Dusty Street, a trailblazing former KROQ-FM radio disc jockey, passed away at the age of 77 in Eugene, Oregon. She was a beloved figure in the world of radio and left an indelible mark on the Southern California music scene.
Remembering a Radio Icon
In a heartfelt tribute, SiriusXM Deep Tracks, Street’s most recent employer, announced her passing on their Facebook page, saying, “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 was a pioneering figure in the world of radio, especially for women. She was one of the first female rock DJs on the West Coast, leaving her mark at KMPX and KSAN in San Francisco from 1967 to 1978. In 1978, she made her way to Los Angeles, where she took the evening airwaves by storm at KROQ until 1996.
A Legacy of Freedom
Street’s career was marked by her commitment to the spirit of freedom in radio. Speaking about her time at KROQ, she told writer/DJ Liz Ohanesian in 2007, “It was all about the freedom. It was never about the money, it was never about the acclaim, it was all about the freedom."
She worked to maintain this freedom even as the industry became more constrained. Unfortunately, this love for freedom led to her departure from KROQ in 1989. Street claimed that she was let go from the station for being a “renegade.” Ironically, this was the very foundation on which KROQ was built—the spirit of rebellion and playing music no one else dared to play.
From Radio Rebel to SiriusXM Star
Over the past two decades, Dusty Street continued her radio journey, this time from the fifth floor of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, as a DJ for SiriusXM. She became an integral part of the Deep Tracks station, where she shared her passion for music with a dedicated audience.
Street was no stranger to people questioning whether her DJ name was her real name. Born Dusty Frances Street, 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.”
A Fearless Advocate for Music
Dusty Street was not just a DJ; she was also an outspoken advocate for music. She became a prominent voice against the attempts by groups such as the Parents Music Resource Center to impose a rating system on rock music lyrics. This issue came to the forefront in a 1985 U.S. Senate hearing, where she fearlessly defended artistic freedom and expression in music.
The passing of Dusty Street is a loss for the world of radio and music. Her legacy as a pioneering female DJ and her unwavering dedication to the spirit of freedom in music will be remembered by many. Dusty Street, pioneering former KROQ DJ, dies at 77, but her influence lives on.
Remembering the Legacy of Dusty Street, the Trailblazing DJ
What is the Significance of Dusty Street’s Legacy in Radio?
Dusty Street’s passing is the closing chapter of a legendary era in rock radio. Her remarkable contributions and unwavering spirit have etched an enduring legacy. She was a trailblazer who shattered ceilings for female rock jocks, leaving an indelible imprint on the music world.
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Pioneer for Women: Dusty Street defied conventions, becoming one of the earliest female rock DJs. Her groundbreaking journey paved the way for countless women in the radio industry.
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Fearless Advocate: Street’s unyielding commitment to artistic freedom in music made her a formidable voice against censorship. She defended the rights of artists and challenged restrictions.
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Influential Legacy: Dusty Street’s influence extends far beyond her time on the airwaves. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to music freedom continue to inspire generations of DJs and artists.
Dusty Street’s legacy is a testament to her enduring impact on rock radio, her pivotal role in breaking gender barriers, and her unwavering defense of artistic expression.
Who is Dusty Street?
Dusty Street, a cherished disc jockey, gained fame through her work with KROQ in Los Angeles. Sadly, she has passed away at the age of 77.
Dusty Street was more than a DJ; she was a pioneering figure in the music industry, notably one of the first female rock DJs on the West Coast. Her influential career and dedication to artistic freedom in radio have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
How old is Dusty Street?
Radio DJ Dusty Street, renowned for her extended tenure as an on-air talent at KROQ, passed away on Saturday at the age of 77.
Dusty Street’s remarkable career spanned several decades, making her a beloved figure in the world of radio and music.
Is Dusty Street still on SiriusXM?
Dusty Street, best known for her impactful time at KROQ-FM, particularly during its influential years in punk and new wave music, was most recently the host of SiriusXM Deep Tracks. However, it is with great sadness that we report her passing after a remarkable 77-year journey around the sun.
Dusty Street’s legacy at SiriusXM Deep Tracks will be remembered as part of her enduring impact on the world of radio and music.
How much do Sirius XM DJs make?
The typical salary for On-Air Personalities at SiriusXM in the United States averages around $54,770 per year. This figure is slightly higher, approximately 5%, than the overall average salary of $51,943 per year for this position at SiriusXM.
SiriusXM DJs, like On-Air Personalities, are an integral part of the radio network and are compensated based on industry standards and their level of experience.
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 prominent British vocalist. She left an indelible mark as a female hit maker and an iconic figure during the 1960s beat boom, which played a significant role in the British Invasion of music.
Dusty Springfield’s contributions to the music industry have solidified her as a celebrated name in the world of music, particularly during the vibrant era of the 1960s.
