Art Laboe's Enduring Legacy: 5 Ways The 'Oldies But Goodies' DJ Changed Radio Forever

The radio world continues to mourn the loss of one of its most pioneering and enduring figures, Art Laboe, who passed away in October 2022. His death, though occurring over a year ago, remains a significant moment in broadcasting history, marking the end of a seven-decade-long career that fundamentally reshaped how music nostalgia is consumed and shared across America. This article, updated for the current date of December 15, 2025, delves into the full story of his life, the details of his passing, and the monumental, often underappreciated, cultural legacy he left behind.

Art Laboe, widely credited with coining the term "Oldies but Goodies," was more than just a disc jockey; he was a cultural institution, especially in Southern California and the American Southwest. His voice, synonymous with late-night dedications and classic rhythm and blues, connected generations of listeners, making his final broadcast a poignant moment for millions of loyal fans.

Art Laboe: Complete Biography Profile

Art Laboe, born Arthur Egnoian, was a trailblazing American radio host, record producer, songwriter, and radio station owner whose career spanned an astonishing 79 years. His life was a testament to the power of music and radio to build community and bridge cultural divides.

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• Full Name: Arthur Egnoian
• Date of Birth: August 7, 1925
• Place of Birth: Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
• Ancestry: Armenian-American
• Education: Attended Stanford University
• Military Service: Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he began his radio career at KSAN in San Francisco in 1943.
• Career Start: Began his professional radio career in the 1940s, primarily in the Los Angeles and Palm Springs markets.
• Key Achievement: Generally credited with coining the phrase "Oldies but Goodies" in 1957.
• Signature Show: The Art Laboe Connection Show (later The Art Laboe Sunday Special), famous for its call-in dedications.
• Record Label: Founded Original Sound Records, which released his popular "Oldies but Goodies" compilation albums.
• Date of Death: October 7, 2022
• Place of Death: Palm Springs, California
• Cause of Death: Pneumonia
• Age at Death: 97

The Enduring Legacy of "Oldies But Goodies" and Cultural Impact

Art Laboe's influence extends far beyond simply playing classic songs. His work was instrumental in shaping the early rock and roll landscape, breaking down racial barriers, and establishing a deep, lasting connection with the Latino community in the American Southwest. His legacy can be broken down into several monumental achievements.

1. Coining the Iconic "Oldies But Goodies" Term

In 1957, Art Laboe created a phrase that would become a global standard for nostalgic music: "Oldies but Goodies." Before this, record labels and radio stations primarily focused on promoting new music. Laboe recognized the commercial and emotional value of songs that had peaked on the charts but remained favorites. He began compiling these tracks into albums on his own label, Original Sound Records, cementing the term into the cultural lexicon and essentially inventing the "oldies" format. This foresight allowed classic rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and early rock songs to have a life far beyond their initial chart run.

2. Bridging Racial Segregation Through Music

One of Laboe's most significant, yet often overlooked, contributions was his role in racial integration during the 1950s. At a time when segregation was still prevalent, particularly in Southern California, Laboe hosted popular dances at venues like El Monte Legion Stadium. These events were groundbreaking because they were among the first where teenagers of all races—white, Black, and Mexican-American—could gather and dance together. By playing a mix of R&B and rock and roll, he created a truly multicultural space, fostering unity and mutual appreciation through the music he championed. This directly impacted the burgeoning Chicano culture in Los Angeles.

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3. The Voice of the Latino Community

For decades, Laboe's radio show was a constant companion for Hispanic families across California, Arizona, and Nevada. His Sunday night program, with its trademark call-in dedications, became a vital community bulletin board and a conduit for personal messages. Listeners would call in to send "shout-outs," "love dedications," and messages to family members, friends, or even those who were incarcerated. This tradition of dedication became a cherished ritual, making him a beloved, stable figure within the Latino community. He was one of the few mainstream DJs to consistently champion the classic R&B and soul sounds that resonated so deeply with this demographic, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

The Final Broadcast: Art Laboe's Lasting Voice on the Airwaves

Art Laboe’s career was remarkable not just for its impact, but for its sheer longevity. He was on the air for nearly 80 years, broadcasting right up until his death, a feat almost unheard of in the industry. His dedication to his craft and his audience never wavered.

A Career That Spanned Eight Decades

Laboe's first broadcast was in 1943, and his final show aired just one day before his passing. This incredible run meant he witnessed and participated in the entire evolution of American popular music, from the big band era through the birth of rock and roll, and into the digital age. He maintained a massive, dedicated following by staying true to the music that defined generations, refusing to let the classic sounds fade away.

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The continuity of his show, which was syndicated across various stations in the Southwest, including KDAY, KRLA, and later KOKO, demonstrated his unwavering commitment. He was an independent force, operating his production company, Dart Entertainment, which allowed him to maintain full creative control over his broadcasts, ensuring the music and the dedication format remained authentic to his vision.

Details of His Passing

Art Laboe died peacefully at his home in Palm Springs, California, on Friday, October 7, 2022. He was 97 years old. A spokesperson for his production company confirmed that the cause of death was pneumonia. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow DJs, and artists who recognized the enormous gap his absence would leave in the radio landscape. Laboe had often expressed his desire to continue working as long as he could, and he nearly achieved a full eight decades on the air, making his death a true end of an era.

His legacy is a powerful reminder that "Oldies but Goodies" are more than just songs; they are the soundtrack to people's lives, connecting memories, love, and community across time and culture. While the man behind the microphone, Arthur Egnoian, is gone, the voice and the music he championed continue to resonate, ensuring that the sound of classic rock and roll will forever be tied to the name Art Laboe.