Art Laboe, the longtime voice of afternoon radio, died at 97 on Friday, October 7.

The official Art Laboe Connection Instagram page made the announcement to fans Monday night, saying Laboe, born Art Egnoian, had a “short case of pneumonia” and died peacefully in his Palm Springs home.

“It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Art Laboe, legendary pioneering radio icon and music veteran,” the post said. “Condolences to Art’s legions of fans, family, friends and colleagues.”

Laboe hosted the longest continuously-running radio broadcast for 79 years, as of September, and the Art Laboe Connection will continue to run nightly on its regular schedule.

Heard locally though KDAY’s 93.5 radio station, Laboe recorded his final show last week before his death and was broadcast on Sunday, October 9.

“Thank you for all the many years and amazing times you spent with us here at 93.5 KDAY,” the radio station wrote through an Instagram post.

Known for coining the now-famous phrase, “Oldies but goodies,” Laboe’s voice was a late-night beacon of comfort for decades of Angelenos who looked to his show for the nostalgic feeling that could only come from his “good night dedications.”

His “Oldies But Goodies” album, which pioneered the idea of playlist-style records with a compilation of songs from different artists on different record labels, charted on the Billboard Top 100 for more than three years.

In 1981, Laboe received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with July 17 declared “Art Laboe Day,” to commemorate.

A memorial for Laboe will be announced at a later time.

 

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