Southern California Radio Veteran Craig Carpenter Dies

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 3:47pm CT

Craig Carpenter

Southern California radio personality Craig "Sea" Carpenter, whose distinctive voice was heard on many of the region's legendary rock stations during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, died June 1 following a short illness. He was survived by his children, siblings and extended family.

Carpenter built a lengthy broadcasting career across some of Southern California's most influential radio stations, including KLOS, KMET, KROQ, KNAC, KNX and KEZY. Known for his smooth delivery and extensive knowledge of rock music, he became a familiar voice to generations of listeners during radio's rock-and-roll heyday.

Born in Los Angeles, Carpenter spent part of his childhood in Florida after his father's transfer with the U.S. Air Force before returning to California as a teenager. His passion for music and broadcasting developed early, leading him to take radio broadcasting classes and work at his uncle's Hollywood recording studio, Radio Recorders.

His first taste of broadcasting came long before landing a professional job, using a microphone and speaker from a second-story bedroom window to entertain a small neighborhood audience. That enthusiasm eventually led to his first professional radio position at KLOS and a career that spanned decades.

Beyond his on-air work, Carpenter produced and hosted a radio interview series that featured conversations with rock artists in their homes, offering listeners a personal look at the musicians behind the music. He also taught at several Southern California broadcasting schools, mentoring hundreds of aspiring broadcasters.

Carpenter's final radio home was at KOCI in Orange County.

Following news of his passing, broadcaster Craig Powers shared a tribute on social media, recalling Carpenter as his favorite DJ during his days at KFXM and later a colleague at several stations, including KEZY and KKHR/Hit Radio 93 in Los Angeles. Powers remembered Carpenter's positive attitude, trademark smile and lasting contributions to Southern California radio.

Carpenter is survived by his daughter Jeanne; sons Jason, Matt and Alex; brother Kent; and sister Sheila.