SiriusXM Remembers Legendary Freeform Rock DJ Jim Ladd

by:
Matt Simeone
December 19, 2023

Radio icon Jim Ladd, who for over 50 years championed classic rock and interviewed many of the greatest artists in his Los Angeles studios and on SiriusXM’s Deep Tracks channel, passed away on Sunday, December 17.

Jim Ladd Tributes: Listen on SiriusXM

Tune in to Deep Tracks on channel 308 and SiriusXM’s other classic rock channels to hear special tributes about Ladd, including a rebroadcast of his interview with Tom Petty on December 19 at 7pm ET on Tom Petty Radio (channel 31) and Ladd’s exclusive Guest DJ special airing during the times below. Both specials will also be available to stream on the SiriusXM app. Additionally, listen to previous episodes of Ladd’s Deep Tracks show, Jim Ladd Radio Show, on the SiriusXM app here.

Jim Ladd Guest DJ Special

12/25 @4pET

12/26 @10aET

12/27 @10pET

12/28 @12pET

12/29 @3pET

12/30 @1aET; 1pET

12/31 @6pET

Lord Have Mercy, A SiriusXM Tribute To Jim Ladd

Hear SiriusXM hosts, recording artists Graham Nash, Slash, Robby Krieger of The Doors, and others share fond memories of Jim and showcase the music he loved on Deep Tracks (Ch. 308).

12/22 @5pET premiere

12/23 @7aET

12/24 @9pET

12/25 @5pET

12/26 @2pET

Jim Ladd with members of The Doors: Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and engineer/co-producer Bruce Botnick

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Doors drummer John Densmore remembered Ladd in a touching post on social media.

“‘The Last DJ’ has crossed the tracks,” Densmore wrote. “There wasn’t a more soulful spinner of music. The songs he played were running through his blood, he cared so much for rock n’ roll. Irreplaceable… a very sad day, which can only be handled by carrying his spirit forward.”

jim ladd and tom petty

Jim Ladd (left) with rock icon Tom Petty.

A Champion of Classic Rock

A dedicated patron of the arts and steadfast advocate for the importance of freeform rock radio, Ladd’s voice touched the hearts of millions.

Throughout his career, Ladd’s baritone voice cascaded from High In The Hollywood Hills, supporting the best rock n’ roll had to offer. During his stints at KMET, KLOS and SiriusXM, he interviewed countless artists, from John Lennon, Pink Floyd and Stevie Nicks to Led Zeppelin, the Eagles and Joni Mitchell. The insight and passion Ladd held for the genre of rock & roll shines through in each of these conversations.

Along with the admiration of his longtime listeners, which he has endearingly labeled ‘The Tribe,’ Ladd has been numerously recognized for his contributions to radio, music, and culture. Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters was inspired by Ladd’s work and asked him to be involved in 1987’s Radio K.A.O.S. where he played himself as a rebel DJ. Ladd also joined Waters on the album’s highly touted world tour and starred in all three MTV music videos.

Jim Ladd with Joe Walsh

In 2011, Ladd joined SiriusXM and host his own national primetime show on Deep Tracks, bringing his singular brand of freeform radio to all of North America.

Ladd is remembered by his family, friends and the millions of listeners who held his words dearly.



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