How did Radio DJ Art Laboe die ? Cause of Death Explained

Art Laboe, a highly esteemed DJ for Los Angeles radio, passed away this past Friday. He was best known for hosting “Oldies but Goodies” for a long time. Read on to know how did Art Laboe die, what happened to him, and what was the cause of his death.

Art Laboe was 97 at the time of his death. He was a pioneering radio mainstay who read heartfelt song dedications to generations of loyal listeners. He was also credited with helping end segregation in Southern California during his eight-decade-long legendary career.

Who was Art Laboe? Early Life & Career

Art Labeo was born on August 7, 1925, as Art Egnoian in Salt Lake City. He served in the Navy during World War II and arrived on the Los Angeles radio in 1955 as rock ‘n’ roll was booming. He had been working as a DJ since mid-1940 including stints in San Francisco and Palm Springs.

KXLA-AM (now KRLA) was his first L.A. station home. Laboe did live remote shows from midnight till 4 AM at a local drive-in restaurant. He took requests and became popular with the night-owl crowd. Laboe later moved the KPOP show to after-school hours.

This helped him become a loved figure among the teenage crowd at the intersection of Sunset and Cahuenga. Laboe then launched a series of dance concerts in El Monte, east of Los Angeles which pulled massive crowds.

He frequently spun tunes by white, Latino, and Black artists, and the events became a cross-cultural smash in the melting pot of Los Angeles. He also curated a run of various-artists Oldies but Goodies LPs that sold greatly across th nation.

Laboe enjoyed a celebrated career spanning over eight decades. His final show was produced this week and was broadcasted on October 9, 2022. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland also mains a permanent Laboe display.

How did Radio DJ Art Laboe die?

Art Laboe died on Friday, October 7, 2022, at his home in Palm Springs, California. He passed away after contracting pneumonia as confirmed by his production company Dart Entertainment’s spokesperson Joanna Morones.

A post on Laboe’s official Twitter account announced the grieving news of his death.

“It is with deep sadness we report the passing of legend Art Laboe, he was 97,” the post stated.

“Condolences to Art’s legions of fans, family, friends, and colleagues,” the post ended.


Art Laboe dead at 97: What was his cause of death?


Art Laboe died after a short case of pneumonia as confirmed by his official Twitter handle. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that inflames the air sacs which may get filled with fluid or pus leading to coughing with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty in breathing.

Laboe was already 97 years old. Hence, a short case of pneumonia turned out to be fatal, which could have otherwise been treated with the right care.

It’s believed that Laboe was fine and healthy before the infection as he had recorded his last ever show last week. No one knew before that it was the last time the legend is gracing the recording studio.


Art Laboe Obituary: Funeral Details and Tributes

The arrangements for Art Laboe are pending at this time. His family is yet to announce the schedule for his funeral, visitations, and burial. We’ll update this section once the information is released by his family.

Tributes have flooded for the late Radio Jockey and DJ who brought the crowd together from the L.A. radio community and across the world.

Art Laboe will be remembered forever for his work on the airwaves, Oldie but Goodies, and everything he did for the people. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. May God let his soul rest in peace.