Steve Woods, 51; Disc Jockey on L.A., Texas Radio Stations

Steve Woods, 51, a disc jockey at Los Angeles radio stations KDAY-AM during its peak popularity and KACE-FM where he was half of the “Steve and Sam” morning team, died of a heart attack Dec. 9 in Arlington, Texas.

He had been a disc jockey at KRNB-FM in Grand Prairie, Texas, since it went on the air in 1996.

Born Clarence Steven Woods in Los Angeles, he excelled in track and football, but also made an impression with his resonant voice during his student days at Hollywood High School.

Deciding on a career in radio, Woods landed a starter job in the mailroom at KHJ-AM.

After a few years working at small radio stations in Lubbock and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Woods returned to Los Angeles in 1974 to host a daily music and talk program at KDAY.

He rose to become program director at KDAY, a title he later held at KJLH-FM and KACE.

At KACE, Woods worked with his brother-in-law, Sam Putney, on the “Steve and Sam” morning segment.

In Southern California and Texas, Woods hosted several radio station-sponsored events, including toy drives, fund-raisers and the KOOL Jazz Festival in San Diego.

In 1990, Woods and Putney were pictured on billboards and bus shelters around Los Angeles in a KACE campaign to thwart graffiti.

Woods also was a reserve Los Angeles police officer and paramedic.