On February 4th, 2012, we were devastated to learn that our co-worker, Program Director, longtime family member and faithful friend, David Hall, had passed away.
David’s steadfast professionalism and charm were hallmarks of his time at the helm of Lightning 100. He was THE face and THE voice of Nashville rock radio and Lightning 100, spanning decades at the microphone. He was a fierce advocate of many Nashville artists you hear on Lightning 100, a role which he relished as “David Hall Rocks Y’all,” every weekday afternoon. He brought them to Nashville radio and the rest of the world via live broadcast and the internet every Sunday with Nashville Sunday Night. In local music, David championed everyone from Jason & the Scorchers in the 80’s, The Evinrudes and Leigh Nash in the 1990s, to Gabe Dixon and Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, in 2012.
Prior to his work at Lightning 100, Nashville radio listeners knew David, a Kentucky native, from his years at WKDF-FM, which was one of the south’s legendary rock stations during his employment there, from 1980 -1988. David also broadcast as part of the 1988 -1993 line-up at Classic Rock WGFX “The Fox,” before coming to Lightning 100.In the coming days we will mourn the loss of our loyal friend and celebrate his life and contributions to the Nashville music scene.
Related Lightning 100 posts:
When I needed advice regarding leaving college radio for commercial radio, David took the time to reply and gave good advice with honesty. I always appreciated what he did.
I have lived in Nashville since 2000 and I have been a longtime listener . I LOVE David Hall , HE is what made Nashville Sunday NIghts and everything in between. Its still kinda strange to listen now in the afternoon/evenings and he not be on. ” David Hall Rocks Y’all !!”
I was so shocked and saddened to hear this today. Sending condolences to his family, his colleagues, and his listeners. He will be missed.
I always enjoyed hearing David Hall on the radio. His kind, calm and comforting voice as well as his insightful music thoughts and interviews always made my day.
I have been listening to David since KDF days. He didn’t need to say his name as his voice got your attention immediately. I will miss listening to such a treaure we had in Nashville and beyond. RIP
Such a long time has gone by since WKDF. David was there playing the theme music while I made my herstory. Thanks Dave for helping to create my moments and memories, Sherry
Dave Hall, been listening and sparing with you via email for years! Rock on, Dude. You will be remembered and missed by us all who first heard you on KDF….oh, those were the days!
Lightening 100, Thank you for honoring David the way you are and keeping his voice on Lightening 100. It gives me confort to hear his voice.
Without David Hall, Music City will always be just a little bit out of tune from now on…
I would not buy a car if the radio wouldn’t play lightning 100.
i would like to know what happened to david? he was pretty young and i remember him from his days at wkdf. wow ill miss him. godspeed dave!
Wow! I’m at a loss for words. I moved to Nashville in 1980 from England and David defined my youth. Even after I moved to D.C. he remained one of the great things about coming back to see my family. When I drove home, as soon as I was in range I’d turn on Radio Lightning and hope he was on. He was a champion of the very best Nashville has to offer and though I never met him, I feel like he’s one of my closest friends.
My deepest condolences to his family.
I’m sad to hear this news. He will be missed!
David was a dear friend of mine, and I loved him deep in my heart. He will never be forgotten as long as I am alive. I do remember whenever he smiled the whole room would light up, that’s how real it was, how real he was. He was very caring, concerned, loving, tender, and always gracious, the perfect gentleman.
I met him when he worked at KDF Radio in Nashville. (Long ago) We had so much fun together. He introduced me to the rock world, taking me to concerts and getting us backstage to meet the bands. It got where he got us backstage and I got us invited to the party where the bands were going. Too much fun, too many memories. David you will be so missed but know you will always remain in my heart today and always.
I grew up listening to David Hall on KDF and have remained a fan of his throughout his career in Nashville. I will really miss you David Hall. You were one of the best.
David was an incredibly, genuinely kind, wonderful person. It is hard to picture him in my mind without a smile. He is going to be missed. This makes me so sad!
David was an incredibly, genuinely kind, wonderful person. It is hard to picture him in my mind without a smile. He is going to be missed. This makes me so sad!
You were a gem…I remember riding the bus to Memphis on a trip to see John Fogerty and Bonnie Raitt @ Mud Island…you were a gem of a person to get to hang out with and that is a rock moment I will truly treasure…glad I had the opportunity to hang out with you…those that were able to work with you were blessed, I am sure. Prayers to you and your family. Peace
David Hall will be greatly missed……David Hall Rocks Y’all in Heaven!
We’re saddened to hear of your loss. Our hearts are with your team during this tough time.
