The fact that the show is being continued with the voice of a Latina feels huge because that's a lot of our audience.. The famous disc jockey who's widely credited with . His show was picked up by Old School 104.7. He was 97. Laboe was presented with the honor by R Dub, XETRA Communicaciones rhythmic AC Magic 925 XHRM San Diego director of programming. Oct 11, 2022. Also remembering Laboe on social media was Amoeba Music. @laweeklymusic, The 20 Best Hip-Hop Songs in History He brought us together. He was predeceased by two sons, three sisters and one brother. SpouseParentChildSiblingFamily memberOther, Sweet James has my permission to help provide a free police report, Art Laboe (seated, on the right) with DJs Bill Barlett and Paul Scrivner; Credit: Courtesy of Art Laboe (Artlaboe.com) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons, Ciel Spa aka @CielSpaBH located the SLS Hotel i, Welcoming over 100,000 people every year, what beg, The holiday season is a time of giving! 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. Both Garay and McNeill emphasize the dedications that serve as messages to people behind bars. Cars jammed Sunset Boulevard where Laboe broadcast his show, and advertisers jumped to get a piece of the action. When COVID hit in 2020, she became Laboe's co-host to lessen some of the challenges of remote production. Roe. Website: oldschool1047.com. Art Laboe died Friday at the age of 97. 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.". The shift disenchanted thousands of listeners. 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 protest in Los Angeles. Laboe is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live DJ shows at drive-in eateries that attracted whites, Blacks and Latinos who danced to rock-n-roll. More stimulating talk and news radio in Los Angeles and Orange County. Anthony Macias, a University of California, Riverside ethnic studies professor, said the music that Laboe played went with the dedications enhancing the messages. Enter to Win a digital download of A Man Called Otto PLUS a $50 savings pass from 1-800-Flowers! Thats why we sought him out.. Around 9 a.m. on a Friday in February, the radio station 92.3 FM abruptly switched formats. 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. 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. LAWeekly Instagram: Featuring the culture of LA since 1978 , Relationship with the Victim* The Envelope Please The team at Magic 92.5 have been working on Laboe's award presentation since last year. 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 . And don't miss Art Laboe's Sunday Special, Sundays, 6pm til midnight. When folks call in to his radio show, he listens to them. Now, Dublab has opened up the format to include contributions from Laboe's audience at large. Eventually, he landed a job as a radio announcer at KSAN in San Francisco and adopted the name Art Laboe after a boss suggested he take the last name of a secretary to sound more American. 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. 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 . One of the anecdotes about the dedications he told centered on a woman who went to the studio to allow her toddler to tell her incarcerated father, "Daddy, I love you. 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. LAWeekly Instagram: Featuring the culture of LA since 1978 , Relationship with the Victim* 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. Plus, online streams allow folks from across the globe to tune in to the show. Art had been the first person to play the Sun Records of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. Oh my gosh, Luna gushed. Artist Radio gives you the power to create custom stations from your favorite songs, albums or musical artists. "Here is someone who gave a voice to the most humble of us all through music," Alcaraz said. Also, listen to Gary Garay's tribute to Art Laboe's "Original Sound" label on Dublab. "Art Laboe's legacy will endure as his team will continue to produce his current nightly request and dedication syndicated radio show, 'The Art Laboe Connection,'" the post said. 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 dont judge," Laboe said in a 2018 interview with the Associated Press at his Palm Springs studio in California. Local record hop show from Southern California. I was born in Indio JFK (Memorial Hospital). 