Uncle Joe Benson, a towering voice in Los Angeles radio whose career spanned nearly four decades, died Feb. 24 due to Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s dementia and complications from a fall, his family said. He was 76.
Benson’s baritone voice made him a fixture on KLOS-FM, Arrow 93.1 and The Sound 103.1, where he was known for blending music with storytelling, giving listeners a personal connection to the artists and the variety of songs he played. From his early days at a small Illinois station broadcasting out of a trailer to his decades in Los Angeles, Benson brought a unique warmth and humor to the airwaves.
“Joe was a man of the people and a friend to all, whether you met him in person or just heard his big, distinct voice over the airwaves,” KLOS wrote on Facebook, noting his career was filled with encounters with virtually every major rock musician. Colleagues and fans flooded social media with memories. “A radio legend silenced,” wrote fellow disc jockey Rita Wilde. “Nothing but love and respect. At least you aren’t in pain anymore. Love you forever, JB.”
Beyond his weekday shows, Benson hosted specialty programs like “Off the Record,” “Local Licks” and “The 7th Day,” providing platforms for emerging bands and full-album experiences that became Sunday night rituals for many Angelenos. He also authored a series of “Uncle Joe Benson’s Record Guide” books and shared his passion for motorsports with “The Rock and Roll Racing Report.”
Even after semi-retiring in 2017, Benson returned to host “Ultimate Classic Rock,” a nationally syndicated show, demonstrating his enduring dedication to the medium he loved.
