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| Jim Ladd (1948-2023) |
The 'Last DJ' has died.
LA Mag reports Ladd’s legendary career as a freeform rock DJ and producer began in 1969 at Los Angeles' KNAC before moving to 95.5 KLOS in 1971. After four years, he joined KMET in 1975 for nine years, eight of which he enjoyed No. 1 ratings in his time slot. During that time, Ladd created, hosted and produced the nationally syndicated show, Innerview, a first of its kind radio program airing on over 160 radio stations. For 12 years, Ladd interviewed and shone a spotlight on the cream of the crop of artists, including John Lennon, Pink Floyd, U2, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, the Eagles, Led Zeppelin and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
In 2003, Petty explained the meaning of the song “The Last DJ,” off the album of the same name, telling journalist Jim DeRogatis that it’s “about a DJ who becomes so frustrated with his inability to play what he wants that he moves to Mexico and gets his freedom back."
SiriusXM remembers Jim Ladd, legendary freeform rock DJ. For over 50 years, he championed classic rock and interviewed many of the greatest artists in his Los Angeles studios and on SiriusXM’s Deep Tracks channel. Read more: https://t.co/39lvDFxABP
— SiriusXM (@SIRIUSXM) December 18, 2023
Ladd also hosted a television show, The Extremists, focused on the world of extreme sports. This was followed by the nationally syndicated Headsets, which he first created in 1974.
Ladd rejoined KLOS in 1997, where he spent the next 14 years. During this time, he was selected as the Air Personality of the Year in 2000 by The Los Angeles Music Awards.
He was honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 6, 2005 for his lifelong dedication and contributions to entertainment. The Hollywood Arts Council celebrated Ladd’s accomplishments two years later with the Media Arts Award. He joined SiriusXM in 2011.
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