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'. Regular listeners were already familiar with her as a co-host, and Morones said she trusted Laboe's expertise at spotting talent.. Some listeners simply treasure memories with music. Meanwhile, Luna is a lifetime valley native. Laboe is said to have landed the first radio interview with Elvis Presley during his first trip to Hollywood. Known for its oldies music, dedications and that legendary voice, the long-running The Art Laboe Connection continues to bring people together despite Laboes death in October at age 97. Art had talked about (adding) someone young, with a vivacious personality, she said. By 1956, Laboe had an afternoon show and became the citys top radio program. The company saw an opportunity for a hip-hop and R&B station that could fill a market that wasnt being served, explains Doc Wynter, iHeartRadios senior vice president of urban programming and program director of The Real 92.3. FOX REUNITE AT NEW YORK COMIC CON PANEL. Later that year, Laboe returned to the Los Angeles airwaves on another station. From making sure they hugged goodbye after work to driving him to get groceries at the local Albertsons, Luna said they found their regular things.. We were all sitting down kind of looking at each other, like, this is really special. He soon became one of the first DJs to play R&B and rock n roll in California. Pirate radio may be most common on the East Coast, but the problem isnt isolated there. Anthony Macias, a University of California, Riverside ethnic studies professor, said the music Laboe played went with the dedications, enhancing the messages. With the rise of dance music, Power 106 has gone from where hip-hop lives to where hip-hop sublets. He later developed a strong following among Mexican Americans for hosting the syndicated The Art Laboe Connection Show. His baritone voice invited listeners to call in dedications and request a 50s-era rock n roll love ballad or a rhythm and blues tune from Alicia Keys. Laboe was the very first DJ to spin West Coast rock n roll, to merge race music under one broadcast, Kubernik wrote in the book Turn Up The Radio! February 15, 2023 at 8:55 am. Its warned her to power down the station or face fines and other penalties. On Tuesday, flowers will be placed on Laboe's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The stations playlists are almost identical; Ive flipped between stations and heard the same song (usually Disclosures Latch or Nicki Minajs Only). While the show records in the valley and is a recognized SoCal staple, it airs on 14 radio stations across California and Arizona. KDAY is 90's Hip-Hop. 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. The broadcaster continued to produce and present radio shows right up . 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. Laboe died Friday night after catching pneumonia . We are sending our love, today, to the family of beloved SoCal radio host Art Laboe. This is partially true. He later returned to the Southern California area, but a radio station owner told the aspiring announcer he should work on becoming a radio personality instead. Art Laboe is responsible for many "firsts" in the radio and record business. Former Associated Press reporter Russell Contreras contributed biographical material to this report. I got my own built-in research, Laboe said. Out went old-school funk and R&B. Art Laboe, a pioneering voice in radio who created one of its most famous phrases, is dead after battling pneumonia. Later that year, Laboe returned to the Los Angeles airwaves on another station. Get the latest music and trending news, from your favorite artists and bands. 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. Morones said the production company is preparing to sell new Laboe merchandise to keep his memory alive. KDAY is the 1st Hip-Hop station in the nation! Listen to thousands of live radio stations or create your own artist stations and playlists. 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. Pioneering disc jockey, songwriter and record producer Art Laboecoined the term, Oldies but goodies and taught many of us in LA that Sundays are for oldies.. The new 92.3 snatched away Power 106s venerable morning host, Big Boy. Laboe moved his show to 93.5 KDAY after his iHeartRadio-owned home station, Hot 92.3, changed formats in 2015. (Michael Ochs Archives). Roger Campos (DJ, Funkmosphere) My favorite memory of Art Laboe was sometime . 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. Initially, in 2006, the show was broadcasted out of Los Angeles, but according to Morones, Laboe grew tired of LA and began working more out of the Coachella Valley studio in 2013. Laboe is credited with coining the phrase oldies, but goodies.. On Tuesday, flowers will be placed on Laboe's Walk of Fame star at 6800 Hollywood Blvd. 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 . Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Teen listeners soon identified Laboes voice with the fledgling rock n roll scene. He was 97. (Dublab even has a tutorial from Laboe on how to mimic his signature radio kisses.). Leave a dedication to Art Laboe at 323-412-0681. Laboe was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. Though Laboe was Armenian American, his work was appreciated by people of a variety of backgrounds. He has a collection on permanent exhibit at Clevelands Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He's been credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live DJ shows at drive-in eateries, which invited white, Black and Latino people to dance to rock-n-roll during the '50s, when the older generation was mostly listening to Frank Sinatra and Big Band music. He is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live DJ shows at drive-in eateries that attracted Whites, Blacks and Latinos who danced to rock n roll and shocked an older generation still listening to Frank Sinatra and Big Band music. iHeartRadio lets you access the world of music and radio in one simple platform. Luna's takeover of the historic show is not only significant because she is a person of color, but also due to the rarity of women DJs on the radio in the United States. