Remembering Jed The Fish Gould – The Iconic Voice of L.A. Radio

Remembering Jed The Fish Gould - The Iconic Voice of L.A. Radio: 

This week, the world of radio lost a pioneer. Jed “The Fish” Gould, the iconic Los Angeles disc jockey and longtime voice of KROQ-FM, died on Monday at 69 after being treated for lung cancer. Best known for his sharp wit, irreverent style and fantastic ear for music, Gould was more than a DJ — he was a defining figure in modern rock radio.

For 30-plus years, Jed “The Fish” helped define not just the sound of KROQ but the very essence of the alternative rock scene across Southern California and beyond. His passing is the end of an era, but his music will live on, continuing to inspire musicians, DJs, and fans as they take to the dance floor.

A Career That Transformed the Airwaves

Jed started at KROQ-FM in the late 1970s, when punk and new wave music were beginning to bubble up under the surface of popular culture. Unlike many commercial stations in that era, KROQ enthusiastically embraced these underground genres — and Jed was in the thick of it.

Over his 34 years at the station, he introduced listeners to now-legendary bands including The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana — frequently spinning their songs before they’d exploded into the mainstream.

His approach was unpredictable but mesmerizing. He was equally adept at skipping from a stinging joke to a deep album track from a little-known group. Jed hadn’t been merely following trends; he’d been helping create them.

A Voice That Meant Something

Jed’s voice was immediately distinguished, but it was his demeanor that made him unique. He spoke to his audience — not at it. It could be late-night rants, dry humor between songs or heartfelt musings about an artist, but Jed’s delivery made you feel like you’re in on something special.

His presence made KROQ more than just a radio station; it was part of a cultural movement, especially for young people who were searching for sounds that seemed different, dangerous or deeply personal. Jed — and those listeners — a home.

Reaction From Across The Industry

After news broke of Jed “The Fish” Gould’s death, musicians, fellow broadcasters and longtime fans flocked to social media to share their memories and condolences. Many have credited him with introducing them to their favorite bands or motivating them to seek careers in music and radio.

Other KROQ personalities lauded his fearless approach and purity. “Jed was never a phony,” one colleague said. “He was proud of who he was, and that made him a legend.

A Lasting Legacy in Music

Jed’s reach goes well beyond Los Angeles. He took risks at a time when commercial radio tended to play it safe. He played the weird songs, the edgy songs — the songs that could bomb or turn the world upside down. And in most cases did the latter.”

He helped connect underground sound and mainstream success. He wasn’t merely spinning songs; he was curating a cultural moment, day in and day out, for over three decades.

Final Thoughts

Jed “The Fish” Gould has died, and the radio landscape is the less for it. He wasn’t just a DJ — he was a tastemaker, a mentor and a voice that helped define a generation’s musical identity.

As fans, we think of him not only for what he played, but for how he made us feel. Jed didn’t just play records — he spun narratives, cracked us up, got us in our feelings and found us in the music.

Rest in peace, Jed. Your voice may have gone silent but that echo will live forever — every time someone hears a track they once thought was too bold, too weird, too real — and remembers where they first heard it: on KROQ with Jed “The Fish.”

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