The radio world is mourning the loss of Dusty Street, one of the first female rock DJs on the West Coast, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 77 in Eugene, Oregon. Street was a beloved personality on Los Angeles' KROQ-FM in the late 1970s and 1980s during the height of the LA punk and new wave scene.
A Pioneer in Rock Radio
Street began her pioneering radio career in 1967 at San Francisco stations KMPX and KSAN, where she was one of the first women to break into the male-dominated world of rock and roll radio. Her velvety voice and encyclopedic musical knowledge made her an instant hit with Bay Area audiences.
"Dusty was a trailblazer, showing the world that women absolutely deserved a seat at the table when it came to playing and talking about rock music," said a former colleague. "She opened so many doors for future generations of female DJs."
After establishing herself in San Francisco, Street moved south to LA in the late 70s to join the newly rebranded KROQ-FM, better known as K-ROCK. The station was quickly becoming the epicenter of punk, new wave, and alternative music on the West Coast.
The Queen of KROQ
Street's arrival at KROQ coincided perfectly with the rising punk and new wave scene in LA. Her deep musical knowledge and impeccable taste made her the perfect DJ to introduce listeners to exciting new bands like The Ramones, Blondie, The Clash, and Talking Heads.
"Back then, KROQ and Dusty Street were the only ways you could hear this radical new music," recalls a former LA punk musician. "She was like our queen, guiding us to all the coolest, most underground stuff."
Street quickly became the voice of evenings at KROQ throughout the 80s, though she briefly departed in 1980 for stints at other LA rock stations like KLOS. By 1981, she had returned to KROQ to anchor the new wave and post-punk programming that the station was pioneering.
A Champion of Authentic Music
Beyond just a great radio DJ, Street was also a principled advocate for authentic music in the face of growing commercialization. She was an outspoken critic of the Parents Music Resource Center's attempts to censor and classify music in the 80s.
"Dusty always fought for creative freedom and supported new unique artists, not just commercially proven bands," said a music industry contemporary. "She truly set the standard for championing real art over empty commercial success."
Street's steadfast principles eventually led to her leaving KROQ in 1989 over disputes about increasing formatting constraints on DJs. But her legacy at the station - now considered one of the most influential in modern rock radio history - was already set in stone.
Later Career and Life
After leaving KROQ, Street worked at a variety of stations including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and satellite radio provider SiriusXM, where she most recently hosted the Deep Tracks channel. She ultimately settled down in Eugene, Oregon.
Friends and colleagues confirm that in her final years, Street faced mounting health issues but remained upbeat and steadfastly independent until the very end. She passed away peacefully on Saturday evening surrounded by loved ones.
"She fought so hard but always kept her spirit," said a close friend. "I lost one of my dearest friends, but the world lost an absolute legend and pioneer."
Dusty Street's legacy as one of the first female rock DJs on the West Coast opened the doors for countless women in broadcasting. She also shaped the musical taste of generations of young punks, new wavers, and alternative rockers in LA and beyond. The airwaves have lost a true rebel and innovator.
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