Jim Ladd Rock Radio DJ Dies at 75: Know Everything About Him
On Monday, SiriusXM reported that renowned radio DJ Jim Ladd had passed away on Sunday. The man was 75 years old.
After Ladd’s wife requested it, fellow SiriusXM DJ Meg Griffin made the announcement of Ladd’s death, according to Deadline. Ladd was the basis for Tom Petty’s 2002 song “The Last DJ,” and he passed away at his home in Los Angeles after a heart attack.
“I am so sorry for the shock that just hit you as you are listening right now,” Griffin told listeners Monday while guest hosting SiriusXM’s “Deep Tracks” in Ladd’s absence. He was always concerned. His message was one of candor. His soul was in the music.
Who Was Jim Ladd?
Lynnwood, California was the site of Ladd’s birth on January 17, 1948. In 1969, he got his start in the radio industry at KNAC in Los Angeles before moving on to 95.5 KLOS. After a while, Ladd moved on to another Los Angeles show, KMET-FM, where he helped propel the station to the top of its league. Up until 1987, he stayed on at KMET.
While working at KMET, he developed, produced, and hosted the radio show Innerview, where he spoke with famous musicians. After that, for 12 years, the show ran weekly on more than 160 stations before finally ending.
After a hiatus of 14 years, Ladd returned to KLOS in 1997. When he left SiriusXM in 2012 to host “Deep Tracks,” he left for good. Music from obscure bands is featured on the channel.
Ladd has cameo appearances in several films throughout his career, such as Say Anything and Tequila Sunrise. The ups and downs of his radio career served as inspiration for his 1991 book, Radio Waves: Life And Revolution On The FM Dial.
Tom Petty’s 2002 album title tune with The Heartbreakers, “The Last DJ,” was inspired by Ladd. This was ten years later. “Free Fallin'” was supposedly about “a DJ who becomes so frustrated with his inability to play what he wants that he moves to Mexico and gets his freedom back,” as the singer revealed to journalist Jim DeRogatis, according to Billboard.
In recognition of his contributions to the radio and music industries, Ladd was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.
Obituary and Cause of Death for Jim Ladd
The news broke on SiriusXM from DJ Meg Griffin that Jim Ladd, a legendary disc jockey and champion of classic rock, had a heart attack and died at the age of 75. Throughout his fifty-year career, Ladd became known as the best FM DJ in Los Angeles during the ’70s and ’80s. Famous for his work on “InnerView” and “Headsets,” Ladd was a pivotal figure in radio and will be remembered forever.
“Lord have mercy!” became a catchphrase and thematic music set that he used in his broadcasts. Even after leaving SiriusXM, Ladd remained one of the few free-form rock DJs, continuing to have an impact there.
“Radio Waves,” Ladd’s memoir, detailed his experiences during a corporate takeover and was ostensibly the source of inspiration for “The Last DJ” by Tom Petty. Jim Ladd’s contributions to rock radio are celebrated, and his wife Helene Hodge-Ladd is left to carry on the heritage. The notification was made while memorial ceremonies were still pending.
Jim Ladd’s Net Worth
An estimated $1.5 million was Jim Ladd’s net worth when he passed away. His total worth was determined by adding up all of his assets, income, and impact in the music industry. After more than half a century in the industry, legendary disc jockey Neal Ladd made his impact on radio, especially as a champion of classic rock.
He affected the entertainment industry as a whole, not just the radio. His net worth of $1.5 million was a reflection of his success in the business sector as well as the respect and admiration bestowed upon his lasting impact on the broadcasting industry. Posthumously, Ladd remains a prominent figure in the business, thanks to his financial success and his selfless commitment to the craft. He played a vital influence in defining the music landscape.
