Legendary radio host Uncle Joe Benson has sadly passed away from complications related to his battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 76 years old.
Benson, who was stationed in Los Angeles for most of his 60-year career, died on February 24. “In the early hours of Tuesday, February 24th, Joe passed away peacefully from Parkinson’s Disease, Parkinson’s Dementia & complications of a fall,” said a statement on his Facebook.
Uncle Joe Benson’s Iconic Radio Career
“You would be hard pressed to find a musician or band that he hasn’t met or interviewed,” the statement continued. “There were countless times he would be given a small window to share stories that turned into longer sessions as the musicians were having so much fun. Highlights over the years were time spent with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Don Felder of the Eagles, Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and Steve Perry of Journey.”
The beloved radio host ruled the roost of the KLOS-FM weekend show “Off The Record” from 1998 through January 2025, where he frequently interviewed big-time rock and roll artists. Leading up to his death, Benson’s affinity for rock music could also be heard on the syndicated “Ultimate Classic Rock” show from 2021 to 2024, Inside Radio reported.
Benson also hosted a weekly passion project on KLOS-FM called “The 7th Day,” where he would air a full album every Sunday night.
With an ear for success, Benson offered rock bands, including Mötley Crüe and Ratt, their first opportunity to be heard on the radio through his “Local Licks” show, Variety reported.
While off the air, the dedicated rock and roll radio host wrote a series of “Uncle Joe Benson’s Record Guide” books that provided deep insight into the many genres of rock and their most influential artists.
Throughout his career in the ’70s, Benson worked at radio outlets such as WQFM, WRKR, WZMF and WZUU in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Daily Express reported. It wouldn’t be until 1980 that he transitioned over to KLOS-FM to begin his career in L.A.
KLOS-FM Honors the Beloved Uncle Joe Benson
In 2017, Benson opened up in an interview with Los Angeles Daily News about the dedication he had to his craft.
“The basic thing, especially in Southern California, people have grown up listening to this music as background, favorite songs, songs that mean something to them,” he said. “Maybe they’ve reached a point where the job isn’t as rewarding as it was; the kids are grown up. But the thing you can count on is Uncle Joe playing your song.”
Following his death, KLOS-FM shared a heartfelt tribute to the legendary radio host, also organizing a Zoom for his fans to share in their favorite memories of Benson and his remarkable career.
“Radio lost one of its greatest voices this week. We are so heartbroken to hear that legendary DJ Uncle Joe Benson has passed,” KLOS-FM wrote on Facebook. “Joe began his radio career in 1968 and started at KLOS in 1980, and since then millions of listeners and rockstars have fallen in love.”
“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,” the statement continued. “His life was full of incredible stories that involved pretty much every single rockstar ever. Everybody knew Joe! Thank you Joe for being a voice to Los Angeles and for spreading your love of rock and roll to all of us. KLOS is lucky to have been your home for 30 years. You will be so missed by all.”
According to his death statement, in light of neurological research for Parkinson’s disease, Benson’s brain has been donated through the Brain Donor Project.
May he rest in peace.
