Longtime Southern California host, programmer, and station owner Art Laboe passed away on Friday, October 7 after a short bout with pneumonia at the age of 97.
Laboe was still active in radio hosting the regionally syndicated “Art Laboe Connection” on stations including 93.5 KDAY Los Angeles, “Magic 92.5” XHRM San Diego, and “Mega 104.3” KAJM Phoenix. He also continued to promote concerts across the region including one on Saturday in San Bernardino CA. His final show was produced earlier in the week and aired on Sunday, October 9.
Arthur Egnoian was born in Salt Lake City and began his radio career in 1943 at KSAN San Francisco and then served in the Navy during World War II. He would adopt the air name Art Laboe taking the surname of a station secretary. Laboe would become the first DJs in Los Angeles playing R&B and Rock’n’Roll credited for being the first to integrate dance halls among all races. He would spend time at multiple Los Angeles stations during his career including 640 KFI, 1020 KPOP, 1110 KRLA, 100.3 KCMG, 101.1 KRTH and 92.3 KHHT including a stint co-owning KRLA with Bob Hope in the 1970s.
Laboe would form the record label Original Sound Records in 1959 and later produced the “Oldie But Goodie” compilations, which he owns the trademark on. Laboe owns Rhythmic Oldies “Jammin 94.3” KOKO-FM Kerman/Fresno CA.
Art Laboe received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1981 and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2012.
Art Laboe was one of the first DJs to play R&B and rock ‘n’ roll in California. Now at 93, he spins records for the families of inmates. Story: https://t.co/WzM8UKWW3l pic.twitter.com/JlpFz6egAz
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