Longtime Austin radio staple John Aielli died at the age of 76 on Sunday, Austin-based media outlets reported.
According to Austin ABC affiliate KVUE, Aielli, who’s considered an icon on the state capital’s airwaves, had dealt with health problems for at least a decade.
The station reported that Aielli moved to Austin in 1966 to attend the University of Texas (UT) and then went on to craft a career that spanned over five decades.
Austin stations reported that Aielli worked for UT-owned and -operated radio stations KUT and KUTX, best known for hosting “Eklektikos.”
“We’re heartbroken to tell you that our beloved friend and colleague John Aielli passed shortly before 8 a.m. this morning,” KUTX’s Twitter account shared. “He was such a joy to work with, and so important to what KUT and KUTX have become.”
Jeff McCord worked with Aielli for 30 years and was one of the latter’s good friends, Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported.
According to KXAN, McCord acknowledged that their professional relationship was “difficult” but wouldn’t trade it for anything.
McCord told the station that Aielli conducted interviews without any sort of preparation.
“He loved flying by the seat of his pants,” McCord said, KXAN reported. “He once confused U2’s Bono for Sonny Bono.”
Austin FOX affiliate KTBC reported that Aielli counted fellow UT alums Dan Rather and Matthew McConaughey among his guests and led KUT’s traditional holiday sing-along in Downtown Austin for over 30 years.
In 2016, the City of Austin recognized his work and legacy by proclaiming a day in his honor, the station reported.
Two years ago, he stepped away from the microphone after he suffered a stroke.
KUTX Program Director Matt Reilly hailed Aielli as “an Austin treasure” in a statement, KTBC reported.
“[He was] an indelible part of so many lives here in Austin,” Reilly said. “His unique perspective on the world made being with John a joy. Our lives are less interesting with him gone.”
