Jim Ladd's Headsets

Jim Ladd is a noted rock radio disc jockey in Los Angeles, currently on KLOS-FM. He continues to perform shows each night of the week in the "free-form" style, with no corporate playlist. This has led to, among other things, to his being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and to Tom Petty writing a song called "The Last DJ" which he happily admits is about Mr. Ladd.
Jim Ladd was born on January 17th, 1948 in northern California, where he grew up until he headed to Los Angeles following high school graduation. Hired first at tiny KNAC, then at a succession of more powerful and notable rock stations including KMET, KLOS (twice), KLSX and KMPC-FM. He counts many musicians as personal friends, and he is often joined during his nightly program by a wide range of them.
In 1987, Ladd appeared on Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters' second solo album "Radio K.A.O.S"., portraying a fictional disk jockey named "DJ Jim". Ladd joined Waters on the tour that followed, and appeared in the three music videos for the album. Ladd also played an all-night DJ in Crowe's 1989 film "Say Anything" and a dj in the movie "She's Out of Control".
Mr. Ladd has also hosted nationally syndicated interview programs such as "Innerview".
In 1991 Ladd released a semi-autobiographical book titled Radio Waves: Life And Revolution On The FM Dial (St. Martin's Press), based on his radio career and the rise and fall of freeform rock radio in LA, from the genesis of freeform on the West Coast through the demise of KMET in 1987. The names of many people and radio stations Ladd encountered during that two decade period were swapped for pseudonyms; however, Raechel Donahue has said that she insisted Ladd use her real name and that of her late husband Tom Donahue in the book. David Perry, Ace Young (not to be confused with the "American Idol" contestant of the same name), Jack Snyder, Damion, and the late personalities B. Mitchel Reed and J.J. Jackson, were also among those identified by their actual "air names".
In 2008, Mr. Ladd collaborated with musician Billy Sherwood from the band Yes, along with other musicians including John Densmore from the Doors and Billy Bob Thorton, to write, narrate and produce the album "Headsets, Vol.1", subtitled "Alone Out Here" and with a space theme. This production was followed a year later with Vol. 2, subtitled "Sides", and has the theme of exploring different perspectives.