Art Laboe, the pioneering DJ credited with helping end segregation in Southern California, has died. He was 97.

Laboe's last show was produced last week and broadcast Sunday night.

Laboe is credited with helping end segregation in Southern California by organizing live DJ shows at drive-in eateries that attracted whites, Blacks, and Latinos who danced to rock-n-roll and shocked an older generation still listening to Frank Sinatra and Big Band music.

Laboe is also credited with coining the "oldies, but goodies" phrase. In 1957, he started Original Sound Record, Inc., and in 1958, released the compilation album "Oldies But Goodies: Vol. 1," which stayed on Billboard's Top 100 chart for 183 weeks.

Art Laboe And His 'Devil Music' Made Radio Magic

He later developed a strong following among Mexican Americans for hosting the syndicated "The Art Laboe Connection Show." His baritone voice invited listeners to call in dedications and request a 1950s-era rock-n-roll love ballad or a rhythm and blues tune from Alicia Keys.

His radio shows gave the families of incarcerated loved ones, in particular, a platform to speak to their relatives by dedicating songs and sending heartfelt messages and updates. California and Arizona inmates would send in their own dedications and ask Laboe for updates from the family.

R.I. Paradise Art Laboe!

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