
Legendary radio broadcaster and record collector known for his comedic abilities and for playing novelty songs and strange and unusual recordings. He created the Dr. Demento persona in 1970 after a fellow DJ at the Los Angeles station KPPC-FM called him "demented".
He worked as the Program Director of KRRC in 1960 after attending Reed College. He later received a master's degree in ethnomusicology and folklore from UCLA.
He has been honored with a spot in the Comedy Music Hall of Fame and the National Radio Hall of Fame.
He married his girlfriend Sue Hansen in 1983.
He was a fundamental part of Weird Al Yankovic's popularity and helped discover him.