Arnold Frolows, Triple J Trailblazer, Passes Away at 74

Arnold Frolows, a driving force behind the sound of double and triple j for decades, passed away on Sunday morning in Sydney’s Mona Vale hospice. His partner, Christine King, was by his side. Diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer less than a month ago, Frolows’ passing comes just three days shy of his 75th birthday and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the original double j going to air.

Starting as a flower deliveryman in Sydney, Frolows’ journey into broadcasting began in 1974 when he joined double j as one of its first employees. By July 1975, he was presenting and producing at the youth-focused station, helping lay its musical foundation alongside the likes of Marius Webb and Margot Edwards.

Frolows left double j briefly in 1977 for roles overseas but returned in 1981 to the newly rebranded triple j. Over the years, he became synonymous with the station’s innovative sound, curating music that balanced fresh finds, Australian content, and genre diversity. His Sunday night show, Ambience, gained a cult following, introducing listeners to hypnotic, experimental tunes rarely heard elsewhere.

In 1993, Frolows officially stepped into the role of triple j’s music director, where he shaped playlists that left a lasting mark on Australian radio. Stuart Matchett, a long-time colleague, noted, “Arnold had a huge effect on the musical sound of triple j, and therefore on Australian radio in general.”

Frolows retired from triple j in 2003 but didn’t slow down. He spearheaded projects like unearthing gems from triple j’s live music archive and became instrumental in launching ABC’s digital radio channels, including Dig Radio (now Double J), ABC Jazz, and ABC Country.

Frolows’ passion for music remained steadfast throughout his career. “If your ears are still excited, it doesn’t matter how old you are,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald before his retirement.

Frolows leaves behind a legacy of innovation and dedication, forever etched into the soundscape of Australian radio.