John Richards

For Kelly KEXP literally showed me it is possible to find healing after 30 years of depression. Therapy and meds never connected me to my emotions. KEXP did. Mental health is no joke and I am grateful to still be here. It is a daily struggle to choose happiness. And KEXP reminds me every day I am worth it. Thanks Kelly!

Rozlyn writes: Back in 2020 I found out I was pregnant and was very unsure what to do. That day I was listening to John in the Morning and he had just played a great set of music; Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog, then the audio clip of ‘Full on Double Rainbow’ then Somewhere over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. I cried and laughed the whole set and reached out via text to John/KEXP saying ‘I just found out I’m pregnant and don’t know what to do but after this set of music I know I’ll be ok’. I’m aware of how many messages John receives on the morning show so I was shocked that he immediately responded to my text, saying; ‘it’ll all work out. You’ll be ok. You’re not alone.’ I was so touched that he took the time to respond. It was a perfect set of music and a beautiful thoughtful response. Now my lovely daughter and I listen to KEXP together and John continues to create amazing sets of music that still often make me laugh and cry. KEXP and its DJs are amazing, real, beautiful and here for the listeners. That’s why I am an amplifier. Thank you Rozlyn!

A perfect pairing for Rozlyn

For Stewart in Bothell: "I love how every time I turn on KEXP, I hear something that I haven't heard before. I am proud to be from a city that has a station that supports artists that wouldn't get air time anywhere else. Please keep providing a platform for so many deserving artists. I hope to listen as much as possible on the 17th but we will be helping our daughter Sophia move into school for her freshman year of college. Maybe you can play Tom Petty's Wildflowers in her honor. Thank you!" Thank YOU! And good luck with school Sophia!

For Matt in Oak Park, IL "The story of our family, Matt, Pam Meredith (15), Jane (12) and Andrew (12) and KEXP isn’t unique. Matt and Pam have been listeners and donors off and on for nearly 20 years and Amplifiers for five. Our kids have grown up discovering music through KEXP, geeking out on goth day, dancing to the Friday Song and even had John bless a newfound family tradition of Beastie Boys Thursday. But during the pandemic we all doubled down on music. We won’t say it kept us sane, that’s a really high bar, but music kept us sane-r than we would have been otherwise, leading us to up our monthly pledge. We’d love to hear Bowie’s Starman, a song all the kids agree on and an artist the whole family loves. We know it can’t be easy being John in the Morning every morning. But we love the community that we get to be part of, and the music that inspires it. That’s why we’re proud to amplify KEXP virtually here in Oak Park." Thank you Matt! It sounds like your family has great taste in music!

For Randy Cleveland, Ohio "To have many moons ago found, lived with and loved KEXP, and then sometime later to have the welcome opportunity as a single father living in the heartland to share the profound joy of my ‘discovery’ with my toddler daughter Nora, now 26 years old and herself a KEXP Amplifier, makes me a Lucky Man indeed. Thank you, KEXP." Thank you Randy and Nora!

For Angela in Pasco, WA THANK YOU for your support!

For Ana and Thomas "Hey John , Owen and dream team! Sorry so late .. we've been amplifiers for years and supporters since KCMU days. It's our anniversary today. So stars aligned with amplifier appreciation day and we would love built to spills "car" in honor of 21 amazing years! Love , Anna and teacher Thomas!" Thanks Ana and Thomas and congratulations on 21 years!

For Ben "I'm pretty late to the Amplifiers request process, but I thought I'd try my luck. KEXP has left - and continues to leave - an indelible make on my life. No song more effectively captures the spirit and power of the "you are not alone" theme than does 'Hello in There' by the late, great John Prine. But, maybe that's just me. If you're able, please squeeze it in. Make your day amazing. xo, ben / west Seattle" Thank you Ben!

"Hi! I’ve amplified for a few years now and love what KEXP provides in terms of music and community. I am listening as I get my twin son and daughter ready for daycare. There were some tough times when my wife was pregnant, and I remember one morning when John played Sturgill Simpson’s cover of “The Promise” followed by When In Rome’s original, and I recall holding back tears as we danced. If you can, would you please play Simpson’s cover, if not the original as well, KEXP means a lot to me because of the way you all are aware of the power of art to stir emotions, create memories, and build community. You are stewards of that power and wield it wisely at a time when most other stations opt solely to focus on the commercial aspect, and for that I’m grateful. Thanks, Colin in West Seattle" Thank you Colin!

