulus took over the station from Citadel Broadcasting. He was soon hired by Sirius XM in 2012 for their aforementioned "Deep Tracks" channel.

Ladd in 2010. (Alberto E. Rodriguez / WireImage via Getty Images)

In 1980 Ladd was cited as the Top Rock Jock by the Los Angeles Times for "the passion that he brings to both the songs he plays andthe words that set the mood. Ladd cares and it shows." He was known for his interview programs, which included "The Every Other Sunday Stereo Special" in 1974 on KLOS, which evolved to "InnerView" syndicated by ABC Radio, thanks to the efforts of Damion and the KLOS sales staff. In 1984, he hosted "Live From the Record Plant" for RKO Radio Networks.

Joe Walsh, Jim Ladd (radioinsight.com)

Ladd authored the book Radio Waves: Life and Revolution on the FM Dial, published in 1992, described by Amazon as "an explosive, unforgettable look at the FM radio business through the eyes of one of its most colorful and idealistic personalities. Ladd follows the birth, blazing success, and tragic demise of FM free-form radio." Two years later, producer Howard W. Koch, Jr., optioned his book to be made into a movie for Paramount Pictures.

Ladd played himself on Roger Waters’ Radio K.A.O.S. and toured with the Pink Floyd bassist. 

The Doors posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. their tribute to Jim Ladd:

The Doors family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of beloved rock DJ, Jim Ladd, who died of a sudden heart attack peacefully at home with his wife Helene at his side. Jim, with his electric persona and cool voice, was an essential part of the culture of rock & roll.

Jim’s legendary interviews with Ray, John and Robby on The Doors and Morrison were later released as NO ONE HERE GETS OUT ALIVE, which still stands as the most definitive interview in the history of the group.

Rest easy, Mr. Ladd

It's purported "The Last DJ," a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, was inspired by Ladd.

In 2005, Ladd was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Among those honoring the deejay was singer-songwriter and activist Jackson Browne.

Ladd started at Sirius XM in February, 2012. He died of an apparent heart attack, his wife Helene was by his side when he died. Ladd was 75 years of age.

Editor's note: We were working on stories about the passing of KNX Assignment Editor Ronnie Bradford and the departure of Ken Chiampou from KFI when we learned of the passing of Jim Ladd. Please stay tuned for another blog update in the near future.

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