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! 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.". He is just embraced and beloved by the creative community, says McNeil. Download the free iHeartRadio app today and start listening to your favorite music, live & local radio stations, playlists, and podcasts! 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. 0. Born Arthur Egnoian in Salt Lake City to a Mormon Armenian-American family, Laboe grew up during the Great Depression in a household run by a single mom. Kids dance to Bobby Darin's "Queen of th. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He's been facilitating these dedications for decades, says McNeill, and we thought it was fitting to now dedicate songs to him., Leave a dedication to Art Laboe at 323-412-0681. or redistributed. I think he realized the real positive impact he was having on families who were separated through incarceration, says McNeill. 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. Though Laboe was Armenian American, his work was appreciated by people of a variety of backgrounds. Top Songs. We are bringing that sound back to New Bedford.. Enter to Win a digital download of A Man Called Otto PLUS a $50 savings pass from 1-800-Flowers! Around that time, as a new generation of acts began to overshadow the 1940s and 50s musical pioneers, Laboe saw an opportunity to tap into nostalgia with compilation albums of early hits from the rock, R&B and doo-wop eras. There were two other girls, so (they) were training me on how to take the calls, how to write out the dedications and how to set them up for Art, because Art had a certain way, she said. Without Art Laboe, Im So Lonely I Could Cry, wrote essayist Adam Vine. @laweeklymusic, The 20 Best Hip-Hop Songs in History The station has a connection to Laboe, too. I don't think people understand how significant it is as far as communication goes, says Garay. Top 40 radio in the 70s, 80s and 90s was big and exciting. In 2015, iHeartMedia's KHHT-FM dropped Laboe's syndicated oldies show after the station abruptly switched to a hip-hop format, sparking angry protests in Los Angeles. "Rest In Peace Art . Reach her at eliana.perez@thedesertsun.com or on Twitter @ElianaPress. 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. In recent decades, Laboe was noted for allowing inmates' relatives to send in dedications intended to be heard by their incarcerated loved ones. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers. Morones said the production company is preparing to sell new Laboe merchandise to keep his memory alive. Anthony Macias, a University of California, Riverside ethnic studies professor, said the music Laboe played went with the dedications, enhancing the messages. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Audience members would attend the shows in person to request songs and dedications. 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. It wouldnt hurt to follow the model of its ancestor, 92.3 The Beat, which featured Eazy-Es Ruthless Radio Hour.. We can say this is a local show, she added. 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. They love him.. 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.. 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. Photo: Getty Images. "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. Feb. 11, 2015. Recently Played. Laboe moved his show to 93.5 KDAY after his iHeartRadio-owned home station, Hot 92.3, changed formats in 2015. He doesn't rush them off the air. Meanwhile, Luna is a lifetime valley native. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Right now, this veteran of the airwaves is getting support from the web-streaming DJs who were influenced by him. DJ Art Laboe sits in his studio and talks about his 75 years in the radio business on Oct. 9, 2018, in Palm Springs, Calif. Laboe, a pioneering disc jockey who hosted a syndicated oldies show for . After decades on air, Laboes legacy now includes a passing of the torch to Old School Becky Lu. Art had talked about (adding) someone young, with a vivacious personality, she said. He brought us together. "Without Art Laboe, Im So Lonely I Could Cry," wrote essayist Adam Vine. As a listener, you want to identify with someone and you want to hear them get excited about things that you get excited about.". 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. But he started gracing the airwaves at age 13, when he started an amateur radio station from his bedroom. 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. Everybody knew him at the grocery store. Also, listen to Gary Garay's tribute to Art Laboe's Original Sound label on Dublab. Silence falls over the studio when Luna is asked about Laboe's death. 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. In 2015, iHeartMedias KHHT-FM dropped Laboes syndicated oldies show after the station abruptly switched to a hip-hop format sparking angry protests in Los Angeles. People appreciate it, Luna said. 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. 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.''. Right now, were starting off with records that people are familiar with, but we have to break local records over time.. Enter to Win a digital download of A Man Called Otto PLUS a $50 savings pass from 1-800-Flowers! Listeners can also stream his show online and through various apps. LOS ANGELES -- Art Laboe, the pioneering radio DJ who read heartfelt song dedications to generations of . After serving in the Navy during World War II, Art landed a job at KSAN in San Francisco and adopted the on-air name, Art Laboe. A couple years ago, members of the Dublab crew visited him at his studio, which resulted in a long and fascinating interview conducted by journalist Josh Kun. 