Another one for Colin, also the rules do state we must play this original version after the Sturgill Simpson verse.

Thank you Nelle, Haley and Jay! "John! Happy Thursday! We are so excited for the mural show this evening! We are such big Deep Sea Diver fans! We saw them open for Tegan and Sara last night at Pioneer Square in Portland, and today we're going to drive 3 hours to see them again to night. Is there anyway you could play one of their songs? Your friends and proud amplifiers in Portland - Nelle, Haley and Jay" And catch Deep Sea Diver tonight live at the Mural with La Fonda & DJ Kennady Quille!

For Zack, thank you Zack! Check out the Live Video from Regina Spektor's 2017 KEXP In-Studio: bit.ly.

"I have been listening to KEXP since I moved to Seattle in 1998 at the age of 18 (boy what a great time to live in Seattle!!) I now live in Oakland and work as a Mental Health Nurse providing care to the mentally unwell in the community in the East Bay including outreach to many who are unhoused or marginally housed. The work can take its toll on my own mental health, and KEXP helps me get through it every day, and even inspires me to provide the best care I can. Being an amplifier and supporting all the work KEXP does makes me happy every month I see my contribution go through. (And have been happily sporting my KEXP trucker hat). Have been an amplifier for years now, and hope to continue for years to come. Request? How about Just Breathe by Pearl Jam? Thanks!!! Bryan" Thank YOU Bryan!

"Good morning John and Morning Show Dream Team, Thank you for showing up each day and providing us with the soundtrack to get through the morning. I personally cannot thank you enough for all of the amazing music I have discovered from the station and the sense of community over the years. Whenever I wear my KEXP t-shirts out here, it is always a conversation starter--from musicians, to fellow PW NWers, to your live sessions. :) If you could squeeze in "If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out," it always makes me happy. I just love that I can request such a song! -Kara in Boston" Thank you Kara!

"I've lived in Seattle basically my whole life, and only discovered kexp like 5-6 years ago somehow. Now it's on from morning till night most days. I've learned so much more about music and community from you all. My amplifier gift is by far the best money spent each month. I'm happy to know my son Charlie will get to know kexp for his whole life. Would you please play ooh la la by Faces for me, since I really wish I knew about kexp when I was younger! Brian in Kent" Thank you Brian!

"I’m going to see the Old 97’s in Chicago this weekend, I’d love to hear something of the DJs choosing from them. Thanks for putting together a radio station I’m proud to help amplify. All the best -Rian from Portland (but in Chicago)" Thanks Rian and enjoy the show!

"Could you play some Cracker at some point today? I'll get to see them tomorrow night in DC, where I'll be dropping my daughter off at college. Thanks, Peter (Amplifier)" Thank you Peter, enjoy the show!

"Good morning John! I’m a long time amplifier from West Seattle and I’m spending the next couple hours getting ready for a trip to Michigan for my niece’s wedding. Would LOVE to hear Summer Wind by old blue eyes! Appreciatively, Nancy" Thanks Nancy!

"John and Henry, I think Henry was DJ a couple of days ago and played a cover of "Heaven." I'd like to hear Heaven by Psychedelic Furs Go KEXP! Darrel Gold Club" Thanks Darrel!

"I have been a big supporter of KEXP in every respect for around 6 or 7 yrs, but only was able to become an Amplifier around 3 yrs ago. It's some of the most worthwhile money I donate each month. I truly believe in all you do for Seattle and the world community that you all have created. The music, the DJs, the listeners.. we are all in this together. Life isn't easy, but we do have each other & we have everyone's backs. You are not alone. We live by that mantra. If you could play Wolf Alice's Bros, I think that's a pretty apt song for today. I love you guys. Keep up the excellent work & we'll be listening. Chad in Detroit" Thank you Chad!

