Jim Ladd obituary

Late Hall of Famer Jim Ladd passed away on December 16, 2023, at the graceful age of 75.

Ladd’s legacy is marked by an influential career that shaped the course of freeform rock and resonated with audiences far and wide.

He is survived by his wife Helene Hodge-Ladd.

Who Was Jim Ladd?

Jim Ladd was a disc jockey, radio producer, and writer, who left a great legacy in the world of radio broadcasting, and emerged as one of the last notable freeform rock DJs in the United States commercial radio landscape.

Ladd’s journey to national prominence began with the hour-long, nationally syndicated radio program, “Innerview.”

Airing weekly on over 160 stations nationwide, the show became a platform where Ladd showcased his deep passion for music.

In a significant move, on December 2, 2011, Sirius XM Radio announced that Ladd would host a live, daily free-form music show on Deep Tracks, channel 27, starting in January 2012.

This venture reflected Ladd’s commitment to maintaining the spirit of freeform radio, allowing him to continue shaping the musical tastes of his audience.

In 2005, Ladd was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The recognition was in celebration of the first 38 years of his groundbreaking radio career.

His friend and fellow musician Jackson Browne commemorated the occasion with a heartfelt speech, underscoring Ladd’s impact on the world of music and radio.