Remembering Uncle Joe Benson: A Tribute to a Rock 'n' Roll Legend
Veteran radio personality Uncle Joe Benson, known for his deep voice and rock 'n' roll expertise, has passed away at the age of 77. He died peacefully on February 24 after battling Parkinson’s Disease, Parkinson’s Dementia, and complications from a fall. Benson's career spanned nearly six decades, with a significant presence on Los Angeles radio station KLOS (95.5), where he built a loyal following over 30 years.
Starting his broadcasting journey in 1968 in Illinois, Benson made his mark in various stations across Wisconsin and Cleveland before settling in Los Angeles in 1980. Apart from KLOS, he also worked at KLSX (97.1), KCBS-FM, and KSWD, where he hosted popular shows like "The 7th Day" and "Local Licks," which helped launch the careers of local artists like Motley Crue.
Benson's syndicated shows, "Ultimate Classic Rock" and "Off The Record," allowed him to have in-depth conversations with rock legends like Jimmy Page, Don Felder, Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar, and Steve Perry. His annual "Rockin’ Christmas Show" became a holiday tradition for listeners, showcasing rock artists performing festive songs.
In addition to his radio work, Benson authored "Uncle Joe’s Record Guides" and served as a track announcer at California Speedway for over 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Jan, and sons Jay and Jeremy. To honor his memory, the family has requested donations to the Brain Donor Project or the Michael J. Fox Foundation, as Benson's brain has been donated for neurological research. Listeners are encouraged to share their stories and memories of the beloved broadcaster, highlighting his lifelong dedication to sharing music and connecting with his audience.