Mary Turner Pattiz Death and Obituary, Rock D.J. Passed Away at 76

May 2024 ยท 8 minute read
Mary Turner Pattiz death and obituary details are provided here, check the cause of death of the KMET disc jockey Mary Turner Pattiz, who died on May 9, 2023.

Who Was Mary Turner Pattiz?

Mary Turner Pattiz, a former disc jockey and radio personality, left a remarkable legacy in the Southern California radio scene. Born in 1947, she dedicated her career to the industry and made significant contributions to several radio stations, including KMET and KDAY. Sadly, she passed away on May 9, 2023, at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mary Turner Pattiz was married to Norman Pattiz, the esteemed founder of Westwood One radio network, who himself passed away on December 4, 2022, at the age of 79. Throughout her life, she also served as the chairwoman of the Betty Ford Center and actively participated in various charitable endeavors.

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Starting in the 1960s, Mary Turner Pattiz began her journey in radio, establishing herself as a talented disc jockey and program director. It was during her time at KMET that she gained recognition for her distinctive album-oriented rock format, solidifying her place as a pioneer in the industry.

In addition to her remarkable career in radio, Mary Turner Pattiz was deeply committed to philanthropy. As the chairwoman of the Betty Ford Center, a prominent drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Rancho Mirage, California, she played a vital role in helping individuals on their path to recovery. Furthermore, her dedication extended to being a longtime supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that brings joy and fulfillment to children facing life-threatening illnesses.

Mary Turner Pattiz's significant contributions and achievements in the radio industry garnered immense respect and admiration. Her passing evoked an overwhelming outpouring of condolences and heartfelt tributes from colleagues, friends, and fans alike, all recognizing the profound impact she made throughout her career. Her enduring legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations in the world of radio.

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Mary Turner Pattiz Death and Obituary

Mary Turner Pattiz, a renowned former disc jockey and radio personality, passed away on May 9, 2023, at the age of 76, following a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her illustrious career, she made a lasting impact on the world of radio with her enchanting voice and influential role in shaping album-oriented rock radio, particularly during her tenure at KMET.

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Married to media entrepreneur Norman Pattiz, the visionary founder of Westwood One radio network, Mary Turner Pattiz enjoyed a blissful partnership. Their shared passion for the Los Angeles Lakers endeared them to both their personal and professional communities. Sadly, Norman Pattiz passed away on December 4, 2022, at the age of 79.

The news of Mary Turner Pattiz's passing was confirmed by her estate executor, Jarrett Bostwick, and subsequently reported by esteemed news outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and Hits Daily Double. Her demise marks the end of an era in the radio industry, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt.

Mary Turner Pattiz's career spanned decades, beginning in the 1960s, and encompassed significant roles as a disc jockey and program director at various Southern California radio stations, including KDAY and KMET. Her velvety voice, combined with an unwavering passion for music, cemented her status as a beloved figure within the radio community. Her impeccable taste in rock music and her extensive knowledge made her a respected authority in the field.

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Beyond her contributions to radio, Mary Turner Pattiz actively engaged in philanthropic endeavors and dedicated herself to giving back to her community. She consistently supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a charitable organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Additionally, she was involved with several local initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and families in need, exemplifying her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the airwaves.

The news of Mary Turner Pattiz's passing resonated deeply with friends, colleagues, and fans throughout the radio industry. She was remembered as a talented broadcaster who generously shared her love for music and willingly assisted others in their endeavors. Her legacy as a trailblazer and influential figure in the radio industry will be cherished and celebrated for years to come.

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Mary Turner Pattiz Cause Of Death

Mary Turner Pattiz, known for her smooth and silky voice as a disc jockey at KMET, the iconic album-oriented rock station in Southern California during the 1970s and early '80s, passed away on May 9 at the age of 76 in her Beverly Hills home. Her death was attributed to cancer, according to Ace Young, a former KMET news director. Following her time in radio, Ms. Pattiz transitioned into a career as an addiction counselor and dedicated philanthropist.

