Longtime Los Angeles rock radio personality and producer Jim Ladd, a staunch advocate for classic rock and renowned interviewer of top rock artists, passed away at the age of 75. DJ Meg Griffin made the announcement on SiriusXM, where Ladd hosted a weekly show on the Deep Tracks channel until his passing.
Jim Ladd, residing in the Hollywood Hills, suffered a heart attack and passed away late Saturday night. Known as the supposed inspiration for Tom Petty’s song and album “The Last DJ,” Ladd had been with SiriusXM since 2012, standing out as one of the few free-form rock DJs remaining in the radio industry.
Having dedicated over 50 years to music radio, Ladd earned recognition as Los Angeles’ premier FM DJ in the late 1970s and early 1980s during his tenure at KMET. At the station, he created and hosted the nationally syndicated program “InnerView,” featuring interviews with music legends such as John Lennon, Pink Floyd, U2, Joni Mitchell, Eagles, and Led Zeppelin.
Ladd, a Lynwood native, initiated his radio career during the heyday of free-form FM at KNAC in 1967, moving to KLOS in 1971, KMET for nine years, and returning to KLOS in 1997. He later joined SiriusXM in 2011, hosting his show on the Deep Tracks channel.
In 1991, Ladd published his memoir, “Radio Waves: Life and Revolution on the FM Dial,” recounting his experiences as a leading Los Angeles rock radio DJ amid a corporate takeover of his station.
Recognized for his contributions, Ladd received the Air Personality of the Year award from the Los Angeles Music Awards in 2000 and The Hollywood Arts Council’s Media Arts Award in 2007. In May 2005, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Jim Ladd is survived by his wife, writer and musician Helene Hodge-Ladd, and memorial services are pending.
