Jessica Lopez
Dec 19, 2023 - 05:10

Los Angeles rock radio Jim Ladd dies 75

Beloved classic rock DJ Jim Ladd has died at 75. His contributions to radio and music will be greatly missed.

Beloved disc jockey and producer Jim Ladd, known for his dedication to classic rock and his iconic interviews with rock legends, has passed away at the age of 75. His death was announced by DJ Meg Griffin on SiriusXM, where Ladd hosted a weekly show on the Deep Tracks satellite channel.

Ladd, a resident of the Hollywood Hills, died after suffering a heart attack on Saturday night. He had been with SiriusXM since 2012, keeping the spirit of free-form rock alive in radio.

With a career spanning over 50 years, Ladd was a prominent figure in music radio. He was named Los Angeles' top FM DJ in the late 1970s and early 1980s during his time at KMET. He created and hosted "InnerView," a nationally syndicated program that featured interviews with iconic artists such as John Lennon, Pink Floyd, U2, Joni Mitchell, Eagles, and Led Zeppelin.

Ladd's influence extended to his creation of the nationally syndicated show "Headsets," as well as his development of thematic sets of songs that became his signature, punctuated by his catchphrase, "Lord have mercy!"

Beginning his career at the peak of free-form FM, Ladd worked at KNAC in 1967, followed by stints at KLOS and KMET. He also authored a memoir titled "Radio Waves: Life and Revolution on the FM Dial," which chronicled his experiences as a top Los Angeles rock radio DJ during a corporate takeover of his station.

In recognition of his contributions to the music industry, Ladd was named Air Personality of the Year in 2000 by the Los Angeles Music Awards and received The Hollywood Arts Council's Media Arts Award in 2007. Additionally, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2005.

Ladd is survived by his wife, writer and musician Helene Hodge-Ladd. Memorial services for the beloved DJ are pending. His impact on the world of rock music and radio will be remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.