From airwaves to afterlife—Veteran radio DJ, a voice of generations, passes at 69
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Radio waves across the nation are carrying a somber tune as we bid farewell to a true pioneer of the airwaves.
Jed Gould, affectionately known to his legion of listeners as “Jed The Fish,” has left an indelible mark on the music industry and the hearts of rock enthusiasts everywhere.
At the age of 69, the renowned DJ who introduced America to some of the most iconic bands of the 80s and 90s, has passed away.
Born Edwin Jed Fish Gould III on July 15, 1955, Jed's passion for music and broadcasting was evident from his high school days in Arizona.
His journey to stardom began with a move to California, where he attended the University of Southern California and soon after, in 1978, joined the ranks of KROQ, a station that would become synonymous with alternative rock, thanks in no small part to Jed's influence.
For 34 years, Jed The Fish swam against the current, daring to play tracks by then-unknown artists like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and The Pretenders. He also interviewed megastars like David Bowie, Sting, and Elvis Costello.
His show wasn't just a playlist; it was a gateway to a new cultural movement, a place where alt-rock, new wave, and punk rock found a home and a fiercely loyal audience.
The Man Behind the Mic
Jed's on-air persona was larger than life, but those who knew him off the air remembered him as one of the kindest and most creative souls in the business.
His energy could fill an arena, and his humor and unique personality made him a beloved figure not just among fans, but his peers as well.
KROQ DJ Megan Holiday reflected on Jed's impact, saying, “He was endlessly creative and could light up an arena with his energy.”
Tributes poured in from colleagues like KROQ personality Poorman, who remarked, “Very few could do radio at your level brother and friend,” and Allie Mc Kay, who called Jed a “loveable wackadoodle” and a significant part of her growing up in LA.
A Legacy That Echoes
Jed The Fish's contributions to the music world were recognized with accolades such as the Billboard Modern Rock Personality of the Year, which he won twice, and the Radio & Records Local Modern Rock Personality of the Year.
But perhaps his true legacy lies in the countless bands and artists whose careers he helped launch and the generations of listeners whose musical tastes were shaped by his fearless selections.
Source: @poormansmorningrush / Instagram.
As we mourn the loss of Jed The Fish, we also celebrate the indomitable spirit of a man who was not just a DJ but a cultural icon. His show may have ended, but the playlist he created continues to resonate through the lives of those he touched.
In his final moments, Jed passed away peacefully in his beloved home, leaving behind a world that, as his family poignantly stated, “will never be the same.”
The airwaves are a little quieter today, but the echoes of Jed The Fish's legacy will reverberate for years to come. The legendary Los Angeles DJ passed away at his home after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
His social media account shared a post that announced the death of his sad passing.
Source: @jedthefish / Instagram.
It said, “At 6am on April, 14, 2025, the world lost one of its most unique and brilliant personalities. Jed the Fish passed passed peacefully away in his beloved home and the world will never be the same.”
“RIP Jed, go be with Alice,” the statement ended, referring to Jed’s pet dog.
Source: FOX 11 Los Angeles / Youtube.
Rest in peace, Jed the Fish. Know that your memory will live on in the rock and roll hall of fame that is the hearts of your fans.
Did Jed The Fish ever introduce you to a band that changed your life? Do you have a favorite memory of listening to his show? Share your stories and tributes in the comments below. Let's honor the memory of a man who wasn't just part of the music industry—he was a beat in its heart.
Jed Gould, affectionately known to his legion of listeners as “Jed The Fish,” has left an indelible mark on the music industry and the hearts of rock enthusiasts everywhere.
At the age of 69, the renowned DJ who introduced America to some of the most iconic bands of the 80s and 90s, has passed away.
Born Edwin Jed Fish Gould III on July 15, 1955, Jed's passion for music and broadcasting was evident from his high school days in Arizona.
His journey to stardom began with a move to California, where he attended the University of Southern California and soon after, in 1978, joined the ranks of KROQ, a station that would become synonymous with alternative rock, thanks in no small part to Jed's influence.
For 34 years, Jed The Fish swam against the current, daring to play tracks by then-unknown artists like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and The Pretenders. He also interviewed megastars like David Bowie, Sting, and Elvis Costello.
His show wasn't just a playlist; it was a gateway to a new cultural movement, a place where alt-rock, new wave, and punk rock found a home and a fiercely loyal audience.
Renowned radio DJ Jed Gould, known by his on-air name “Jed The Fish,” has passed away at 69. Image source: FOX 11 Los Angeles / Youtube.
The Man Behind the Mic
Jed's on-air persona was larger than life, but those who knew him off the air remembered him as one of the kindest and most creative souls in the business.
His energy could fill an arena, and his humor and unique personality made him a beloved figure not just among fans, but his peers as well.
Image source: FOX 11 Los Angeles / Youtube.
Image source: FOX 11 Los Angeles / Youtube.
KROQ DJ Megan Holiday reflected on Jed's impact, saying, “He was endlessly creative and could light up an arena with his energy.”
Tributes poured in from colleagues like KROQ personality Poorman, who remarked, “Very few could do radio at your level brother and friend,” and Allie Mc Kay, who called Jed a “loveable wackadoodle” and a significant part of her growing up in LA.
A Legacy That Echoes
Jed The Fish's contributions to the music world were recognized with accolades such as the Billboard Modern Rock Personality of the Year, which he won twice, and the Radio & Records Local Modern Rock Personality of the Year.
But perhaps his true legacy lies in the countless bands and artists whose careers he helped launch and the generations of listeners whose musical tastes were shaped by his fearless selections.
Source: @poormansmorningrush / Instagram.
As we mourn the loss of Jed The Fish, we also celebrate the indomitable spirit of a man who was not just a DJ but a cultural icon. His show may have ended, but the playlist he created continues to resonate through the lives of those he touched.
In his final moments, Jed passed away peacefully in his beloved home, leaving behind a world that, as his family poignantly stated, “will never be the same.”
The airwaves are a little quieter today, but the echoes of Jed The Fish's legacy will reverberate for years to come. The legendary Los Angeles DJ passed away at his home after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
His social media account shared a post that announced the death of his sad passing.
Source: @jedthefish / Instagram.
It said, “At 6am on April, 14, 2025, the world lost one of its most unique and brilliant personalities. Jed the Fish passed passed peacefully away in his beloved home and the world will never be the same.”
“RIP Jed, go be with Alice,” the statement ended, referring to Jed’s pet dog.
Source: FOX 11 Los Angeles / Youtube.
Rest in peace, Jed the Fish. Know that your memory will live on in the rock and roll hall of fame that is the hearts of your fans.
Did Jed The Fish ever introduce you to a band that changed your life? Do you have a favorite memory of listening to his show? Share your stories and tributes in the comments below. Let's honor the memory of a man who wasn't just part of the music industry—he was a beat in its heart.