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. To have Luna at the helm of The Art Laboe Connection, Boudreaux said, points to the importance of having women's voices on air. Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images file. Laboe was married and divorced twice. It's really cool because she will share in common that same experience, you know, as a lot of the listeners.. . Laboe was often tapped by Hollywood as a consultant and music producer. 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. Top Songs. 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. Ive also heard them play old DJ Quik. Eliana Perez covers the eastern Coachella Valley. Laboe made his radio debut in 1943, during World War II, on KSAN in . In came The Real 92.3, offering 10,000 joints in a row of "real hip . Even by the overheated standards of terrestrial radio, it felt forced. He was honorary president of the Elvis Presley Fan Club of Los Angeles and one of the few "disc jockeys . And don't miss Art Laboe's Sunday Special, Sundays, 6pm til midnight. There's only ONE Art Lebow, and he's only on Jammin' 99.5FM - Coachella Valley's Old School! Legendary Art Laboe hosts "Love Zone," Weekday evenings from 9PM until 12midnight. He moved to California, attended Stanford University and served in the Navy during World War II. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. "I like people. "We want to hear from people that are like us. His final show was produced last week and broadcast Sunday night. Market data provided by Factset. Feb. 11, 2015. The Art Laboe Day ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Union Walk, 11127 Ramona Blvd., a new 62-unit townhouse development built on part of the site of the former Legion Stadium. I don't think people understand how significant it is as far as communication goes, says Garay. I mean, the phones just went crazy with people calling in, saying they were sorry and they too felt like they lost somebody, because Art's voice was part of their lives., It felt like a void, really, Luna said. By 1958, The Art Laboe Show was a feature of radio station KPOP (now KTNQ) and his show originating from the popular Scrivners Drive-In restaurant in Hollywood was televised live on KTLA-TV. All Rights Reserved. These are some of the biggest Top 40 hits ever played on the radio, VP/programming Bob Walker said in a release. When folks call in to his radio show, he listens to them. Through investigation, the FCC says they determined Nancy Graham was the operator. Art has been very cool and supportive of Dublab over the years, says McNeill. He was known for his "oldies but goodies" catchphrase and decades of work on terrestrial radio. 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. 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. She said plans for a memorial will be announced later. Laboe, who hosted a show on Los Angeles radio station KDAY, died Friday of pneumonia, according to a statement on his Facebook page. 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. Over the years, his shows were heard on stations including KFWB, KXLA, KPOP, KDA, KPPC, KRTH, KRLA and KFI. But he started gracing the airwaves at age 13, when he started an amateur radio station from his bedroom. He started the show when he was just 16 years old. R Dub! Then Art comes out and they just melt. Discover thousands of live and local AM and FM radio stations near you and from cities all over the world. Becoming Riff Raff: How a White Suburban Kid Morphed Into Today's Most Enigmatic Rapper. Luna emphasized how the Mexican American community in particular embraced Laboe, his work becoming part of lowrider car culture, prevalent in East Los Angeles and other parts of California, also in the '50s and beyond. I dont judge, Laboe said in a 2018 interview with The Associated Press at his Palm Springs studio. He was known for his "oldies but goodies" catchphrase and decades of work on terrestrial radio. Laboe, who lived in Palm Springs, was known to contemporary audiences for keeping the flame alive for Latinos raised on the ultra-romantic crooner and dance group tunes of the 1950s and '60s. Alex Nogales, president and CEO of the Los Angeles-based National Hispanic Media Coalition, said generations of Latino fans attended Laboe-sponsored concerts to hear the likes of Smokey Robinson, The Spinners or Sunny & The Sunliners. The scene that Laboe helped cultivate in California became of the nations most diverse. "Rest In Peace Art . His sister sent him his first radio when he was 8 years old. (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. Audience members would attend the shows in person to request songs and dedications. 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. Tune in to 93.5 KDAY for "The Art Laboe Connection Show". 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. 