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KMET was a trailblazing radio station in the early 1970s, delivering a continuous stream of cutting-edge music from bands like the Who, Pink Floyd, and Steely Dan. The laid-back DJs exuded a rebellious spirit, providing a refreshing alternative to the mainstream hits of AM stations. Their on-air banter often included playful sexual innuendos and stoner humor, reflecting the station's renegade ethos. KMET DJs went beyond the typical music programming, integrating surf reports and covering unconventional news stories, such as the Mexican government's use of paraquat to eradicate illegal marijuana crops, which prompted a massive protest initiated by Jim Ladd, a late-night DJ, urging listeners to flood the White House switchboard with calls.

Mary Turner, known as "the Burner," held the coveted nighttime slot from 6 to 10 p.m. She earned her nickname from Peter Wolf, the lead singer of the J. Geils Band, who admired her seductive delivery and striking appearance. Major bands sought interviews with Ms. Pattiz when visiting the area, appreciating her gentle and conversational approach. During an interview with Bruce Springsteen, she playfully referenced his lyrics from "Rosalita" and left a lasting impression on the singer, leading him to dedicate a song to her at a concert the following night.

Despite her popularity, Mary Turner Pattiz remained intensely private, keeping details about her personal life, background, and even her age under wraps. Colleagues were unaware of her relationships, and she maintained a professional demeanor on and off the air. Michael Harrison, a former KMET host and program director, recalled that the image of a rock 'n' roll woman portrayed on the hippest radio station during those vibrant years did not reflect the real Mary Turner. Behind the scenes, she was known for her smoothness and professionalism, staying true to the nature of show business.

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What Happened to Mary Turner Pattiz?

Mary Turner Pattiz, a former disc jockey and radio personality, bid farewell on May 9, 2023, at the age of 76, following a courageous battle against cancer. She was the wife of Norman Pattiz, the esteemed founder of the Westwood One radio network, who passed away on December 4, 2022. Mary Turner Pattiz left an indelible mark in the radio industry, earning respect for her distinctive voice and unwavering passion for music. Additionally, she served as the chairwoman of the Betty Ford Center, a renowned drug and alcohol rehabilitation center located in Rancho Mirage, California, while actively engaging in philanthropic endeavors. The news of her passing prompted an outpouring of condolences and heartfelt tributes from friends, colleagues, and fans, all acknowledging the profound impact she made and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.

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During her illustrious career in the radio industry, Mary Turner Pattiz made significant contributions as a disc jockey and radio personality at various Southern California stations, including KMET and KDAY. She emerged as a trailblazer in album-oriented rock radio, capturing hearts with her distinctive voice and profound love for music.

Beyond her remarkable achievements in radio, Mary Turner Pattiz devoted herself to philanthropy throughout her life. Her role as the chairwoman of the Betty Ford Center exemplified her commitment to helping individuals navigate the challenging path of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Moreover, she lent steadfast support to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization granting the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses. Notably, she and her husband, Norman Pattiz, shared an unwavering passion for the Los Angeles Lakers, frequently seen courtside, rooting for their beloved team.

The news of Mary Turner Pattiz's passing reverberated throughout the industry, with countless friends, colleagues, and fans extending their condolences and tributes. Recognized by esteemed publications such as the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and Hits Daily Double, her profound contributions to the radio industry and unwavering dedication to charitable causes will be cherished and celebrated for generations to come.

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Mary Turner Pattiz Death And Obituary - FAQs

1. What was Mary Turner Pattiz's cause of death?

Mary Turner Pattiz passed away after a long battle with cancer.

2. How old was Mary Turner Pattiz when she passed away?

Mary Turner Pattiz was 76 years old when she passed away.

3. What was Mary Turner Pattiz known for in the radio industry?

Mary Turner Pattiz was a former disc jockey and radio personality who was respected for her distinctive voice and love of music. She was a pioneer in album-oriented rock radio.

4. Who was Mary Turner Pattiz married to?

Mary Turner Pattiz was married to Norman Pattiz, the founder of radio network Westwood One.

5. How did the industry react to Mary Turner Pattiz's passing?

Mary Turner Pattiz's passing was met with an outpouring of condolences and tributes from friends, colleagues, and fans in the industry who recognized her impact and legacy.

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