Remembering Kevin Karlson
• The tight-knit Boston radio community is mourning the untimely passing of Kevin Karlson, longtime co-host of the Karlson, McKenzie & Heather morning show on iHeartMedia Classic Rock 100.7 WZLX/Boston, who apparently died in his sleep late last Thursday night. He was only 59 years old.
The station broke the tragic news Friday morning, stating, “It is with great sadness that 100.7 WZLX shares news of the unexpected passing of our friend, Kevin Karlson. For almost 20 years, Kevin helped wake up Boston with humor and classic rock. We invite you to share your memories of Kevin as we celebrate his life.”
Karlson’s colleague, WZLX afternoon talent Chuck Nowlin tweeted, “Our ZLX family is in a state of shock right now. Our radio brother, Kevin Karlson, passed away in his sleep last night. Rest in peace, big man.”
Mike Thomas, former PD of WZLX, now Market Manager for Audacy Boston, posted to Facebook, “I can’t believe it. I had some of the most genuine, hardest belly laughs, thanks to Kevin! I know I drove him crazy at times as the PD of ZLX for a dozen years, but he made me better and I have incredible respect for him. Thoughts and prayers to Barbara and the kids! May you forever be driving with the top down, a cigar in your mouth and ‘Dancing Queen’ blasting on your radio!”
Karlson and partner Pete McKenzie had a working relationship that dated back to 1985. The guys previously worked together in Charleston, SC, Rochester, NY, Richmond, Toledo, and Tulsa. They also did mornings in the Boston market at the former WEGQ (Eagle 93.7) back in the day. Karlson and McKenzie met Heather Ford while they were doing mornings at Townsquare Classic Rock WPDH/Hudson Valley, NH and added her to the team before making the move to WZLX in 2005. Producer Kenny Young joined the crew in 2019.
Karlson is survived by his wife, Barbara and their adult children, son Chris and daughter Katie.
