From KLOS-FM to “Arrow 93.1,” the “all rock ‘n’ roll oldies” brand that preceded Jack FM in Los Angeles, he was an admired and affable on-air talent. He was also heard on Classic Rock stations across the U.S. as a syndicated program host.
Now, many fans and radio industry veterans are pausing to pay tribute to Uncle Joe Benson, who has lost his battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
News of his passing was shared just past midnight, Pacific Time, on Friday, via the Facebook page for the Uncle Joe’s Garage program.
Aside from his on-air work in L.A., Benson was heard on “Ultimate Classic rock” and “Off The Record,” as well.
Benson’s death on February 24 is linked to Parkinson’s Dementia and complications from a fall. His radio career began in 1968 in Illinois and included stops in Milwaukee and Cleveland. In 1980, he joined Rocker KLOS in an era when it fiercely competed against Metromedia’s KMET and KROQ was just finding its footing as a “Rock of the ’80s” outlet. It was his first of two stints totaling 30 years at KLOS, with stops in-between at KLSX-FM, KCBS-FM during its “Arrow 93.1” era, and at former Bonneville Classic Rocker “100.3 The Sound.”
When not behind the mic, Benson was the track announcer at the California Speedway for more than 20 years.
He is survived by his wife Jan, and two children Jay and Jeremy.
To further the research of neurological disorders, Uncle Joe Benson’s brain has been donated through the Brain Donor Project. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Brain Donor Project (https://braindonorproject.org/support-us/ ) or the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research (https://www.michaeljfox.org/).
