R.I.P.: Dave Hull, Legendary L-A Radio Personality

Former L-A Radio personality Dave "The Hullabalooer" Hull has died.

He was 86, according to Richard Wagoner at The LA Daily News.

Hull — The Hullabalooer — heard on various stations throughout the city but best remembered on the original KRLA (now KRDC, 1110 AM) not once but four times!

Hull was a thorn in the side of KHJ programmer Ron Jacobs; he was the one KRLA DJ that Jacobs couldn’t beat … his wacky, friendly, fun style of radio was just too popular and he remained one of KRLA’s most highly rated and beloved DJs throughout his original tenure of 1963-1969. Sadly, Hull passed away on October 15th at the age of 86.

Born in Alhambra, Hull began his career on Armed Forces Radio, a job he picked up by walking past the service’s radio studio in North Africa and asking how one gets on the air. “You’re on tonight at 7” was the reply … and a career was born.

In 1955, he started his civilian radio career at KGFL/Roswell, New Mexico. In 1957 he went to WONE/Dayton, Ohio, followed by WQTE/Monroe-Detroit and WTVN/Columbus and WFLA/Tampa-St. Petersburg. Finally, in 1963, he arrived at KRLA to become one of the 11-10 Men.

A great storyteller, Hull was perfect for KRLA, which was battling KFWB 980 AM in the Los Angeles ratings. His quick wit and high intelligence made for a must-listen show, and along with other talented DJs and a close tie with a little-known band called The Beatles he helped propel KRLA to the top. For a short while at least.

KHJ’s Boss Radio format came on in 1965 and quickly knocked both KRLA and KFWB down a few notches, but Hull’s show was the one that maintained its popularity throughout his tenure at the station. Hull even had a secret source for Beatles records inside Capitol Records, allowing KRLA to play Beatles singles before anyone else. Until KHJ sued, at least.

Throughout his career, Hull could be heard locally on KFI (640 AM), KGBS (now KTNQ, 1020 AM), KIQQ (now KKLQ, 100.3 FM); KMPC (now KSPN, 710 AM); KHJ (930 AM); KRTH (101.1 FM); and KIKF (now KEBN, 94.3 FM). His last on-air job was about 15 years at KWXY in Palm Springs, where he retired.