Sam Riddle

Sam Riddle was a Los Angeles disc jockey and television producer.

Riddle was a popular Los Angeles "Boss Radio" deejay of the 1960s, and then went on to produce the Ed McMahon-hosted TV talent show Star Search.

On television, Riddle hosted 9th Street West and Hollywood a Go Go, which showcased such acts as The Rolling Stones, James Brown and Sonny & Cher. The recent HBO documentary Tina showed him introducing Ike & Tina Turner before their first big TV appearance.

On the syndicated Star Search, which ran from 1983-95, Riddle gave career breaks to such future stars as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Dave Chappelle and Christina Aguilera.

Riddle produced numerous shows, including Boss City, Aloha a Go Go, Get It Together (with Mama Cass), Almost Anything Goes, The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars, Supermodel of the World, Out of the Blue, It's Showtime at the Apollo, Livin' Large, and The Ultimate Poker Challenge.

He also oversaw the early creation and production of specials and series for Telemundo and Univision.

Riddle died September 27, 2021 in Palm Desert, California. He was 83.