This Sunday, January 20th at The Higley Center (at 4132 E Pecos Rd in Gilbert, Arizona) from 2-5 pm, it’s a Celebration of the life of Jeff Parets. Jeff was the only program director of KSTM, the Storm (from 1981-1987) and also host of the syndicated radio program, “The Acoustic Storm.” Jeff past away unexpectedly in November. This event will bring together Jeff’s family & friends and those that worked with him over the years and listened to him on the radio, and will feature stories about Jeff and some great bands playing in tribute. We hope to see you there to celebrate the life of Jeff, a voice we all grew up with on the radio in Phoenix, from KBBC, K-104, KSTM, The Storm, KDKB, KJZZ and The Acoustic Storm. Please join us this Sunday for a life well lived!
I just heard about the passing of the amazing Jeff Parets. His was the literal voice of a generation and he’ll be missed so incredibly much. RIP in Heaven’s radio station, Jeff.
I never met the man, nor can I remember what his voice sounded like, but I was a faithful listener to KSTM and the Acoustic Storm, so I can say I knew his work, and fondly do I remember it.
So sorry to hear this. Jeff and KSTM were a huge part of the shaping of my musical career. Ironically I went all acoustic many years ago and was in email contact with Jeff last year. I miss Apache Junction.
Wish I’d known about the before it happened
Used to listen to kstm and would’ve liked to meet some more old timey radio listeners 🙂
Jeff will be missed
Rest easy Jeff. You were the author and influence of my whole young life in Phoenix and my tastes even to this day. What this article fails to mention is how you would close and open parts of your life and career with 2 Who songs.
How Pat Metheny’s Last Train Home was your closing staple on your jazz show.
I would always ring you up and say “Jeff, I want to here the Stone’s Memory Motel.” And you would say “That sounds really good.” And within the hour, the Stones on the airwaves. You even did it for Lou Reed.
You were the talent. You were fearless in exposing new artists. And juxtaposing them with the established artists.
With established artists you refused to play their hits and played for your listeners the deeper, better cuts.
I just found out about this today. I’ve lost touch. A part of me is very sad today.
To his widow: this man changed lives. You already knew that. So many of us have been down this road so I say with absolute sincerity that your pain is felt. God bless.