Dusty Street, pioneering former KROQ DJ, dies at 77
In a solemn moment for rock music enthusiasts, Dusty Street, a trailblazing radio disc jockey who made her mark at KROQ-FM in Southern California, passed away at the age of 77. Her journey was as unique as her name, and her impact on the world of rock radio is indelible.
A Renegade of the Airwaves
Dusty Street, whose real name was indeed Dusty Street, emerged as one of the first female rock jocks on the West Coast. Her journey began in the late 1960s in San Francisco, where she worked at KMPX, KTIM, and KSAN, becoming one of the country’s first female FM DJs. Her remarkable career led her to Los Angeles in 1978 when she joined KROQ, one of L.A.’s premier rock stations. Dusty briefly explored other local rock stations like KLOS and KWST in 1980 but returned to anchor KROQ’s evening programming from 1981 to 1989.
She once shared her perspective on her time at KROQ, saying, "It was all about the freedom. It was never about the money, it was never about the acclaim, it was all about the freedom. I tried to maintain that freedom as the belt grew tighter and tighter around the industry, and that love of freedom eventually led to my departure from KROQ in 1989." Dusty Street claimed that she was let go from the station for being a "renegade," a somewhat ironic outcome considering that KROQ’s foundation was built on renegade values.
A Name to Remember
Dusty Street’s unusual name was not a stage persona but her real name. She explained, "[My full name is] Dusty Frances Street. My father’s name was Emerson Street, and we used to live on Emerson Street in Palo Alto. Drove the postman out of his mind."
Her authenticity, both in name and character, endeared her to audiences. Dusty was known for her outspoken personality, particularly concerning efforts by groups like the Parents Music Resource Center to apply a rating system to rock music lyrics. Her passionate stance on this issue even led to a U.S. Senate hearing in 1985.
A Lasting Legacy
Over the past two decades, Dusty Street had been sharing her passion for rock music from the fifth floor of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, working as a DJ for SiriusXM, most recently on the Deep Tracks station. Her career, spanning across various eras of rock radio, inspired many aspiring radio hosts.
In her own words, "It was all about the freedom." Dusty Street, pioneering former KROQ DJ, dies at 77, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remember her distinctive voice and her unwavering commitment to the spirit of rock music.
As her most recent employer, SiriusXM Deep Tracks, aptly put it, "We have lost one of our own. Dusty Street has passed away after 77 joyous trips around the sun. And yes, Dusty Street was her real name."
Dusty Street, pioneering former KROQ DJ, dies at 77, leaving a void in the world of rock radio that can never be filled. As fans, we will continue to celebrate her life and the music she shared with us.
Remembering a Pioneer: Dusty Street’s Legacy
Who is Dusty Street?
Dusty Street, a cherished disc jockey, achieved fame through her work with KROQ in Los Angeles. She was a pioneer in the world of rock radio and passed away at the age of 77. Her remarkable career and passionate commitment to the freedom of expression in music left an indelible mark on the industry, making her a beloved figure among rock music enthusiasts.
Is Dusty Street still on SiriusXM?
Dusty Street, renowned for her role as the host of SiriusXM Deep Tracks, is also celebrated for her time at KROQ-FM, fondly known as K-Rock. KROQ played a pivotal role in shaping the punk and new wave music scene from the late ’70s into the 1980s. However, in a heartfelt tribute, it was announced that Dusty Street has passed away after a remarkable journey of 77 years around the sun.
How old is Dusty Street?
Dusty Street, the accomplished radio DJ known for her extensive tenure at KROQ, passed away on a Saturday at the age of 77. Her remarkable career and contributions to the world of rock radio continue to leave a lasting legacy.
Who is Dusty in Music?
Dusty Springfield, born as Mary Isabel Catherine Bernadette O’Brien on April 16, 1939, in London, England, and passing away on March 2, 1999, in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, was a celebrated British vocalist. She left an indelible mark as a female hit maker and an iconic figure during the 1960s beat boom, which played a pivotal role in the British Invasion of the music scene.
How did Dusty get her name?
The nickname "Dusty" was bestowed upon her for her childhood habit of playing football with boys in the street, earning her a reputation as a tomboy. Dusty Springfield’s upbringing was in a family with a deep love for music.
Who got fired at SiriusXM?
SiriusXM took the decision to terminate PGA Tour Radio host Mark Lye’s employment following his misogynistic remarks about women’s basketball during a broadcast on a Saturday. Lye’s comments, specifically about the changes in the LPGA Tour over the past decade, prompted the action by SiriusXM.
