Angel "Baby" Rodriguez is the new host of legendary DJ Art Laboe's iconic oldies radio show, stepping in to continue the tradition of heartfelt listener dedications, classic '50s–'70s tracks, and emotional connections across California following Laboe's death in October 2022.
According to an NPR report published Saturday, Rodriguez—a lifelong fan who once opened for Laboe and describes it as a "dream come true"—now leads The Art Laboe Connection (also known as the Art Laboe Sunday Special or The Art Laboe Love Zone).
 |
| Rodriguez |
A recent on-air dedication example from the show captures its enduring emotional style:
"We got a letter coming out from Papi Loke, and I'm out in Visalia, listening to Mega 97.9. Dedication is for Miss Priscilla Booky Boo. The gorgeous one and only. I thank God for you, beautiful. More now than ever. I miss and love you, Booky. Soon, we'll be together..."
The program serves as an intergenerational bridge for families separated by distance, incarceration, or life circumstances, with Rodriguez's warm delivery echoing Laboe's pioneering approach that coined "oldies but goodies" and helped desegregate radio through diverse music and personal shout-outs.
It continues airing on stations such as 93.5 KDAY in Los Angeles (Sundays 6 p.m. to midnight) and other regional outlets, keeping the beloved "Love Zone" vibes alive for fans old and new.
Art Laboe, the pioneering disc jockey who coined the phrase "oldies but goodies", pioneered live on-air dedications, helped desegregate Southern California music scenes, and enjoyed a remarkable 79-year broadcasting career, died in October 2022 at age 97.
Here are the key highlights of his influential career, spanning from World War II-era radio to modern syndication:
- 1943: Began his professional radio career at KSAN in San Francisco while serving in the U.S. Navy, becoming one of the first DJs to play requests and dedications live on air (a format he pioneered that influenced generations of broadcasters). He was widely credited as the first to play rock 'n' roll on the West Coast.
- Late 1940s–1950s: Moved to Southern California stations like KCMJ (Palm Springs) and KPOP (Los Angeles), broadcasting live remotes from Scrivner's Drive-In, where diverse teen crowds gathered for music and dedications.
- 1950s: Hosted hugely popular dance events at El Monte Legion Stadium (up to 3,000 capacity), featuring stars like Ritchie Valens, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and doo-wop groups. These integrated gatherings drew multiracial audiences (especially Mexican American youth), playing a major role in breaking down racial barriers in postwar Los Angeles. Here’s Art Laboe with rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis at one of those iconic El Monte events in 1958:
- 1957–1958: Founded Original Sound Records and released the groundbreaking compilation album "Oldies But Goodies: Vol. 1" (featuring hits from various labels and artists like The Penguins and Etta James). It charted on Billboard's Top 100 for 183 weeks and spawned a 15-volume series, popularizing the "oldies" concept.
- 1950s–ongoing: Secured one of Elvis Presley's first Hollywood radio interviews, hosted an "Elvis Hour," and played Black, white, and Latino artists together, helping integrate airwaves.
- 1970s–1980s: Turned around KRLA ratings as part-owner and program director, blending oldies with current hits; received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1981 (with the city declaring "Art Laboe Day").
- 1991–2006+: Launched syndicated shows like The Art Laboe Connection (nightly requests and dedications) and Art Laboe Sunday Special, building a massive following, especially among Mexican American listeners in the Southwest (heard in markets like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and more).