Longtime Los Angeles rock radio personality and auto racetrack emcee Uncle Joe Benson has died at the age of 76, it was announced Friday.
Benson, who lived in Southern California, died early Tuesday following a battle with Parkinson’s disease and related complications, his family posted on social media Friday.
Known for a deep, rumbling voice and wide knowledge of rock music, Benson spent more than 30 years at 95.5 KLOS. He also worked for a time at KLSX, then moved to morning drive shifts at Arrow 93.1 and 100.3 The Sound before finishing his career on Ultimate Classic Rock streaming worldwide from 2018 until 2024.
Benson was known for his “The 7th Day” show, which aired Sunday nights on KLOS, and featured an album played in its entirety. Another KLOS program Benson hosted was “Local Licks,” in which he spotlighted buzzworthy local bands, such as future hard rock legends Motley Crüe and Ratt.
He also helmed “Off the Record,” a nationally syndicated interview program, and hosted the end-of-year “Uncle Joe’s Rockin’ Christmas,” which featured rockers playing their versions of Christmas songs.
Over the years, Benson interviewed Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Don Felder of the Eagles, Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar, and Steve Perry of Journey, among many others.
Along with his radio work, Benson penned a series of “Uncle Joe’s Record Guides.” In his spare time, he was the track announcer at the now-defunct California Speedway for more than 20 years.
“A radio legend silenced,” former KLOS and The Sound DJ Rita Wilde posted on Facebook. “Nothing but love and respect. At least you aren’t in pain anymore. Love you forever, JB.”
He is survived by his wife Jan, and two children, Jay and Jeremy.