1," which stayed on the Billboard's Top 100 chart for 183 weeks. Lalo Alcaraz, a syndicated cartoonist and television writer who grew up listening to Laboe in San Diego, said the DJ maintained a strong following among Mexican Americans for generations because he always played Latino, white and Black artists together on his shows. Find him online at passionweiss.com, follow him on Twitter and also check out his archives.]. Laboe's show focuses on unlocking listeners' memories, but he's helping people create them, too. When Art Laboe's near-nightly shows were dumped from 92.3 FMduring a format shift earlier this month, Los Angeles was left without a voice that is part of the fabric of the city. iHeartRadio launches the ValenTime Machine Playlist, which lets listeners enter their anniversary date to find a playlist of the most popular love songs from their anniversary year. And I havent let go since, Laboe said. The Art Laboe Show. In 1957, he started Original Sound Record Inc., and in 1958 he released the compilation album "Oldies But Goodies: Vol. Art Laboe (August 7, 1925 - October 7, 2022) was an American disc jockey, songwriter.Art Laboe Family, Net Worth, Parents, Wife & Biography read all about him in this article.Laboe died of pneumonia on October 7, 2022, at the age of 97. @laweeklymusic, The 20 Best Hip-Hop Songs in History Its a role Laboe said he felt honored to play. Legendary Art Laboe hosts "Love Zone," Weekday evenings from 9PM until 12midnight. Laboe, who hosted a show on Los Angeles radio station KDAY, died Friday of pneumonia, according to a statement on his Facebook page. Even though youre still more apt to hear a Canadian artist than one from Compton on 92.3, Wynter says that local artists feature prominently in the stations goals. KDAY is 90's Hip-Hop. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers. Our Radio App allows you to listen to top radio stations, news, sports, music, talk and comedy. By the mid-1950s, he was a staple on Los Angeles radio stations, broadcasting live from Scrivner's Drive-In in Hollywood. February 15, 2023 at 8:55 am. (Celia Jacobs for The Times) For the record: 10:39 a.m. Feb. 17, 2023: An earlier edition of this story stated that Art Laboe started his radio career at KSAN 107.FM. After World War II, Laboe returned to Southern California, but a radio station owner told the aspiring radio announcer he should work on becoming a "radio personality" instead. In 1981, the Los Angeles City Council declared July 17 Art Laboe Day. But though the station has distanced itself from gritty rap, its bread and butter continues to be high-calorie, hook-glazed Top 40 hip-hop, blended with the occasional Calvin Harris track. His baritone voice invited listeners to call in dedications and request a 1950s-era rock n roll love ballad or a rhythm and blues tune from Alicia Keys. WILLIAM SHATNER REFLECTS ON FALLOUT WITH 'STAR TREK' PAL LEONARD NIMOY, HISTORIC KISS WITH NICHELLE NICHOLS. American disc jockey, songwriter, record producer, and Data from the job posting website Zippia.com, Taking over for Art Laboe was a natural fit for Old School Becky Lu. California and Arizona inmates would send in their own dedications and ask Laboe for updates from family. Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines of Oct. 10, Prince Harry addresses 'Spare' backlash in interview: 'I have never looked for sympathy in this', Shania Twain was 'uncontrollably fragile' from ex Mutt Lange's affair with friend: 'How could I be so stupid', Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe reveals 'promise' she made to mother before her death, Emma Stones 'And' co-star Willem Dafoe had her slap him 20 times to get scene right, Prince Harry's 'attacks' on 'villain' Camilla led to Frogmore Cottage eviction: expert, Film industry reacts to death of 'Saving Private Ryan' star Tom Sizemore: 'You're a legend'. And don't miss Art Laboe's Sunday Special, Sundays, 6pm til midnight. Art Laboe and rock n roll musician Chuck Berry pose for a portrait in circa 1975. Over the years, people have come to trust Art, and he's earned their trust, and that's why he's so central to so many people's lives.". Candace Silva-Torres, a producer and DJ for KCRW in Los Angeles known as DJ SiLVA, relates. Leave a dedication to Art Laboe at 323-412-0681. A permanent display of Laboes contributions resides in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland. Being Mexican American myself we were always at these huge family gatherings and like, big barbeques and different birthdays and celebrations. Audience members would attend the shows in person to request songs and dedications. The DJ is also credited with popularizing the phrase oldies, but goodies. In 1957, he started Original Sound Record, Inc. and in 1958, released the compilation album Oldies But Goodies: Vol. Gary Garay, who hosts the monthly Dublab show Mas Exitos con Ganas, grew up in Southern California's high desert and has been listening to Laboe for years. LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Memorial services were pending today for Southern California radio pioneer Art Laboe, who spent seven decades behind a microphone, brought rock 'n roll to the West Coast and coined the phrase ``Oldies but Goodies.''