Josh Strickland, PD
WOXL-FM/HD2 Asheville NC
David Hall Rocks Yall……, his voice will remain in my head and heart even though he is no longer here with us. My deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones. Bless you David Hall for the music, moments, and happiness you brought to others. Thank you for sharing, thank you for caring. Rest in peace. Will still look forward to my Lightning 100 Survey I always received…, keep it alive for David as this was important to him.
David was my 2nd cousin…I’ve known him for years. I was in high school in the 80′s and loved telling my friends he was a DJ in Nashville. That was too cool!!! I miss you cuz…I hope you find the peace you were looking for. The world will be a lot different without you!!! Love you!
You are already so missed dear heart. I hope you sre seeing how many people are loving and missing you. I can see that smile right now. You would be beaming. You so deserve all this love and admiration. Happy Trails darling…
David was warm, receptive, and caring. I’ve searched my memory. I can’t remember a time he lost his cool. Or, anyone who could say harsh word one about him. I’m keeping all my FM100 family of friends in my thoughts, especially Trish, Fred, Nadine, Jason, Leslie, Keith, Mary and Lester. I’m also thinking about everyone there in the early days, especially Barbara, Rusty, Pat, John, James, Bob (&Annn Marie), Heather, Melissa, Kat, Adam and Ned. Love and Kisses
I moved to Nashville 14 years ago. The adjustment from the big city to the small town was educational to say the least. Over the years Nashville has grown and one welcome constant has been Lighting 100. Upon leaving Chicago I was comforted by the similiarity between Lighting 100 and Chicago’s XRT. The formats are identical which lead me to believe they were sister stations. David Hall was the voice I welcomed, relied upon, and looked forward to hearing every afternoon. Nashville has lost a great rock-n-roller. Long live rock, long live Lighting 100.
I am so saddened to hear of David’s passing. He was my running buddy at ‘KDF during those halcyon days of rock radio. A wonderful man and the consummate pro.
Best David story: He had never been to Mary’s BBQ on Jefferson Street, so we set out for lunch prior to David’s 1PM airshift. I suggested we each get a rib sandwich. We hustle back to the station, I go to my office, David to the studio. He calls me and says, “Hey, man…careful with that sandwich. There are BONES in there.”
Rock on, my dear friend.
I will miss hearing David Hall every afternoon. As many I go back to the KDF days. Enjoyed listening to him each day.
David Hall was the coolest guy in nashville. When I first moved here and didn’t know many people I would listen to his show afterwork and knew I made the right decision. He felt like a real friend. I talked to him at 3 rd and Lindsley after nashville Sunday nights and I could tell he was sincere and genuinely cared. Music city will never sound the same.
So sorry to hear that, will really miss him. He’s been keeping me company in the car for so many years, and I can’t believe he’s gone. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.
What a soothing voice, he will be missed. Condolences to his family, RIP my friend…
you will be sorely missed in this city! I’ve enjoyed your voice since KDF days and thank you for MAKING 100 what it is.
I miss you David Hall it is very hard to put in words.
You inspire me to move forward interviewing bands and making dreams come true through radio.
A great loss to the community, fondly remember his early days with KDF. His voice was so soothing, he will be missed. RIP my friend…
David was always a big champion for my band Lowen & Navarro, throughout the 90′s and 00′s, whether we were on a major label, independent label or our own label. He played our records, sponsored our shows and hug out with us whenever we came to town. He was a smart programmer, a serious music head and a great guy. I’ll miss his enormously. RIP buddy.
Some day I’ll be leavin’/ but I just can’t help believin’ that it’s not today
Wish you were still earthbound, David
R.I.P my old friend. I have lots of memories from working concerts back in the day and of our pre and post concert escapades. David was usually there representing the radio station. More than once did we hit the town with the bands after their show…always good fun with ya buddy. We have lost a true icon of the Nashville music scene…and a great human being.
I have been listening to David since 1980. I loved him on kdf and talked to him many times when I won albums on his Top 5 at 5 on weekdays. When I heard he was on WRLT I started listening immediately.
Sure going to miss you David.
My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family and friends.
Thanks for playing the tunes I grew up listening to on KDF….thanks again for rocking y’all…
one of our highlights was David introducing us on Sunday night at 3rd and Lindsley. I had listened to him do that show so many times before and always imagined him introducing us- He will be very missed in Nashville
Music city should lower all the spot lights this week. David Hall was Lightening 100 to me, to so many of us. He was host to a musical treat every Sunday Nights at 3rd and Lindsley. I don’t know how to think about the station or the music scene without him. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends and co-workers, and the musicians and music community who knew and loved him. In addition to all that love, there are not many men who have also brought so much joy to so many people they will never even meet. Thanks David.