Laboe was born Arthur Egnoian in Salt Lake City to an Armenian American family. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Memorial services were pending today for Southern California radio pioneer Art Laboe, who spent seven decades behind a microphone, brought rock 'n roll to the West Coast and coined the phrase ``Oldies but Goodies.''. Art Laboe, the pioneering radio DJ credited with helping end segregation in Southern California, has died. Initially, in 2006, the show was broadcasted out of Los Angeles, but according to Morones, Laboe grew tired of LA and began working more out of the Coachella Valley studio in 2013. The Art Laboe Connection. For example, songs like Little Anthony & the Imperials "Im on the Outside (Looking In)" and Wars "Dont Let No One Get You Down" spoke of perseverance and desire to be accepted. Laboe was married and divorced twice. He's been facilitating these dedications for decades, says McNeill, and we thought it was fitting to now dedicate songs to him., Leave a dedication to Art Laboe at 323-412-0681. But he started gracing the airwaves at age 13, when he started an amateur radio station from his bedroom. The Art Laboe Day ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Union Walk, 11127 Ramona Blvd., a new 62-unit townhouse development built on part of the site of the former Legion Stadium. He wrote it on a little Post-It, she said. Through his Original Sound Entertainment, he released Oldies But Goodies and Dedicated to You collections that helped preserve a host of West Coast one-hit wonders such as Angel Baby by Rosie and the Originals and the original Earth Angel by the Penguins. He is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live DJ shows at drive-in eateries that attracted Whites, Blacks and Latinos who danced to rock n roll and shocked an older generation still listening to Frank Sinatra and Big Band music. He was 97. We want to exude L.A., Wynter says. Because a lot of the times the party was over by Sunday night, I remember the hour or so drive back home, listening to Art Laboe on the radio, Silva-Torres said. His first broadcasts came from Scrivner's Drive-In theater in Hollywood. A permanent display of Laboes contributions resides in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland. Listen to thousands of live radio stations or create your own artist stations and playlists. ", Art Laboe hosted an annual Art Laboe Valentine's Super Love Jam concert for his radio fans. The station has a connection to Laboe, too. Born Arthur Egnoian in Salt Lake City to a Mormon Armenian-American family, Laboe grew up during the Great Depression in a household run by a single mom. Both stations are managed by NIA Broadcasting. LOS ANGELES, June 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- 93.5 KDAY-FM radio, SoCal's home of original hip-hop and R&B and the leading media brand under Meruelo Media, proudly welcomes and announces LA's Iconic . Yes, Scream VI Marketing Is Behind the Creepy Ghostface Sightings Causing Scares Across the U.S. David Oyelowo, Taylor Sheridan's 'Bass Reeves' Series at Paramount+ Casts King Richard Star Demi Singleton (EXCLUSIVE), Star Trek: Discovery to End With Season 5, Paramount+ Pushes Premiere to 2024. His syndicated radio show, ``The Art Laboe Connection,'' still plays on stations in Los Angeles, Oxnard, Riverside and Palm Springs. Stream live CNN, FOX News Radio, and MSNBC. (Michael Ochs Archives). This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Like a lot of folks in Southern California, the team at Dublab are big fans of Laboe. As a listener, you want to identify with someone and you want to hear them get excited about things that you get excited about.". Though Laboe was Armenian American, his work was appreciated by people of a variety of backgrounds. Fri 14 Oct 2022 10.19 EDT. Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Local record hop show from Southern California. Right now, were starting off with records that people are familiar with, but we have to break local records over time.. His radio shows gave the families of incarcerated loved ones, in particular, a platform to speak to their relatives by dedicating songs and sending messages and updates. More stimulating talk and news radio in Los Angeles and Orange County. LAWeekly Instagram: Featuring the culture of LA since 1978 , Relationship with the Victim* Find him online at passionweiss.com, follow him on Twitter and also check out his archives.]. (Pictured: Art Laboe at the 2008 Hollywood Christmas Parade). Congratulations banners still hang on the walls, from when the show celebrated one of Laboe's many anniversaries of being on the radio. Although our competitor purported to be one, theyre more of a rhythmic station that plays some hip-hop.. By 1956, Laboe had an afternoon show and became the citys top radio program. It happened late last year after a bout of pneumonia. KDAY is 90's Hip-Hop. His label later found success, in 1959, with the hits "Bongo Rock" by Preston Epps and "Teen Beat"by Sandy Nelson. The rules are clear. Later that year, Laboe returned to the Los Angeles airwaves on another station. He moved to California, attended Stanford University and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. 