Jed the Fish, the legendary voice who helped define the sound of alternative rock radio in Los Angeles, is once again in the spotlight as fans and industry peers look back on his groundbreaking career at KROQ. Known for his edgy humor, eclectic taste, and deep connection to the Southern California music scene, DJ Jed the Fish played a pivotal role in shaping what would become the soundtrack of a generation.
Born Edwin Fish Gould III, Jed became a household name for fans of alternative music during his tenure at KROQ-FM, one of Los Angeles’ most influential radio stations. From the late 1970s through the 2000s, his afternoon and driven time shows introduced listeners to cutting edge bands before they were mainstream acts like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, and Nirvana. With his signature voice and boundary pushing playlists, Jed the Fish at KROQ became synonymous with L.A.’s rebellious, youth driven music culture.
“I was just playing what I thought was good music,” Jed recalled in a recent interview. “But KROQ gave me the platform and the freedom to experiment, and that was everything. We were curating more than just a playlist we were part of people’s identity.”
Over the years, DJ Jed the Fish earned industry accolades, including Billboard’s Modern Rock Personality of the Year and multiple awards from the Southern California radio community. Beyond radio, he also produced remixes and worked behind the scenes with artists, further cementing his status as a tastemaker in the music world.
Even as KROQ’s format evolved and radio itself faced the rise of digital streaming, Jed’s influence remained clear. Many of today’s alternative and indie stations owe a debt to the groundwork laid by Jed and his KROQ contemporaries. His ability to blend humor, insight, and a true love for music made him more than a DJ he became a cultural connector for L.A.’s music lovers.
Though no longer a daily presence on FM radio, Jed continues to leave his mark. He’s active in digital radio, podcasting, and archival projects, working to preserve the legacy of a time when KROQ helped shape the national music conversation. For Los Angeles locals and fans worldwide, the name Jed the Fish still evokes the golden era of alt rock radio raw, rebellious, and unforgettable.
