Legendary Rock Radio Personality Jim Ladd Dead at 75

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 18, 2023 | 6:14pm CT

Jim Ladd

Legendary Rock radio air personality Jim Ladd, who held two stints totaling 14 years at KLOS-FM in Los Angeles, died this past weekend after suffering a heart attack. He was 75. Ladd, who was known for his freeform approach to radio and close ties with recording artists, spent a decade at former crosstown rival KMET-FM. For the past 11 years, he had hosted a daily program on SiriusXM's "Deep Tracks" channel.

Ladd wasn't just an air personality, he was a companion to the lonely, a guide to the lost, and a beacon to the ones seeking refuge in the songs that spoke to their souls. His playlists weren't random; they were carefully crafted journeys, each song chosen to paint emotions across the canvas of the night.

Ladd began his career at Progressive Rock KNAC in Long Beach, CA in 1969 and carving a path for others in the realm of rock radio. He played the DJ character on "Radio KAOS," the 1987 concept album from Pink Floyd songwriter, vocalist and bassist Roger Waters and was said to be the inspiration for 2002's "The Last DJ" by Tom Petty.

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Doors drummer John Densmore remembered Ladd in a post on social media. "'The Last DJ' has crossed the tracks," he wrote Densmore. "There wasn't a more soulful spinner of music. The songs he played were running through his blood, he cared so much for rock n' roll. Irreplaceable... a very sad day, which can only be handled by carrying his spirit forward."

According to SiriusXM, Ladd died on Sunday. Special tributes to Ladd can be heard on "Deep Tracks," now heard on channel 308.