Art Laboe, the pioneering radio DJ who read heartfelt song dedications to generations of devoted listeners, has passed away. He was 97.

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According to Joanna Morones, a spokesperson for Laboe's production company, Laboe died Friday night at home in Palm Springs, California, after contracting pneumonia.

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His final show was recorded last week and aired on Sunday night.

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Laboe is credited with assisting in the abolition of segregation in Southern California by organizing live DJ shows at drive-in restaurants

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In addition, the DJ is credited with coining the phrase "oldies but goodies." He founded Original Sound Record, Inc. in 1957.

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He later gained popularity among Mexican Americans as the host of the syndicated "The Art Laboe Connection Show."

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His baritone voice invited listeners to call in dedications and request a '50s-era rock 'n' roll love ballad or an Alicia Keys rhythm and blues song.

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His radio shows, in particular, provided a platform for families of incarcerated loved ones to communicate with their relatives by dedicating songs

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He frequently told the story of a woman who came by the studio with her toddler so she could tell her father, who was serving time for a violent crime, "Daddy, I love you."

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"It was his first time hearing his baby's voice," Laboe explained. "And this tough, tough-as-nails guy burst into tears."

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