Political, entertainment and broadcast industry figures paid tribute to John Laws, dubbed golden tonsils for his domination of the radio waves.
“Radio has lost its king,” said 2GB’s Ben Fordham, opening his show on news of the death of Laws, aged 90.
Actor Russell Crowe said Laws was his neighbour for 23 years.
“He was a wise mentor, a mischievous mate and a very good friend,” Crowe said.
“I am deeply saddened by his passing, however, I am buoyed in the sure and certain knowledge that he led a magnificent life of achievement and adventure.”
A NSW state funeral will be held for the radio announcer.
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of John Laws, a towering figure in Australian radio whose voice resonated across the nation for more than seven decades,” said NSW premier Chris Minns.
“John’s career was extraordinary. Few broadcasters have left such a deep and lasting mark on Australian media.
“Beginning in 1953 at Bendigo’s 3BO and later becoming a household name on Sydney stations such as 2UE and 2SM, his distinctive tone earned him the affectionate title ‘Golden Tonsils’.
“On behalf of the NSW Government, I extend my deepest condolences to John’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who listened, learned and were challenged by him.
“His legacy lies not only in the thousands of hours on air, but in the connection he forged with millions of Australians.”
Prime minister Anthony Albanese, speaking on Radio 2GB, said John Laws was so much more than an iconic voice.
“He's someone who, when you were on his program, would allow you to speak, would put his views, and he's someone who was so in touch with Australians for such a long period of time," Albanese said.
“It's an extraordinary career that I don't think will ever be matched. And he had the respect of everyone again across the political spectrum.
“I don't think anyone knew what way he voted. He, of course, was loved by his listeners and for many of them, it will be a part of their life that they will be reflecting on today as having passed.”
Radio personality Kyle Sandilands said John Laws was one of the true originals. “You could never mistake him for anyone else,” he said.
“He said what he thought, didn’t care who he offended, but could also show deep compassion when required.
“I’m devastated to have lost a mentor and a mate. Radio won’t be the same without him.”
Former prime minister Paul Keating once said: “Forget the press gallery; educate John Laws and you educate Australia.”
He said Laws was born with an attractive baritone voice that carried with it an air of authority.
“John Laws dominated the Sydney and New South Wales airwaves for half a century," he said.
"This is a mighty record. And not just an Australian record, but in all important comparative respects, an international one."
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