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Art had been the first person to play the Sun Records of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. The key is to appeal to my large Hispanic/black following and the general audience. Long before "Now That's What I Call Music!" He soon became one of the first DJs to play R&B and rock n roll in California. "His passing leaves a huge hole in the community, and his legacy of connecting to generations of Angelinos on heartfelt dedications and connections to the soul of LA, which cannot be replaced," Padron said in a statement. His final show was . Joanna Morones, who produces The Art Laboe Connection and worked with Laboe for over 20 years, said seeing him less due to the pandemic somehow helped her cope with the loss. Laboe hosted dances at the El Monte Legion Stadium; in 1960, he teamed with Dick Clark to stage an unprecedented rock n roll show at the Hollywood Bowl that sold 18,000 tickets.. WiLD 94.9 Music. Art has been very cool and supportive of Dublab over the years, says McNeill. Being Mexican American myself we were always at these huge family gatherings and like, big barbeques and different birthdays and celebrations. His final show was produced last week and broadcast Sunday night. On a late morning in January, she sits at the center of the studio, surrounded by memorabilia: pictures of Laboe with different artists, recognition plaques and even a Laboe bobblehead. Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. Laboe later returned to the Los Angeles airwaves on another station. Market data provided by Factset. As a teen, she and her family would often tune into Laboe in the car as they headed home to the Inland Empire after visiting relatives in LA. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras, File), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Right now, this veteran of the airwaves is getting support from the web-streaming DJs who were influenced by him. Top Songs. In 2015, iHeartMedia's KHHT-FM (92.3) dropped Laboe's syndicated oldies show after the station abruptly switched to a hip-hop format, sparking angry protests in Los Angeles. Out went old-school funk and R&B. His radio shows gave the families of incarcerated loved ones, in particular, a platform to speak to their relatives by dedicating songs and sending heartfelt messages and updates. Tune in to 93.5 KDAY for "The Art Laboe Connection Show". But by nature of her being Latina, there are new elements that have been introduced, she said. He was 97. [Update: Art Laboe is coming back to the Inland Empire . Laboe also was involved with music licensing for such films as Dirty Dancing, La Bamba, Lethal Weapon, Good Morning Vietnam (all released in 1987) and 1989s Born on the Fourth of July. Original Sound Entertainment also represented songs for film and TV licensing by such notables as the Beach Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ritchie Valens, the Stylistics, the Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and the Isley Brothers. Art Laboe, the pioneering Los Angeles DJ who championed the Oldies but Goodies format and was revered for sharing on-air dedications with listeners, died Oct. 7 in Palm Springs, Calif. Laboe was th Laboe also didnt appear to judge listeners who asked for dedications for loved ones in prison, Alcaraz said. Art Laboe, the pioneering DJ credited with helping end segregation in Southern California, has died. 1," which stayed on the Billboard's Top 100 chart for 183 weeks. By 1956, Laboe had an afternoon show and became the citys top radio program. Anthony Macias, a University of California, Riverside ethnic studies professor, said the music Laboe played went with the dedications, enhancing the messages. Now, Dublab has opened up the format to include contributions from Laboe's audience at large. Later, she'll sit behind the mic in the chair where Laboe once sat, and read song dedications from people of all walks of life. Watch this informative interview led by LA newsman Tony Valdez and find out how he got his first job in radio, how his dedications started and when he started a drive in show in 1955, right as Elvis first records came out. Laboe is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live DJ shows at drive-in eateries that attracted whites, Blacks and Latinos who danced to rock-n-roll. The Best Live, Local Radio Stations. He produced his final episode last week, and it aired on Sunday, October 9. Without Art Laboe, Im So Lonely I Could Cry, wrote essayist Adam Vine. In 2015, iHeartMedia's KHHT-FM (92.3) dropped Laboe's syndicated oldies show after the station abruptly switched to a hip-hop format sparking angry protests in Los Angeles. Joanna Morones, who went to work for Laboe as his executive assistant in 1995 . Luna had some knowledge of the work since she'd taken broadcasting classes at College of the Desert. When she started at the show, Luna recalls feeling a bit intimidated but mostly eager to learn. Also, listen to Gary Garay's tribute to Art Laboe's "Original Sound" label on Dublab. These are some of the biggest Top 40 hits ever played on the radio, VP/programming Bob Walker said in a release. Over the years, people have come to trust Art, and he's earned their trust, and that's why he's so central to so many people's lives.''