Art Laboe, a famed DJ, died at the age of 97, a spokesperson for his production company confirmed.
Associated Press reported Laboe's death, saying that the pioneering radio DJ died at his Palm Springs, California, home on Friday.
According to Joanna Morones, a spokesperson for Laboe's production company, Dart Entertainment, he died on Friday after catching pneumonia.
The World Health Organization defines the disease as a form of acute respiratory infection that targets one's lungs. It is caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi and can be transmitted through air-borne droplets and blood.
The representative did not mention how Laboe contracted the disease.
The DJ's official Twitter page also shared a photo of him alongside the caption: "It is with deep sadness we report the passing of legend Art Laboe, he was 97. He died peacefully at his home in Palm Springs, CA on Friday night, October 7, 2022, after a short case of pneumonia. Condolences to Art's legions of fans, family, friends, and colleagues."
Meanwhile, his fans and colleagues who listened to him for decades paid tribute to him and honored his contribution to the industry.
Long time west coast DJ Art Laboe has passed. He helped bring pop music to the airwaves and helped to end the segregation of blacks and Latinos in southern California. He was 97. pic.twitter.com/qtvcnuetlI
— Rich Cain (@KHQARich) October 10, 2022
Remembering DJ Art Laboe
At the age of eight, Laboe's sister sent him to his first radio, which helped him fall in love with the profession immediately. From Salt Lake City, he moved to California to attend school at Stanford University while serving in the US Navy amid World War II.
His hard work eventually landed him a job at KSAN - San Francisco as a radio announcer. The DJ, whose real name is Arthur Egnoian, adopted the name Art Laboe after his boss told him to take a secretary's last name to make his name sound more American.
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From being an announcer, he grew to become a radio personality. He famously led KXLA Los Angeles as a DJ and hosted overnight music shows.
Laboe eventually joined the list of the first DJs to play R&B and rock 'n' roll in California until he launched an afternoon show that instantly became the top radio program in the city.
With 79 years of career as a DJ, Laboe reportedly had "the longest continuous period of broadcasting service." He spoke about working behind the microphone and how it became his favorite place to be.
His "The Art Laboe Connection Show," which was launched in 1991, will continue after his death, PEOPLE confirmed.
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