. Laboe is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live shows at drive-ins that attracted crowds of all races. Discover how an iHeartRadio station can deliver connect your message with your audience, live and local, right where you live. Fri 14 Oct 2022 10.19 EDT. The station was KSAN 1450 AM. In doing The Art Laboe Connection on her own, Luna said she is not trying to reinvent or change it. Here is someone who gave a voice to the most humble of us all through music, Alcaraz said. It wouldnt hurt to follow the model of its ancestor, 92.3 The Beat, which featured Eazy-Es Ruthless Radio Hour.. Hey, could you tell me the name of that song w the lyrics: I got a jet and we can fly it if your ever again in Arizona. Recently Played. "To be on the radio in those early 1950s days, Art had to pay the station. I mean, they look scary, Nogales said. Laboe maintained a strong following throughout the years and transformed into a promoter of aging rock n roll acts who never faded from Mexican-American fans of oldies. Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images file. Tyler Boudreaux, who goes by Boogie Boudreaux and started her work as a DJ at KCRW in 2021, said that although she is a Black woman, her job didn't seem like something that was groundbreaking as she was forging her way. He later began hosting wildly popular dance shows in El Monte. November 19, 1958. [Update: Art Laboe is coming back to the Inland Empire. She said plans for a memorial will be announced later. Lavender Haze Taylor Swift Midnights 2:10 AM. (COVID) created a little bit of a distance, because we didn't see him every day. The radio legend is credited with pioneering industry standards such as audience requests and song dedications, and he is believed to be the first DJ to play rock 'n roll tunes on Los Angeles radio. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! ], Like us on Facebook at LAWeeklyMusic Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Around 9 a.m. on a Friday in February, the radio station 92.3 FM abruptly switched formats. KTLA Los Angeles. Smothers filled the daypart most recently occupied by Bubba The Love Sponge, who is now on sports sister WHBO (1040). Laboe soon became one of the first DJs to play R&B and rock n roll in California, which helped him identify with teen listeners. Feb. 11, 2015. (It) helped me grieve and accept it a little more easily, Morones said. Download the free iHeartRadio app today and start listening to your favorite music, live & local radio stations, playlists, and podcasts! His sister sent him his first radio when he was 8 years old. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Oct 10, 2022. Listen to free internet radio, news, sports, music, and podcasts. at 11 a.m. The new 92.3 snatched away Power 106s venerable morning host, Big Boy. Luna, 43, began working with Laboe in 2016, when she was hired as a call screener for The Art Laboe Connection at the recording studio on Desert Park Avenue in Palm Springs. Laboe continued to host regular programming until just a few days before his death. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The next song played wont be shark repellent; its going to be consistent with your expectations.. Laboe died Friday night at home in Palm Springs, California, after catching pneumonia, said Joanna Morones, a spokesperson for Laboe's production company, Dart Entertainment. "Without Art Laboe, I'm So Lonely I Could Cry," wrote essayist Adam Vine. