Iconic radio personality Jim Ladd, who championed classic rock music for decades and interviewed numerous top rock artists in his Los Angeles studios, has passed away.
The news of Ladd’s passing was reported by his colleagues on the SiriusXM Deep Tracks channel. They made the announcement on the air, stating that the longtime radio personality had sadly suffered cardiac arrest over the weekend. Ladd also held stints as a disc jockey at KMET and KLOS.
Ladd’s long career in radio started in the late 1960s and flourished into a role that saw him become a staple not only among Los Angeles’ airwaves but also across the entire country. Throughout his career, he became understandably notable for creating and hosting a segment called “Innerview.” During his “Innerviews,” Ladd would speak in depth with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including John Lennon and members of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Eagles.
In a significant nod to Ladd’s unique voice in radio, the late great Tom Petty used him as inspiration for his album, “The Last DJ.” On the album, Petty addressed Ladd’s life and career as one of Los Angeles’ most decorated DJs. In 2000, Ladd was named “Air Personality of the Year” by the Los Angeles Music Awards.
Five years later, the radio legend was gifted a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2007, Ladd was honored with the Media Arts Award by the Hollywood Arts Council. Ladd also famously spoke at rock music group KoRn’s induction into Guitar Center’s RockWalk at Guitar Center in Hollywood in 2013. His employer, SiriusXM, called Ladd a champion of classic rock music in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The post by SiriusXM featured a picture of a healthy-looking Ladd with the caption, “SiriusXM Remembers Legendary Freeform Rock DJ Jim Ladd.” Above the picture of Ladd, SiriusXM posted a statement saying, “SiriusXM remembers Jim Ladd, legendary freeform rock DJ.” The statement continued, “For over 50 years, he championed classic rock and interviewed many of the greatest artists in his Los Angeles studios and on SiriusXM’s Deep Tracks channel.”
The remaining members of legendary rock band The Doors issued a joint statement regarding Ladd’s passing, calling him a “cool voice” and an “essential part of the culture of rock & roll.” The statement from The Doors read in full, “The Doors family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of beloved rock DJ, Jim Ladd, who died of a sudden heart attack peacefully at home with his wife Helene at his side. Jim, with his electric persona and cool voice, was an essential part of the culture of rock & roll.”
The statement continued, “Jim’s legendary interviews with Ray, John, and Robby on The Doors and Morrison were later released as NO ONE GETS OUT ALIVE, which still stands as the most definitive interview in the history of the group.” The post finishes with “Rest easy, Mr. Ladd.”
The radio icon lost his life on Sunday, December 17. He was 75.