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 . ", "It was the first time he had heard his babys voice," Laboe said. "I dont judge," Laboe said in a 2018 interview with the Associated Press at his Palm Springs studio in California. His final show was produced last week and broadcast Sunday night. He was born Arthur Egnoian to an American-Armenian family in Salt Lake City. Dublab's Dedicated to Art Laboe project is a chance for fans to call, leave messages and send out songs with a kiss. The final show from Laboe, who is credited with coining the phrase "oldies but goodies," was broadcast Sunday. Laboe, born Arthur Egnoian in 1925, got into radio before they called announcers DJs. Laboe was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. The scene that Laboe helped cultivate in California became of the nations most diverse. Oh my gosh, Luna gushed. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. Laboe, who hosted a show on Los Angeles radio station KDAY, died Friday of pneumonia, according to a statement on his Facebook page. Listen for free on iHeart! 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. In 2015, iHeartMedia's KHHT-FM dropped Laboe's syndicated oldies show after the station abruptly switched to a hip-hop format sparking angry protests in Los Angeles. Art Laboe, a pioneering US DJ credited with coining the phrase "oldies, but goodies", has died, aged 97. . When Elvis Presley came to Hollywood, Laboe was one of the few to get an interview with the new rockabilly star. I got my own built-in research, Laboe said. See All Recently Played. Here is someone who gave a voice to the most humble of us all through music, Alcaraz said. 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. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. Art Laboe is responsible for many "firsts" in the radio and record business. 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. Through his Original Sound Entertainment, he released Oldies But Goodies and Dedicated to You collections that helped preserve a host of West Coast one-hit wonders such as Angel Baby by Rosie and the Originals and the original Earth Angel by the Penguins. With the rise of dance music, Power 106 has gone from where hip-hop lives to where hip-hop sublets. Music, radio and podcasts, all free. . The fact that the show is being continued with the voice of a Latina feels huge because that's a lot of our audience.. Oct 11, 2022. 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. So far, the response has been interesting. Art passed away at the age of 97, after catching pneumonia. Market data provided by Factset. 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. A permanent display of Laboes contributions resides in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland. The next song played wont be shark repellent; its going to be consistent with your expectations.. He has a collection on permanent exhibit at Clevelands Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. LAWeekly Instagram: Featuring the culture of LA since 1978 , Relationship with the Victim* 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Art Laboe and host of the television show "American Bandstand" Dick Clark chat in 1960. "We're so happy he's a part of the Magic 92.5 family and we were incredibly proud to present him with the station's very first Lifetime . Candace Silva-Torres, a producer and DJ for KCRW in Los Angeles known as DJ SiLVA, relates. He was 97. 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. Roger Campos (DJ, Funkmosphere) My favorite memory of Art Laboe was sometime . We are sending our love, today, to the family of beloved SoCal radio host Art Laboe. Discover how an iHeartRadio station can deliver connect your message with your audience, live and local, right where you live. ], Like us on Facebook at LAWeeklyMusic He was famous for taking calls from listeners who sought to send out dedications to loved ones, and in later decades forged a sentimental connection not just with nostalgia enthusiasts but a Latino fan base in particular. Laboe is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live shows at drive-ins that attracted crowds of all races. Places such as the El Montes American Legion Stadium played much of the music Laboe aired on his radio show, giving birth to a new youth subculture. News Bites: Art Laboe, ValenTime Machine Playlist, Dick Smothers. By 1956, Laboe had an afternoon show and became the citys top radio program. 3:18. KTLA Los Angeles. Discover how an iHeartRadio station can deliver connect your message with your audience, live and local, right where you live. It happened late last year after a bout of pneumonia. His work was syndicated well beyond California and thorughout the Southwest. Address: 242 East Airport Drive Suite 202 San Bernardino, CA 92408. iHeartRadio lets you access the world of music and radio in one simple platform. