David Sanborn Blake

Retired veteran radio news anchor and the voice of morning news on WWL Radio for three decades, David Blake, has died after complications from heart failure on April 13, 2025, at the age of 71. His career spanned 45 years, starting in Mobile, Alabama at WABB-AM with morning host Ron Frazier and went on to serve as morning news anchor and sidekick to air personality “Cajun” Ken Cooper at WEZB 97 FM in New Orleans. From there he landed the chance to return to his native Southern California to serve as news director at KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles, working alongside such legendary talents as Gary Owens and comedy duo Lohman and Barkley. He then returned to New Orleans to anchor the morning news at WLMG FM Magic 101.9 and ultimately WWL radio, covering the stories making local, state, national, and world headlines for the next 30 years alongside morning show host Bob DelGiorno and later Tommy Tucker. His work has been honored by the Press Club of New Orleans, the Associated Press, and won the national Edward R. Murrow award for outstanding newscast, among others.

David is the son of the late Commander John S. Blake, U.S. Navy (Retired) of Brooksville, Maine and the late Marian F. Blake (née McFadden) of North Hollywood, California. He is survived by his wife Heather, daughter Allison Blake Williams (Aaron), son John Paul Blake, and in-laws Paul and Mary Grace Cutting.

A celebration of David’s life and work will be held in New Orleans to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org).