WDSM-AM Duluth, MN-Superior, WI reports the death of its veteran host Lew Latto (pictured far left). He died Wednesday morning at his home. Latto was 71.
Latto began his radio career while still in high school in the 1950s and was the promoter and host of the Winter Dance Party at the National Guard Armory, one of the final performances of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens in 1959. Over the years Latto successfully entered into station ownership and has hosted talk shows on several Twin Ports radio outlets, the station said on its website.
Latto was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall Of Fame in 2003. According to the Hall of Fame, he bought his first station, WAKX-AM Duluth in the early 1970s and later added an FM and stations in Eveleth and Grand Rapids. He sold the Duluth combo in 1994.
Latto also served on the Duluth City council for seven years.
For the last several years, 710 WDSM was home to “Lew Latto Live” on weekday mornings. On Thursday and Friday, WDSM and sister station KDAL-AM will be running a special tribute show to celebrate the life and career of Lew Latto. Phone lines will be open to share stories and memories of a true Twin Ports radio legend. The tribute will run on both days from 7:06 to 9:00 am.
