Obituary: Pioneer Radio DJ Art Laboe Dies At 97 After A short case of pneumonia- Age, Early Life, Career, Family

Art Laboe was 97 at the time of his death. He was a pioneering radio mainstay who read heartfelt song dedications to generations of loyal listeners. He was also credited with helping end segregation in Southern California during his eight-decade-long legendary career.

Who Was American Pioneer Disc Jockey Art Laboe?

On August 7, 1925, Art Labeo was born in Salt Lake City as Art Egnoian. He served in the Navy during World War II and made his radio debut in 1955, when rock ‘n’ roll was in its prime, on a Los Angeles station. Since the middle of 1940, he had been a DJ, with stops in San Francisco and Palm Springs.

KXLA-AM (now KRLA) was his first L.A. station home. Laboe did live remote shows from midnight till 4 AM at a local drive-in restaurant. He took requests and became popular with the night-owl crowd. Laboe later moved the KPOP show to after-school hours.

This helped him become a loved figure among the teenage crowd at the intersection of Sunset and Cahuenga. Laboe then launched a series of dance concerts in El Monte, east of Los Angeles which pulled massive crowds.

The events turned into a cross-cultural blockbuster in the melting pot of Los Angeles since he routinely spun music by white, Latino, and Black performers. Additionally, he put together a run of popular Oldies but Goodies LPs featuring a variety of musicians.

Laboe had a renowned career that lasted for more than eight decades. On October 9, 2022, his farewell program was broadcast. It was created this week. On the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he has a star. The Cleveland Rock & Roll Hall of Fame likewise keeps a permanent Laboe exhibit.

Pioneer Radio DJ Art Laboe Dies At 97 After A short case of pneumonia

How Did Radio DJ Art Laboe die?

Art Laboe died on Friday, October 7, 2022, at his home in Palm Springs, California. He passed away after contracting pneumonia as confirmed by his production company Dart Entertainment’s spokesperson Joanna Morones.

A post on Laboe’s official Twitter account announced the grieving news of his death.

What Was The Death Cause of American Pioneer Disc Jockey?

Art Laboe died after a short case of pneumonia as confirmed by his official Twitter handle. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that inflames the air sacs which may get filled with fluid or pus leading to coughing with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty in breathing.

RELATED ARTICLE: Obituary: Evangelist Thelma Wells, President Of A Woman Of God Ministry Dies At 79 Years aka Mama T- Age, Career, Family

Laboe was already 97 years old. Hence, a short case of pneumonia turned out to be fatal, which could have otherwise been treated with the right care.

It’s believed that Laboe was fine and healthy before the infection as he had recorded his last ever show last week. No one knew before that it was the last time the legend is gracing the recording studio.

Art Laboe Obituary: Funeral Details and Tributes

Art Laboe’s arrangements are still being finalized. His funeral, visitation, and burial have not yet been scheduled by his family. As soon as his family makes the information public, we’ll update this area.

For the late Radio Jockey and DJ who drew the crowd together from the L.A. radio community and around the world, tributes have poured in.