Art Laboyeradio pioneer who coined one of the most famous catchphrases has died after a battle with pneumonia.
The famous disc jockey, who many credit with coining the phrase “Oldies but goodies,” died Friday night at his home in Palm Springs … according to a spokesman for the production company Art. We were informed that he was diagnosed with pneumonia 2 weeks ago.
We’re told he was surrounded by close friends at the time of his death – and generations of fans, especially on the West Coast, remember the man who revolutionized radio broadcasting.
Art was just 18 years old when he got his first gig at KSAN in San Francisco. During World War II, he began accepting requests and dedications … a new concept for disc jockeys at the time. He later moved to Los Angeles and had a huge social impact on the city.
He organized live DJ shows at the car dealership, where he played rock and roll and attracted young white, black and Latino fans. His shows were so popular that some credit him with helping to end segregation in SoCal.
Art became a record producer, concert promoter and even owned some radio stations. And if you’re talking about a marathon career … Art’s latest syndicated radio show was created last week and aired Sunday night.
He was 97.
REST IN PEACE.
