The Real Don Steele was known for his charismatic personality and distinctive voice, but he was much more than just a radio DJ. Born Donald Steele Revert on April 1, 1936, in Hollywood, California, he grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He also had a passion for performing and started singing and acting in high school.
After graduating from Hollywood High School in 1954, Steele attended Pierce College before joining the Army Reserve. He then began his radio career in 1958 at KUTE in Los Angeles, where he developed his signature fast-talking style.
Steele went on to work at several Los Angeles radio stations, including KRLA, where he hosted the morning show and helped to launch the careers of several young musicians. He also appeared in several movies, including "Rock Around the Clock" and "The T.A.M.I. Show," and hosted a dance show called "9th Street West."
In 1964, Steele joined KHJ (930 AM), one of Los Angeles' most popular radio stations, and became one of the station's most popular and influential DJs. He hosted the afternoon drive-time show and was known for his high-energy, fast-talking style, as well as his catchphrases like "The Real Don Steele, lovin' life, and lovin' you!
Steele's popularity continued to grow throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and he became a fixture in the Los Angeles music and entertainment scene. He was a regular at the Sunset Strip clubs and was friends with many of the top musicians of the era, including Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.
In addition to his radio work, Steele also appeared in several television shows, including "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Batman," and did voiceover work for commercials and cartoons.
Steele's career spanned several decades, and he remained a beloved and influential figure in the Los Angeles music and radio scene until his death in 1997. He was posthumously inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2014.
The Real Don Steele was more than just a radio DJ; he was a larger-than-life personality who left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles entertainment scene. His charisma, energy, and passion for music and performance made him a beloved figure to his fans and colleagues alike.
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The Real Don Steele was known for his flamboyant personality and energetic on-air persona, but he also had a personal life that was just as interesting. Born Donald Steele Revert in 1936 in Hollywood, California, he grew up in a showbiz family. His mother was a former dancer and his father was a publicist and agent for actors like Clark Gable and Joan Crawford.
Steele attended Hollywood High School and later served in the Navy before beginning his broadcasting career in the early 1960s. He quickly rose to fame as a DJ at legendary Los Angeles radio stations like KFWB and KHJ, where he became one of the most popular and influential DJs of his time.
In addition to his radio work, Steele also made a name for himself as a voice actor and appeared in several films and TV shows, including "Rock 'n' Roll High School" and "Gremlins." He even released a few novelty records, including "The All-American Boy" and "Where's The School?" which both became hits in the Los Angeles area.
But despite his success, Steele struggled with personal demons and substance abuse throughout his life. He was married multiple times and had several children, but his marriages often ended in divorce. He was also arrested several times for drug and alcohol-related offenses.
Despite these challenges, Steele remained a beloved figure in the world of radio and entertainment. He continued to work as a DJ until his death in 1997, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and memorable personalities in the history of Los Angeles radio.