Art Laboe, Legendary Radio DJ Who Created Oldies But Goodies Format, Dies at 97
Cynthia Littleton Business Editor Art Laboe, the pioneering Los Angeles DJ who championed the Oldies But Goodies format and was revered for sharing on-air dedications with listeners, died Oct. 7 in Palm Springs, Calif. Laboe was the founder of the Original Sound record label and the host of the long-running “Art Laboe Connection” syndicated radio program. He was one of the first DJs to play rock ‘n’ roll and R&B on West Coast radio stations. Just last month, Laboe, who was born celebrated his 79-year anniversary as a radio personality. “My favorite place to be is behind that microphone,” Laboe said at the time. “I have one of the best jobs in the world, playing the music, interacting with our listeners, doing their dedications and connecting them with their loved ones! Thank you to our dedicated fans that have listened through the decades and made ‘The Art Laboe Connection’ a family tradition,” he said.