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. The scene that Laboe helped cultivate in California became of the nations most diverse. She said she is eager to see where Old School Becky Lu takes the show. People appreciate it, Luna said. "Without Art Laboe, Im So Lonely I Could Cry," wrote essayist Adam Vine. The Best Live, Local Radio Stations. He wrote it on a little Post-It, she said. Dick Smothers, best known as one-half of the Smothers Brothers comedy duo, guest-hosted mornings on Genesis Communications news/talk WWBA Tampa (820) on Monday, Feb 11. Art Laboe's been credited as the first on-air personality to play Rock n' Roll on the West Coast and is one of the . KOST 103.5 FM - Your Feel Good Station and Home of the Ellen K Morning Show. KOKO 94.3 Fresno, CA,(a station owned by Art Laboe): . The voices and stories that came from it enveloped him. November 19, 1958. The story also said Dick Hugg better known by listeners as "Huggy Boy" began hosting a call-in . Alex Nogales, president and CEO of the Los Angeles-based National Hispanic Media Coalition, said generations of Latino fans attended Laboe-sponsored concerts to hear the likes of Smokey Robinson, The Spinners or Sunny & The Sunliners. 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. All rights reserved. Field agents based in the FCCs San Francisco office tracked the station to a home on Broadway. 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.". [Update: Art Laboe is coming back to the Inland Empire . 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. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. Laboe is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live shows at drive-ins that attracted crowds of all races. Download the free iHeartRadio app today and start listening to your favorite music, live & local radio stations, playlists, and podcasts! He was 97. McNeill noticed that not all of the callers are current L.A. residents. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Just last month, Laboe, who was born Aug. 7, 1925, celebrated his 79-year anniversary as an active radio personality. Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Top 40 radio in the 70s, 80s and 90s was big and exciting. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Art Laboe, the pioneering DJ credited with helping end segregation in Southern California, has died. 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. In the mid-1950s, Laboe was the top daytime radio DJ in Los Angeles. [An L.A. native, L.A. Weekly columnist Jeff Weiss edits Passion of the Weiss and hosts the Shots Fired podcast. 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. Art Laboe has made legendary impactful news over the airwaves in L.A. and is a part of history in the radio and entertainment industry. Although our competitor purported to be one, theyre more of a rhythmic station that plays some hip-hop.. Music, radio and podcasts, all free. FILE - 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 decades, died Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. Also, listen to Gary Garay's tribute to Art Laboe's Original Sound label on Dublab. When Elvis Presley came to Hollywood, Laboe was one of the few to get an interview with the new rockabilly star. 0. (JC Olivera) In 1957, he started Original Sound Record Inc . Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. Pop, Rock and Roll in Los Angeles 1956-1972. When Elvis Presley came to town in 1956 with manager Colonel Parker, their only interview granted was to Laboe. Its been more than a dozen years since a local hip-hop station served as a legitimate talent incubator. By the mid-1950s, he was a staple on Los Angeles radio stations, broadcasting live from Scrivner's Drive-In in Hollywood. ``He has always treated people with respect and taken them very seriously -- not as a marketing demographic, not a source of potential advertising revenue, but he has taken them seriously as a community, and as individuals. Fri 14 Oct 2022 10.19 EDT. LOS ANGELES -- Art Laboe, the pioneering radio DJ who read heartfelt song dedications to generations of loyal listeners and was credited with helping end segregation in Southern California during an eight-decade broadcast career, has died. Silence falls over the studio when Luna is asked about Laboe's death. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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. Listen online or download the iHeart App. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. Lavender Haze Taylor Swift Midnights 2:10 AM. 1, which stayed on the Billboards Top 100 chart for 183 weeks. Imagine succeeding someone who'd been at his job for 79 years. Laboe started his radio career in San Francisco, where he changed his name to sound more American. "And I havent let go since," Laboe said. His sister sent him his first radio when he was 8 years old. Though she once aspired to be a sideline sports reporter on TV, after her time on the COD shows, Luna was convinced her calling was radio. A permanent display of Laboes contributions resides in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland. She said plans for a memorial will be announced later.