Radio legend Art Laboe, credited with coining the phrase 'oldies but goodies,' passed away at age 97 from pneumonia on October 7. His final show was broadcast on October 9, marking the end of a remarkable 79-year broadcasting career - the longest continuous period of broadcasting service in history.

Born Arthur Egnoian in Salt Lake City during the Great Depression, Laboe discovered his passion for radio at age eight when he received his first radio set. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II and attending Stanford University, he began his broadcasting career at KSAN in San Francisco, where he adopted the name 'Art Laboe.'

In 1957, Laboe founded Original Sound Record, Inc., and released "Oldies But Goodies: Vol. 1" the following year. The groundbreaking compilation remained on the Billboard Top 100 for over 183 weeks. As one of California's first DJs to play R&B and rock-n-roll music, he became known for his distinctive baritone voice and was among the few to interview Elvis Presley in Hollywood.

Laboe gained particular recognition for his call-in request format, which became especially meaningful for families of incarcerated people in California and Arizona. His empathetic approach to these requests was summed up in his own words: "I don't judge. I like people."

His legacy continues through his syndicated radio show, "The Art Laboe Connection," which airs on 93.5 KDAY/Los Angeles. The program maintains his tradition of taking requests and dedications, keeping his memory and impact on radio broadcasting alive.

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