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras, File), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. His first broadcasts came from Scrivner's Drive-In theater in Hollywood. Laboe is credited with coining the phrase oldies, but goodies.. Art Laboe memorabilia can be seen at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum's interactive Rock and Radio exhibit in Cleveland, Ohio. iHeartMedia America's #1 Audio Company Reaching 9 out of 10 Americans every month. Radio legend Art LaBoe, left, records part of his show with his producer and executive assistant, Joanna Morones, at his studio in Palm Springs, CA, on Thursday, Feb 6, 2020. This is partially true. Born Arthur Egnoian in Salt Lake City to an Armenian-American family, Laboe grew up during the Great Depression in a Mormon household run by a single mom. Laboe made his radio debut in 1943, during World War II, on KSAN in . Luna had some knowledge of the work since she'd taken broadcasting classes at College of the Desert. November 19, 1958. 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. 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. Laboe died Friday at his home in Palm Springs, following a bout with pneumonia, according to Joanna Morones of Laboe's production company. Laboe, who was twice divorced, was preceded in death by two sons, three sisters and a brother. 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 . How the new iHeartRadio-operated station plans to differentiate itself from its direct competition, Emmis-owned Power 106, seems uncertain. He was one of the first DJs to play rock n roll and R&B on West Coast radio stations. Laboe, who was twice divorced, was preceded in death by two sons, three sisters and a brother. Over the years, his shows were heard on stations including KFWB, KXLA, KPOP, KDA, KPPC, KRTH, KRLA and KFI. Laboe put hits from disparate artists on one LP record, and the products sold well. Top 20 Worst Bands of All Time 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. In his later years, Laboe was dedicated to philanthropic work through his Art Laboe Foundation, which focuses on helping the underprivileged, animal charities and providing scholarship funds for high school students. Laboe died Friday at his home in Palm Springs, following a bout with . To have Luna at the helm of The Art Laboe Connection, Boudreaux said, points to the importance of having women's voices on air. Email: marissa.garcia@pointbroadcastingllc.com. Ive also heard them play old DJ Quik. It's the first time in KCRW history, actually, where it's majority women and it feels like there's a bubble bursting.. Oct 10, 2022. More recently, Laboe presented broadcasts via iHeartRadio-owned station Hot 92.3, but he moved on to 93.5 KDAY after the format switched up its programming in 2015. 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. 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." Laboe died at age 97 on Friday at his home in Palm Springs, following a . Later that year, Laboe returned to the Los Angeles airwaves on another station. His first Los Angeles station was KPOP, and he eventually played records on KRLA. The Art Laboe Connection does have to meet certain music criteria of our flagship station Hot 92.3. These are some of the biggest Top 40 hits ever played on the radio, VP/programming Bob Walker said in a release. The ValenTimeMachine.com microsite debuted Monday, Feb. 11 and will take listeners as far back as 1970. He was 97. Radio Legend Art Laboe on Doing Business with Bob Hope, Hanging with Elvis and Today's Talk Talent (Q&A) On Nov. 10, the man who first played rock 'n' roll on a west coast station will be . When Elvis Presley came to Hollywood, Laboe was one of the few to get an interview with the new rockabilly star. Places such as the El Montes American Legion Stadium played much of the music Laboe aired on his radio show, giving birth to a new youth subculture. He later began hosting wildly popular dance shows in El Monte. "And I havent let go since," Laboe said. After all, the old Hot 92.3 doubled as L.A.s lone funk bastion and home of the legendary lowrider Casanova, 89-year-old Art Laboe. 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. Laboe began his career in San Francisco in the early 1940s, then bounced among a host of stations across the state, primarily in Southern California. One of the sayings he had for himself was 'Don't walk through it.' And this tough, hard-nosed guy burst into tears., Otto Padron, the CEO of Meruelo Media, called Laboe "a colossal presence in LA and an irreplaceable part of the 93.5 KDAY family.". (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. She said she is eager to see where Old School Becky Lu takes the show. All Rights Reserved. Laboe is said to have landed the first radio interview with Elvis Presley during his first trip to Hollywood. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER. Laboe, who was known for coining the phrase "oldies but goodies," produced his last radio show after 75 years on the air last week, which broadcast Sunday night. This was a strong way of communication to reach incarcerated loved ones, says McNeil. Endless archives of his booming musical and programming introductions allow listeners to still hear Laboe on the radio, but it's Rebecca Luna known on air as Old School Becky Lu who now curates their requests. He later began hosting wildly popular dance shows in El Monte. He moved to California, attended Stanford University and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. at 11 a.m. Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. 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. 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Laboe also didnt appear to judge his listeners who asked for dedications for loved ones in prison, Alcaraz said. I see these really tough looking guys in the crowd. Art Laboe and host of the television show "American Bandstand" Dick Clark chat in 1960. Listen to free internet radio, news, sports, music, and podcasts. Only 36% of all radio DJs in the country are women. (Michael Ochs Archives).