DICK WITTINGHILL

Dick Whittinghill

Born in Montana in 1913, Dick Whittinghill would become the top-rated disc jockey in Southern California, earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a statue in the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Whittinghill toured with Tommy Dorsey’s big band as a singer in the 1930s before serving as an Army lieutenant during World War II where he spun records for the Armed Forces Radio Network. After working on the air at KPFA/Helena, Montana he moved to the Los Angeles area and worked briefly at KIEV and KGFJ. However, it was his time as a disc jockey at KMPC/Los Angeles that made him a star.

Between 1950 to 1979, Whittinghill ruled the Southern California airwaves. He was witty and brash with a talent for double entendres and an extensive knowledge of music. Depending on the issue, he could be unapologetically liberal or unabashedly conservative.

After retiring in 1979, Whittinghill attempted a comeback at KPRZ/Los Angeles in 1982, but never achieved the success he enjoyed at KMPC. His legacy was secured though as several generations of Californians began their day by being “Whittinghilled.”

Dick Whittinghill died on January 24, 2001.

Dick Whittinghill was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2008.

Photograph courtesy of Photofest.
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