Mary Turner Pattiz, who was known as Mary Turner on the radio, was a pioneer and a legend in the world of rock music. She was one of the first female disc jockeys to host a syndicated show on FM radio, and she interviewed some of the biggest names in rock history, such as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and David Bowie. She passed away on May 9, 2023, at her home in Beverly Hills, at the age of 76. Her cause of death has not been officially announced, but some sources suggest that she had been battling cancer for a long time. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norm Pattiz, who died in December 2020.
A Voice That Rocked the Airwaves
Mary Turner was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 4, 1946. She grew up listening to rock and roll music and developed a passion for it. She started her career in radio as a secretary at WBCN in Boston, where she learned the ropes of the business. She soon moved to Los Angeles, where she joined KMET, the album-oriented rock station that dominated the Southern California market in the 1970s and early 1980s. She became known as “the Burner” for her seductive and smooth voice that captivated the listeners. She also had a knack for getting exclusive interviews with some of the most famous and elusive rock stars of the time. She hosted two popular shows on KMET: “Off the Record”, a weekly program that featured in-depth conversations with musicians, and “Inner View”, a monthly show that showcased live performances and interviews with bands.
A Life Beyond Radio
Mary Turner left KMET in 1984, after the station changed its format to classic rock. She continued to work in radio for several years, hosting shows on KLOS and Westwood One. She also ventured into other fields, such as television, film, and music production. She produced documentaries and specials for MTV, VH1, and HBO, as well as albums for artists like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Eric Clapton. She also became an addiction counselor and a philanthropist, supporting causes such as animal welfare, environmental protection, and education. She married Norm Pattiz in 1982, who was the founder and former chairman of Westwood One, the largest radio network in America. They shared a happy and loving relationship until his death from throat cancer in 2020.
A Legacy That Lives On
Mary Turner Pattiz was a trailblazer and an inspiration for many women who wanted to pursue a career in radio and music. She was one of the first female DJs to break into the male-dominated industry and to achieve national recognition and success. She was also a respected and admired journalist who had access to some of the most influential and iconic figures in rock history. She was a friend and a confidant to many of them, and she shared their stories and insights with millions of fans around the world. She was a passionate and talented professional who loved what she did and did it well. She was also a compassionate and generous person who cared about others and made a difference in their lives. She will be remembered as one of the greatest rock DJs of all time, and as a woman who lived her life to the fullest.