Art Laboe is a legendary American disc jockey, songwriter, and radio station owner who has been broadcasting since the 1940s. Known as the “Godfather of Oldies,” Laboe is credited with helping pioneer the Oldies radio format. For decades, Laboe has hosted dedication and request shows where listeners can call in to dedicate songs and messages to friends and loved ones. Laboe’s soothing baritone voice, musical knowledge, and personable on-air style have earned him generations of loyal listeners across southern California and beyond.
Art Laboe’s Background
Arthur Egnoian was born in 1925 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where Egnoian began working in radio while still a teenager. He took on the name “Art Laboe” as his radio moniker. In 1943 at age 17, Laboe became one of the youngest DJs ever to host his own radio show when he got his big break on KSAN in San Francisco. Laboe soon moved back to the LA airwaves on KXLA.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Laboe hosted live rock and roll concerts from drive-in restaurants that became wildly popular with young fans. He helped promote early rock and doo-wop groups by playing their records on his shows, including acts like The Penguins, Frankie Lymon, and Ritchie Valens. Laboe is believed to have coined the term “oldies but goodies” in the 1950s to describe the classic hits of the early rock era.
Starting in the 1960s, Laboe became known for hosting dedication and request shows on stations like KRLA, KDAY, and KRTH. Callers to Art Laboe request a song to play and dedicate it to a loved one, sharing their memories, feelings, and messages over the air. Laboe’s lovingly nicknamed these segments “love songs.” His intimate, conversational style on the air connected with listeners who saw him as a trusted friend.
Where Can I Listen to Art Laboe Now?
Today, at age 97, Art Laboe continues to host dedication and oldies shows that are syndicated on stations around the western United States. Laboe records his shows from Palm Springs, California. There are several ways to listen to Art Laboe online from anywhere:
The Art Laboe Connection Radio Show
Laboe’s primary radio show is The Art Laboe Connection, airing 7-12pm PST every Sunday. The show features Laboe’s trademark dedications along with his hand-picked selection of oldies from the original era of rock and roll. Listeners nationwide can tune in online through the show’s official site artlaboe.com. An on-demand archive of recent shows is also available on the site.
iHeartRadio
iHeartRadio has an Art Laboe dedicated station that plays classic oldies and his show live on Sundays. You can listen by downloading the iHeartRadio app or tuning in through iHeartRadio.com. iHeart also has an Art Laboe podcast featuring highlights from his weekly shows.
KDAY 93.5 FM
For listeners in southern California, Laboe’s show airs live on Sundays 7-12pm on 93.5 KDAY FM. The rest of the week, KDAY continues to play his style of classic oldies from the birth of rock music. You can listen to the live stream at kday.iheart.com.
KOST 103.5 FM
KOST 103.5 FM in Los Angeles also airs a weekly Art Laboe show on Sunday evenings from 6-10pm. Tune in at kost1035.iheart.com to listen live.
Hot 92.3 FM
In Palm Springs, Hot 92.3 FM airs Laboe’s show every Sunday night from 7pm-12am. Stream the station live at hot923.com.
KXL 95.5 FM
Portland, Oregon listeners can hear Art Laboe’s syndicated show on Sunday nights from 6-10pm on KXL 95.5 FM. Listen to the live broadcast at kxl.com.
KRKO 1380 AM Everett, WA
For Puget Sound listeners, KRKO 1380 AM airs Laboe on Sunday nights at 6pm. Tune in on their website krko.com.
How to Call and Request a Dedication
The best way to connect with Art Laboe and request a dedication is to call the request line during his live shows at 818-761-1035. You’ll speak with a screener to share your name, location, dedication details, and song request. Not everyone makes it on air, but it’s worth a try! Make sure to call at the beginning of Laboe’s show time to increase your chances.
You can also sometimes request dedications in advance online through artlaboe.com. Follow the site for the latest updates on getting through.
Notable Segments from Art Laboe’s Shows
Over his eight decade long career, Laboe has created countless touching moments on the air. Here are some of his most classic segments still remembered fondly by longtime fans:
- “Little” Anthony Clemmons calling to dedicate “I’m Sorry” by Brenda Lee to his girlfriend after a fight in the 1960s.
- Chicano prisoners dedicating songs to loved ones and shouting out Laboe from behind bars.
- Caller Hector declaring his crush on a girl named Wendy with Elton John’s “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” in the 1990s.
- A widow named Emma dedicating “Together Forever” by Rick Astley to her deceased husband.
- Teenager Julio wanting to share his feelings for Angela during the 2000s with “Angel Baby” by Rosie and the Originals.
Art Laboe’s Impact on Oldies Music
Art Laboe played a major role in shaping the oldies genre as we know it. In particular, Laboe helped popularize doo-wop and early rock music through support from his shows. His constant airplay kept these songs alive and introduced them to younger generations. Laboe also owned and operated Original Sound record label from 1957-1960. The label was influential in recording and releasing important early Chicano rock music including the 1959 classic “Angel Baby” by Rosie and the Originals.
Beyond his music taste, Laboe pioneered the request and dedication radio format. His shows demonstrated the intimacy possible between DJ and listener decades before social media. For generations, Laboe has provided a place to share emotions, memories, and build community over great oldies music.
Who is Art Laboe’s Audience?
Art Laboe has one of the most broad and diverse audiences in radio history. His fans span multiple generations, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Generally, Laboe’s shows appeal most strongly to:
- Older Americans who grew up with classic rock and remember Laboe from his early years
- Nostalgic Gen X listeners who enjoy the throwback music and dedications
- Latino listeners, especially Mexican-Americans who connect with Laboe’s Chicano musical roots
- Californians, particularly southern Californians who constitute his core listener base
- Working class communities across the southwest
Laboe also has a cult following within the lowrider community. Overall, his audience shares an appreciation for 1950s-60s oldies, sentimental dedications, and Laboe’s trademark style.
Why Art Laboe Remains So Popular
There are several key reasons Art Laboe has maintained such popularity across more than 70 years on the radio:
- Nostalgia – Laboe’s shows provide a comforting dose of nostalgia by playing the classic oldies many fans grew up with.
- Intimacy – Laboe fosters an intimate, conversational tone that makes listeners feel connected.
- Dedication segments – Laboe invented this highly emotional format that remains compelling today.
- Reliability – Laboe has aired weekly for decades, becoming a constant presence his audience can depend on.
- Longevity – Laboe’s incredible seven decade career cements his legendary status.
- Voice – Many see Laboe’s smooth baritone as the classic “oldies DJ” voice.
In the end, connecting generations through music Laboe loves makes him an American institution that still feels relevant today.
Conclusion
At 97 years young, Art Laboe continues bringing his signature oldies, dedications, and warmth to loyal listeners. For decades to come, Laboe’s timeless formula will likely keep attracting fans nostalgic for classic rock, doo-wop, and R&B. Tuning into Laboe transports you back to another era. So cue up an oldie, think of someone special, and dedicate your own love song to them – just like generations have on Art Laboe’s historic shows.