Arnold Frolows, the legendary figure who shaped the sound of triple j and left an indelible mark on Australian radio, has passed away at the age of 74.
His partner, Christine King, was by his side at Sydney’s Mona Vale hospice on Sunday morning.
From Humble Beginnings to Radio Royalty
Frolows’ journey to becoming a media trailblazer was nothing short of remarkable. In the mid-1970s, he was delivering flowers around Sydney when he landed an interview at the ABC’s brand-new youth radio station.
With a tip from Marius Webb’s secretary, Frolows was hired before the station’s launch and became one of its first employees.
As a research assistant, presenter, and producer, Frolows played a crucial role in establishing the station’s early sound.
He programmed music for various shows, including the iconic Sunday night program, Ambience, which introduced audiences to downbeat and hypnotic music rarely heard on other stations.
Shaping Triple J’s Musical Direction
Frolows’ influence on triple j’s musical direction was immense. As music director, he carefully crafted the station’s playlist, balancing new and familiar sounds, styles, and genres.
He worked closely with presenters, discussing their music choices and ensuring the station’s sound remained fresh and exciting.
“Arnold had a huge effect on the musical sound of triple j, and therefore on Australian radio in general,” said long-time colleague Stuart Matchett.
“He monitored how it sounded on air and talked to the presenters about their choices and how they related to the music when they were playing it.”
A Life Beyond Triple J
After leaving triple j in 2003, Frolows continued to work at the ABC, uncovering gems from the triple j live music catalogue and playing a key role in the ABC’s digital radio expansion.
He served as music director for ABC digital radio and helped launch Dig Radio, which later became Double J in 2014.
Frolows’ legacy extends beyond his work at triple j. Along with Matchett, he established the ABC Jazz and ABC Country channels, providing a platform for genres often overlooked by other radio stations.
Remembering a Radio Legend
Frolows’ passing comes just three days before his 75th birthday and marks 50 years since the original 2JJ first went to air.
His colleagues and friends remember him as a passionate and dedicated individual who left an indelible mark on Australian radio.
“Arnold has been a superb example to the rest of us of what is possible at work and that it is possible, even in a public-service environment, to do something that is really bloody interesting,” said Marius Webb.
As we mourn the loss of Arnold Frolows, we celebrate his remarkable contributions to Australian radio and the iconic sound of triple j. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of music lovers to come.