Uncle Joe Benson, one of the most prominent rock radio hosts and disc jockeys in Southern California, died Tuesday after battles with Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s dementia and complications from a fall. His family announced his passing on Friday.

“For almost 60 years he graced the radio airwaves with his signature deep voice and extensive Rock ‘N Roll knowledge like no one else,” reads the family statement. The family also confirmed he passed peacefully.

Benson started his career in 1968 in the Midwest before heading westward in 1980. In Los Angeles, he was with 95.5 KLOS for over 30 years and also worked for stations like KLSX. In the final years of his career, he was host of the Ultimate Classic Rock stream.

Outside of radio, he was the track announcer at California Speedway (later Auto Club Speedway) for over 20 years, which entailed calling NASCAR races from the booth and overseeing fan events at the track during race weekends. Benson also hosted Uncle Joe’s Garage, where he interviewed celebrities and racers.

During the 1980s and ’90s, Benson did driver interviews for the Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group.

“Joe began his radio career in 1968 and started at KLOS in 1980, and since then millions of listeners and rockstars have fallen in love,” a comment from KLOS started. “Joe was a man of the people and a friend to all, whether you met him in person or just heard his big, distinct voice over the airwaves. His life was full of incredible stories that involved pretty much every single rockstar ever. Everybody knew Joe!

“Thank you Joe for being a voice to Los Angeles and for spreading your love of rock and roll to all of us. KLOS is lucky to have been your home for 30 years. You will be so missed by all.”

Featured image credit: Thousand Oaks News-Chronicle