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Jed the Fish: The Voice of Alternative Radio

Introduction

Edwin Fish Gould III, known professionally as Jed the Fish, was a pioneering American disc jockey whose influence on alternative music radio is immeasurable. With a career spanning over four decades, Jed became synonymous with KROQ-FM in Los Angeles, introducing audiences to groundbreaking artists and shaping the soundscape of modern rock.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 15, 1955, in Orange County, California, Jed developed an early passion for music and broadcasting. He began his radio journey at Casa Grande High School in Arizona, where he hosted a program targeting the youth market. Demonstrating a natural affinity for the medium, he earned his First Class Radiotelephone Operator License at the age of 16. Jed later pursued higher education at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School of Journalism, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism.

Rise at KROQ-FM

In 1978, Jed joined KROQ-FM, a station that would become a cornerstone of alternative music. Hosting the afternoon drive slot, he quickly gained recognition for his distinctive voice, maniacal laugh, and insightful commentary. Jed's tenure at KROQ lasted until 2012, during which he played a pivotal role in the station's evolution into a leading platform for alternative rock.

Championing New Wave and Alternative Music

Jed the Fish was instrumental in introducing American audiences to a plethora of new wave and alternative bands. He is credited with being the first U.S. DJ to play tracks from Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and The Pretenders. His keen ear for emerging talent helped establish KROQ as a trendsetter in the music industry, influencing both listeners and fellow broadcasters.

Out of Order and Other Ventures

Beyond his work at KROQ, Jed hosted the nationally syndicated show "Out of Order" from 1994 to 2013. The program featured alternative rock songs presented in a non-traditional countdown format, further showcasing his innovative approach to radio. Jed also contributed to other stations, including KCSN and KLOS, and joined the "Roq of the 80s" lineup on KROQ HD2 in 2019.

Production and Artistic Pursuits

Jed's talents extended beyond the airwaves. He produced the debut album for the Southern California punk band El Centro in 1995 and worked on a remix track for Meg Lee Chin's "Junkies and Snakes" in 2000. An accomplished drummer, Jed even performed with System of a Down during the KROQ Weenie Roast in 2002. His creative endeavors also included visual arts, with projects like "The Shimmering," a large-scale immersive mixed-media installation.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Jed received numerous accolades. He was named Billboard's Modern Rock Personality of the Year in 1997 and 1999, and received the Radio & Records Local Modern Rock Personality of the Year award in 1998. In 2004, he was recognized as one of Los Angeles' top ten most influential radio personalities.

Personal Life and Legacy

Jed resided in a historic 1894 Queen Anne Victorian estate in Pasadena, California, which was featured in Lucille Ball's 1968 film "Yours, Mine, Ours." He passed away on April 14, 2025, at the age of 69, after a battle with lung cancer. Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike, honoring his contributions to music and broadcasting.

Conclusion

Jed the Fish's legacy endures through the countless artists he championed and the listeners he inspired. His innovative spirit and dedication to alternative music left an indelible mark on the radio industry, solidifying his place as a true icon of modern broadcasting.

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