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. The show is aired on stations throughout the Southwest. (JC Olivera). Hall Communications has added a translator and flipped ESPN Sports 1340 WNBH New Bedford, MA to classic hits as Big 101.3 The station airs on WNBH and the New Bedford-licensed translator W267CY at 101.3. All rights reserved. But he started gracing the airwaves at age 13, when he started an amateur radio station from his bedroom. They set up a Google phone number that fans can call to record their messages between now and March 1. The scene that Laboe helped cultivate in California became of the nations most diverse. "Then Art comes out and they just melt. Like us on Facebook at LAWeeklyMusic Power 106 might regularly play Y.G., DJ Mustard and the artists on TDE, but it only began doing so after theyd built a national fan base. These are some of the biggest Top 40 hits ever played on the radio, VP/programming Bob Walker said in a release. The Art Laboe Connection. He brought us together. His radio shows gave the families of incarcerated loved ones, in particular, a platform to speak to their relatives by dedicating songs and sending heartfelt messages and updates. A two-minute video recapping Art's life and accomplishments played over the arena's big screens, with images of Art Laboe from the 40s til today, alongside greats like Jerry Lee Lewis, Dick Clark and Little Richard.The crowd's eyes were fixated on the black and white images of . Plus 100,000 AM/FM radio stations featuring music, news, and local sports talk. Art Laboe, the pioneering DJ credited with helping end segregation in Southern California, has died. As a listener, you want to identify with someone and you want to hear them get excited about things that you get excited about.". He was 97. He started the show when he was just 16 years old. The FCC has released a warning it sent to the alleged operator of a pirate station operating at 101.3 FM in Santa Cruz, CA. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. His show was picked up by Old School 104.7. Legendary Art Laboe hosts "Love Zone," Weekday evenings from 9PM until 12midnight. For on-air promo, the Burbank-based 92.3 recruited rappers to hurl subliminal shade at Power 106 as though it wasnt a matter of them wanting to kiss the ring of iHeartRadio, the corporate behemoth formerly known as Clear Channel. His show has been syndicated since 1991. Everybody knew him at the grocery store. Like a lot of folks in Southern California, the team at Dublab are big fans of Laboe. Live from Los Angeles 24/7. What Laboe understates is the sheer amount of hustle it took to actually gain the respect of broadcasters as a young man and even just get the Scrivner's show on air. Watch this informative interview led by LA newsman Tony Valdez and find out how he got his first job in radio, how his dedications started and when he started a drive in show in 1955, right as Elvis first records came out. Also, listen to Gary Garay's tribute to Art Laboe's "Original Sound" label on Dublab. He has a collection on permanent exhibit at Clevelands Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Legal Statement. Art Laboe memorabilia can be seen at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum's interactive Rock and Radio exhibit in Cleveland, Ohio. Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. He was also among the first DJs to play music by both Black and white artists, and he built a major following among Latino communities across the region. About R Dub! News Bites: Art Laboe, ValenTime Machine Playlist, Dick Smothers. Address: 242 East Airport Drive Suite 202 San Bernardino, CA 92408. She also became a radio co-host for the college's "Wired Live at 5" and "Rock-a-Holics.". George Lucas worked with Laboe on licensing tunes for the soundtrack of his 1973 smash American Graffiti, and Laboe was proud of ensuring that the artists got their due and their cut of licensing revenue. Dedicated to Art Laboe started before 92.3 morphed from old-school-centric Hot brand to new-school-heavy Real. Initially conceived as a token of thanks, the plan was to have Dublab DJs and their artist and musician friends record greetings and then send the compilation to the master of dedications. Morones said the show "didn't put up a flagpole" to announce Luna's transition to sole host to make it smoother. This story was updated on October 11, 2022 to correct that Laboe did not coin the phrase oldies, but goodies but popularized it. These elements include Luna's ability to pronounce names, read dedications and talk to callers in Spanish, because she is bilingual. "I see these really tough-looking guys in the crowd. Laboe died Friday night after catching pneumonia . To have Luna at the helm of The Art Laboe Connection, Boudreaux said, points to the importance of having women's voices on air. iHeart. The rules are clear. Email: marissa.garcia@pointbroadcastingllc.com. Later, she'll sit behind the mic in the chair where Laboe once sat, and read song dedications from people of all walks of life. "I like people. While those with an Internet connection can tune in via stations like Fresno's KOKO 94.3, the absence Art Laboe Connection from the local, terrestrial market is still a loss felt far beyond the soul hits and disco jams that made evening traffic slightly more bearable. Laboe was also known for his live concerts that attracted