. And it wouldnt hurt to bring back Art Laboe, either. LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Memorial services were pending today for Southern California radio pioneer Art Laboe, who spent seven decades behind a microphone, brought rock 'n roll to the West Coast and coined the phrase ``Oldies but Goodies.''. Cars jammed Sunset Boulevard where Laboe broadcast his show, and advertisers jumped to get a piece of the action. Born Arthur Egnoian in Salt Lake City, he started tinkering with radios as a youth, and is said to have built his own station by the age of 12. From making sure they hugged goodbye after work to driving him to get groceries at the local Albertsons, Luna said they found their regular things.. Art Laboe died Friday at the age of 97. When Elvis Presley came to Hollywood, Laboe was one of the few to get an interview with the new rockabilly star. 93.5 KDAY - 93.5 KDAY HIP HOP BACK IN THE DAY. But though the station has distanced itself from gritty rap, its bread and butter continues to be high-calorie, hook-glazed Top 40 hip-hop, blended with the occasional Calvin Harris track. He was 97. Luna, 43, began working with Laboe in 2016, when she was hired as a call screener for The Art Laboe Connection at the recording studio on Desert Park Avenue in Palm Springs. Top 40 radio in the 70s, 80s and 90s was big and exciting. Laboe was presented with the honor by R Dub, XETRA Communicaciones rhythmic AC Magic 925 XHRM San Diego director of programming. What turned out to be his final broadcast aired Sunday night, after being recorded last week. The Art Laboe Love Zone Monday-Thursday, 9:00pm-12mid Sundays, 6:00pm-12mid. One of the first DJs to play Black music in California, Laboe helped introduce Latinos to R&B, rock 'n' roll and soul oldies. Later that year, Laboe returned to the Los Angeles airwaves on another station. Art passed away at the age of 97, after catching pneumonia. People appreciate it, Luna said. In 2015, iHeartMedias KHHT-FM dropped Laboes syndicated oldies show after the station abruptly switched to a hip-hop format sparking angry protests in Los Angeles. He was one of the first DJs to play rock n roll and R&B on West Coast radio stations. She said plans for a memorial will be announced later. By the mid-1950s, he was a staple on Los Angeles radio stations, broadcasting live from Scrivner's Drive-In in Hollywood. I don't know any other radio program that really offers that. McNeil recalls his visit to Laboe's studio, where he saw family photos of listeners that were clearly taken in prison. All your favorite music, podcasts, and radio stations available for free. Art Laboe died Friday at the age of 97. Laboe, born Arthur Egnoian in 1925, got into radio before they called announcers DJs. He later developed a strong following among Mexican Americans for hosting the syndicated "The Art Laboe Connection Show." Super Freaky Girl Nicki Minaj Super Freaky Girl 2:23 AM. Episode #5. Alex Nogales, president and CEO of the Los Angeles-based National Hispanic Media Coalition, said generations of Latino fans attended Laboe-sponsored concerts to hear the likes of Smokey Robinson, The Spinners or Sunny & The Sunliners. 10/10/2022 3:49 PM PT. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Even though youre still more apt to hear a Canadian artist than one from Compton on 92.3, Wynter says that local artists feature prominently in the stations goals. "In Art Laboe terms, it means give it your all." . "Rest In Peace Art . We can say this is a local show, she added. Laboe is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live shows at drive-ins that attracted crowds of all races. Laboe soon became one of the first DJs to play R&B and rock n roll in California, which helped him identify with teen listeners. iHeartRadio lets you access the world of music and radio in one simple platform. R Dub! LOS ANGELES . Both Garay and McNeill emphasize the dedications that serve as messages to people behind bars. I mean, the phones just went crazy with people calling in, saying they were sorry and they too felt like they lost somebody, because Art's voice was part of their lives., It felt like a void, really, Luna said. "Art Laboe has fostered a rare relationship with his audience," Josh Kun, a professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, said in a statement released by Laboe's company. Art Laboe's been credited as the first on-air personality to play Rock n' Roll on the West Coast and is one of the . He was known for his "oldies but goodies" catchphrase and decades of work on terrestrial radio. He was famous for taking calls from listeners who sought to send out dedications to loved ones, and in later decades forged a sentimental connection not just with nostalgia enthusiasts but a Latino fan base in particular. Getty. Power 106 might regularly play Y.G., DJ Mustard and the artists on TDE, but it only began doing so after theyd built a national fan base. If you care about Nas, Biggie and 2Pac, as well as todays hip-hop and R&B, youll want to spend time here, Wynter says. Recently Played. Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. He was 97. WILLIAM SHATNER REFLECTS ON FALLOUT WITH 'STAR TREK' PAL LEONARD NIMOY, HISTORIC KISS WITH NICHELLE NICHOLS. Laboe put hits from disparate artists on one LP record, and the products sold well.