Longtime Boston Radio Host Has Died Unexpectedly, WZLX Says

BOSTON, MA — Kevin Karlson, the longtime 100.7 WZLX host who "helped wake up Boston with humor and classic rock" for over 20 years, has died unexpectedly, the station announced Friday.

According to one WZLX listener, Karlson's colleague and fellow host Kenny Young said on air Friday morning that Kevin had emailed him some show material Thursday at 9:20 p.m. and that’s the last anyone heard from him.

"Kind of jarring to think he was on the radio earlier this week with no obvious health issues," another fan wrote.

A third fan added that "today is a tough one for the radio lovers in the city" as Karlson "made traffic much more enjoyable."

Karlson was one of three hosts of Karlson, McKenzie & Heather—which calls itself Boston's only classic rock morning show—alongside Pete McKenzie and Heather Ford. Karlson, McKenzie & Heather has been on air at WZLX for 14 years.

According to his biography on the show's website, Karlson was born and raised in Ohio and worked on morning radio all over the country with his partner, McKenzie, for over 30 years.

"Kevin’s hobbies include complaining about stuff and trying to lose weight, a battle that he’s currently losing," his biography continues. "He’s won no radio awards, although he was named 'Employee of the Month' in June of 1994."

WZLX invited viewers to share their memories of Kevin as they celebrate his life by calling them at 617-931-1007.

"From all of us at WZLX — Rock in peace, Kevin," WZLX wrote.