top acts, but were beloved by audiences simply for seeing the famed DJ in person. As a DJ for KXLA in Los Angeles, Laboe bought station time and hosted live overnight music shows from drive-ins where he would meet underground rockabilly and R&B musicians. It happened late last year after a bout of pneumonia. One lucky, FAMILY AFFAIR: INSIDE SNOOP DOGG AND HIS BOSS LADY, By continuing to use our site, you agree to our, Tommy Lasorda: Part Of 5 Freeway Honoring Former Dodger Manager, Newsom Ends 3-Year COVID-19 State of Emergency In California, Vanessa Bryant And L.A. County Reach Settlement Over Kobe Crash Site Case, Ventura Countys Dirty Little Secret Is The Subject of Regenerate Ojai, San Pedro Fish Market Lives On And Oscars At The Hollywood Roosevelt Heres Whats Popping Up, Gallery: Bravos Top Chef Brings The Best Of Britain To Hancock Park, From CHIIILD to Queen the New LA Weekly Playlist is Live, Extraterrestrial Fans Orbit into AlienCon, Jim Gaffigan on Making us Laugh and Cry (Q&A), Blondes, Brunettes and Burlesque at Peek-A-View, Hakeem Rowe Talks Insane Career Arc and His Departure From No Jumper, ASTN is Happier Than Ever about his newest release Be So Cruel, RealestK Isnt Nearly As Toxic As TikTok Is, Erykah Badu Drops That Badu Cannabis Line, Art Laboe has returned to the Inland Empire onOld School 104.7 FM, Why CDs May Actually Sound Better Than Vinyl. Meruelo Media, the company that owns KDAY, confirmed his death. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. So was my mom! I mean, they look scary," Nogales said. Art had been the first person to play the Sun Records of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. iHeartRadio lets you access the world of music and radio in one simple platform. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. He moved to California to attend Stanford University before he served in the Navy during World War II. Audience members would attend the shows in person to request songs and dedications. I see these really tough looking guys in the crowd. He was 97. Laboe died at age 97 on Friday at his home in Palm Springs, following a bout with pneumonia, according to Joanna Morones of Laboe's production company. He moved to California, attended Stanford University and served in the Navy during World War II. Enter to Win a digital download of A Man Called Otto PLUS a $50 savings pass from 1-800-Flowers! 12 min read. LAWeekly Instagram: Featuring the culture of LA since 1978 , Relationship with the Victim* Listen to Jennifer Jones Lee on Wake Up Call, Bill Handel Morning Show, Gary and Shannon, John and Ken, Tim Conway Jr, Coast to Coast AM, KFI News and more on KFI AM 640! His syndicated radio show, ``The Art Laboe Connection,'' still plays on stations in Los Angeles, Oxnard, Riverside and Palm Springs. Art was very personable, so he would talk with people and just get to know them for a little bit, before we went on our way, she remembered. If you care about Nas, Biggie and 2Pac, as well as todays hip-hop and R&B, youll want to spend time here, Wynter says. When asked what new L.A. rappers he was checking for, Wynter singled out The Game and Problem both longtime staples on Power 106. WHITNEY HOUSTON PRODUCER CLIVE DAVIS IS EXCITED FOR NEW FILM: NOBODY HAS TOUCHED THE REAL PERSON OF WHITNEY, Art Laboe died Friday at the age of 97. There's only ONE Art Lebow, and he's only on Jammin' 99.5FM - Coachella Valley's Old School! Data from the job posting website Zippia.com shows most DJs in the country are white (72%), trailed by Hispanic or Latino (14%), Black or African American (8%) and Asian (3%). As a teen, she and her family would often tune into Laboe in the car as they headed home to the Inland Empire after visiting relatives in LA. In 2015, the nonprofit online radio station DubLab turned the tables on Mr. Laboe, the man who was a conduit for so many on-air dedications, giving his fans an opportunity to call in and dedicate . Joanna Morones, who produces The Art Laboe Connection and worked with Laboe for over 20 years, said seeing him less due to the pandemic somehow helped her cope with the loss. (Pictured: Art Laboe at the 2008 Hollywood Christmas Parade). "And this tough, hard-nosed guy burst into tears.". The Laboe-curated sound of the Chicano Southwest, including R&B, rock 'n' roll and soul oldies, became a soundtrack for cruising lowriders and classic cars, and Laboe delivered it like a postal worker rain or shine. He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. "Art Laboe has fostered a rare relationship with his audience," Josh Kun, a professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, said in a statement released by Laboe's company. He remembers when dedications came