Chicago lost a familiar voice this week. Joe “JoBo” Colborn — one half of the iconic Eddie & JoBo morning show — has died at the age of 70, according to WGN News. Police responded to his home in Freeport, Illinois on Monday, and the coroner’s office confirmed his passing. A cause of death hasn’t been shared yet.
If you grew up in Chicago, Eddie & JoBo were basically part of your morning routine. The two started at B96 back in 1986 and became one of the city’s most memorable radio duos — cracking jokes, doing wild bits, and keeping listeners locked in every day.
Their style was so iconic that WGN Morning News even brought their antics back in parody sketches, thanks to Mike Toomey and Jeff Hoover. That’s how you know the impact was real.
JoBo’s longtime partner Eddie Volkman shared a heartfelt message with WGN News after hearing the news:
“I only got the news from his family when I got home from work today. I am devastated and an emotional wreck. They are investigating and will have more to tell us tomorrow. Heaven gained a golden voice today.”
A Chicago radio staple gone too soon. Rest in peace, JoBo.
