We are profoundly saddened with the news that the creator and original host of Coast to Coast AM, Art Bell, has passed away at the age of 72 at his home in Pahrump, Nevada.
While serving in the US Air Force in the Vietnam War, he indulged his childhood passion for radio by operating a pirate station that played anti-war music otherwise unavailable on official channels broadcast to American servicemen.
Following his time in the service, his love of radio led him to working as a disc jockey for an English-language station in Japan where he set a Guinness World Record for broadcasting an astounding 116 hours straight.
This was no mere radio stunt, however, as it served to raise funds to rescue over 100 Vietnamese orphans left stranded by the conflict in their home country.
Upon returning to the United States, he entered the world of talk radio with an overnight program on KDWN in Las Vegas.
After noticing that episodes covering conspiracy theories and paranormal topics generated considerable interest from listeners, Bell transformed the show from political talk to discussion of these often-verboten realms.
Syndicated nationally in 1993, Coast to Coast AM soon became a juggernaut and bonafide radio phenomenon.
More on Art Bell's incredible legacy at the Coast to Coast AM website and be sure to tune in to the program on Thursday night, April 19th, where we'll present a special Art Bell tribute program with surprise guests throughout the night, classic audio clips, and more.