KUVO Jazz Honors Three Legends in Farewell Tribute

Legendary Figures in Denver’s Jazz Scene Retire, Honoring a Beloved Legacy

Denver's KUVO JAZZ has recently shared the news of two of its most influential figures preparing to retire from their careers, marking the end of an era for the station. Alongside this transition, the station also honored the legacy of another legendary figure who recently passed away.

Carlos Lando and Arturo Gómez, two pillars of KUVO JAZZ, are set to retire after the new year, with their final day at the station on January 2, 2026. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping jazz in Colorado and beyond.

Amanda Mountain, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Public Media, expressed her admiration for Lando and Gómez in a press release. “It has been such an honor to work alongside and learn from these two legends in local media,” she said. “It’s a profound responsibility we all carry forward to ensure their legacies with KUVO continue to deliver Community, Culture and Music for generations to come.”

Lando has spent an incredible 39 years at KUVO JAZZ, serving in various roles including program director from 1987 to 2012 and as president and general manager from 2012 to 2022. He played a key role in establishing the station as one of the most respected community-based jazz stations in the country. Since 2022, he has also served as the executive producer and co-host of “The Morning Set.”

“I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with a group of people who are music lovers and passionate about working in radio,” Lando said. “It has been my privilege to serve our diverse community of KUVO listeners. For me, it has always been about them, not us. Finally, my advice to everyone is to listen more and check out ‘Delta Man’ by Gil Scott-Heron. This is a song about change and the changing aspects of our lives. That’s where I’m coming from.”

Arturo Gómez, another veteran of KUVO JAZZ, has spent 23 years with the station, starting as a music director and hosting the popular “Lunchtime!” show. In September 2024, he was named the station’s cultural ambassador during its 40th anniversary. Gómez has been recognized multiple times, including being named Music Director of the Year six times and receiving the Duke Dubois Lifetime Achievement and Bobby Jackson Jazz Ambassador awards.

“My years at KUVO JAZZ and in Denver have been the best of my life, both personally and professionally,” Gómez said. “My goal for many years has been to relocate to Spain’s Basque Country, my father’s ancestral home. While sad to retire, I’m proud of my legacy here. It’s especially meaningful that I leave alongside my mentor, Carlos Lando, who has guided me since 1992 and brought me to KUVO. I’ll always remain a listener—it’s all about the music!”

A Sad Passing: Remembering Danny Valenzuela

In addition to the retirement of Lando and Gómez, KUVO JAZZ announced the passing of another legend, Danny Valenzuela, who died on December 13 at the age of 77. The station expressed its profound sorrow over the loss of a beloved friend and radio host.

Valenzuela’s journey with music began in El Paso, Texas, where he grew up listening to oldies, Tejano, and soulful sounds. After studying at the University of Texas, El Paso, and serving in the Navy as a weatherman, he found his way to Denver. His connection with KUVO JAZZ dates back to its origins, where he volunteered and helped fundraise for the station. He worked as a broadcast engineer and was known for his innate musicality, making him an indispensable part of the station.

In 1990, Valenzuela co-hosted the show “Canción Mexicana” and launched “The Latin Soul Party” a year later. His impact extended beyond the station, as he founded Denver’s first Spanish DJ service, Latin Nites DJs, and hosted “The Super Tejano Show on KBNO Radio.”

“I especially like Tejano, especially Little Joe, Emilio, Selena and Grupo Mazz. I like Old School, hence the name MC Cuervo, (from) when I was an old school club DJ. I like good rock and roll, classic rock and even heavy metal, like Slayer,” a press release stated as part of his biography on the station website.

Valenzuela is survived by his son, daughter, grandchildren, large extended family, and thousands of fans. On Friday at 8 p.m., a broadcast will be held in his honor on “The Latin Soul Party.” Hosts Ricky O, ‘Jammin Joe’ Serna, and ‘Jedi’ George Murad will play some of Valenzuela’s spoken word recordings, as well as his favorite music.

KUVO JAZZ broadcasts on 89.3 FM and streams on the station’s website.