Iconic Los Angeles DJ Jim Ladd Passes Away at 75

Jim Ladd, a legendary disc jockey known for his influence on Los Angeles FM rock radio, has passed away at the age of 75 after suffering from a heart attack.

A mainstay on the airwaves in the 70s, Ladd was a prominent figure on stations such as KMET and KLOS, where he hosted the midday show for 14 years. Not just spinning vinyl, Ladd was also known for his in-depth interviews with rock stars during the peak of freeform FM radio.

Ladd's career in radio was shaped by an FCC ruling in 1964, which fed the rise of FM stations with eclectic and album-focused programming, in stark contrast to the hit-focused singles played on AM stations. He celebrated the origins of these FM outlets in his memoir, 'Radio Waves', which spoke candidly about the early, unfiltered era of rock radio.

As FM radio started to commercialize, Ladd became a critic of the changes, often butting heads with station management over playlist restrictions. His commitment to music and free speech in radio earned him recognition from artists, including Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, who featured Ladd in his album 'Radio K.A.O.S.' as a rebellious DJ. This genuine connection to music also inspired Tom Petty's anthem 'The Last DJ', as a tribute to Ladd’s stand against corporate radio control.

News of Ladd's death prompted an outpouring of tributes from musicians and fans alike, mourning the loss of a man who truly had rock and roll running through his veins, and who left an indelible mark on the world of radio.

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