from local listeners, then included callers from other states. California and Arizona inmates would send in their own dedications and ask Laboe for updates from family. Laboe also was involved with music licensing for such films as Dirty Dancing, La Bamba, Lethal Weapon, Good Morning Vietnam (all released in 1987) and 1989s Born on the Fourth of July. Original Sound Entertainment also represented songs for film and TV licensing by such notables as the Beach Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ritchie Valens, the Stylistics, the Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and the Isley Brothers. In 2015, iHeartMedia's KHHT-FM (92.3) dropped Laboe's syndicated oldies show after the station abruptly switched to a hip-hop format sparking angry protests in Los Angeles. It's the first time in KCRW history, actually, where it's majority women and it feels like there's a bubble bursting.. Plus, online streams allow folks from across the globe to tune in to the show. Laboe, who was twice divorced, was preceded in death by two sons, three sisters and a brother. His first Los Angeles station was KPOP, and he eventually played records on KRLA. ``Art Laboe has fostered a rare relationship with his audience,'' Josh Kun, a professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, said in a statement released by Laboe's company. Laboe was also known for his live concerts that attracted top acts, but were beloved by audiences simply for seeing the famed DJ in person. She added that all the love and condolences coming in from the listeners and the artists and the people that knew him was also comforting. Both Garay and McNeill emphasize the dedications that serve as messages to people behind bars. He was one of the first DJs to play rock n roll and R&B on West Coast radio stations. Laboe had to think of creative ways to just get paid, says Kelly, the radio veteran. As a DJ for KXLA in Los Angeles, Laboe bought station time and hosted live overnight music shows from drive-ins where hed meet underground rockabilly and R&B musicians. I don't think people understand how significant it is as far as communication goes, says Garay. The shift disenchanted thousands of listeners. Artist Radio gives you the power to create custom stations from your favorite songs, albums or musical artists. His Art Laboe Connection aired in Los Angeles on KDAY-FM on Sunday nights, as well as many other stations throughout the Southwest. He later began hosting wildly popular dance shows in El Monte. In came The Real 92.3, offering 10,000 joints in a row of real hip-hop and R&B. This loosely translated to a playlist disproportionately comprised of Drake featuring Drake. "Without Art Laboe, Im So Lonely I Could Cry," wrote essayist Adam Vine. Also remembering Laboe on social media was Amoeba Music. iHeartMedia America's #1 Audio Company Reaching 9 out of 10 Americans every month. The 89-year-old DJ has been a radio staple for decades, a champion of new music in the early days of rock & roll who went on to help locals tell their stories through the string of heartfelt dedications that comprise the Art Laboe Connection.. Getty. Laboe attended high school in Los Angeles, then broke into the airwaves in San Francisco on radio station KSAN in September 1943. In Art Laboe terms, it means give it your all., As they grew familiar with each other, Luna said she and Laboe became close colleagues, and eventually friends. Laboe is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live shows at drive-ins that attracted crowds of all races. The station has a connection to Laboe, too. Art was the first Disc Jockey to play Rock and Roll on the West Coast airwaves, one of the first DJs to play both black and white artists and the first DJ to have an "Elvis Hour," the . Laboe moved his show to 93.5 KDAY after his iHeartRadio-owned home station, Hot 92.3, changed formats in 2015. My favorite place to be is behind that microphone, Laboe said at the time of the 79-year anniversary in September. Laboe is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live DJ shows at drive-in eateries that attracted white, Black and Latino listeners who danced to rock n roll and shocked an older generation still listening to Frank Sinatra and Big Band music. With the rise of dance music, Power 106 has gone from where hip-hop lives to where hip-hop sublets. "He brought us together. LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Memorial flowers will be placed Tuesday on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star of Southern California radio pioneer Art Laboe, who spent seven decades behind a microphone, brought rock 'n roll to the West Coast and coined the phrase "Oldies but Goodies.".