"I have battled depression my entire life and am in the throes of a deep depressive state. This downturn has been rougher than usual, though your show and KEXP keep me going during the day, I appreciate all you do as well as the love and support for the morning faithful. You've been there for me for almost 20 years and it means a lot to me. I've been a supporter/amplifier for years and my contributions are minuscule compared to what I have reaped from the station. Thanks for everything. If it fits today I would love to hear the IDLES song Colossus. It provides a bit of a lift during these tough times. Much love and respect, Jason from Columbia SC" Thank you Jason and you are not alone!

"Good morning!! Sam the Amplifier here! So many songs, I love them all, but one global song that makes EVERYONE smile & touch. sweet Caroline by good old Mr. Diamond. Music, it saves me every single day and if my support helps save someone that can’t afford it, my mission on this earth is complete. Thank you, my KEXP family - sending so much love!! Sam in Auburn" Thank you Sam!

For Dave "I stumbled upon KEXP in August of 2018 while looking for some music to listen to using Youtube. I was looking for Simian Mobile Disco and up popped an "In Studio" session at KEXP. I had never heard of KEXP but was intrigued by it. So I found KEXP online and started listening to John in the morning, Cheryl in the afternoon, Abbie on Wednesday mornings, Atticus on Friday's. The music was all over the place, any genre, any era. I was hooked. Then I kept hearing about this thing called an Amplifier. I knew I had to become one. The diversity of the music, the diversity of the "on air" personalities, interacting with live DJs in real time can't be beat. I'm proud to be an Amplifier." Thank you Dave!

"Hi John, I’ve been listening to you and KEXP since I first found the streaming link in 2000, while I was living in Winnipeg, MB, Canada. I have been non-stop streaming KEXP from the various places I’ve lived, ever since then. I supported the station now and then, but when you first offered the Amplifier, I signed up and haven’t stopped. Your personal shift towards sharing your life and experiences with us is one of the big things that makes KEXP different. During the years I lived in Germany, I would sometimes feel lonely, but you and the station were always there. One time while hiking up to the Palace in Heidelberg German, I emailed and made a request for U2, Bad (live). You stopped the set you were in the middle of and said, "sometimes you need to call an audible” and put the song on for the to help with my climb. It’s little moments like that where you have a big impact. I’d like to request U2, Bad (live) in honor of that moment. Thank you for all that you and the staff at KEXP do. Clint from St Paul, MN." Thank you Clint!

"Hi! I would like to request Kishi Bashi’s version of ‘This Must Be The Place’ from his 7’ Singles collection, if you have it. Today, my partner Margaret and I are eloping, and this song and artist are pretty important to us. I became an amplifier 12 years ago, shortly after moving to Seattle. I was pulling into town after a 7 day drive across the country scanning the radio for local stations with good music. I can’t remember what Cheryl was playing, but it was a long stretch of perfect songs (as she usually does) and I was hooked. I’ve love this station ever since. Your amazing collection of DJs have opened my ears to so much and I can never thank you enough. Thanks you all for what you do. Here is to another year of joy in the form of music. Best, Scott" Thank you Scott!

"Wow, going for the tearjerkers this morning! I’m cleaning my family cabin in Michigan, driving to Arizona tomorrow. Longtime supporter. Yall rock. Talking Heads Naive Melody sure rounds out any love set. Or taking it in a new direction with ‘Me Myself and I’ by De La Soul Blair" Thank you Blair, how about both!

"Good morning We’d love to request Hopeful by ODESZA. We amplify because we love the tradition that is listening to KEXP every morning. Our 7 year old has listened every morning and has a great love of the variety of music played! Thanks for what you do. Sincerely Amy Gary and Maple" Thank you Amy Gary and Maple! ================== "Good morning John, I have been an amplifier for a few years now and was part of your Covid Life on Mars Record Club. I just want to say thank you for you and your positivity for all of us dealing with addictions & mental health struggles. You brighten my every morning! I would love to hear Hopeful by Odesza, because we all are everyday! YOU are loved and appreciated! 😊 Sincerely, Julie" Thank you, Julie!

"Good morning and happy Amplifiers Love Day! KEXP was my companion all through grad school and now accompanies me on my commute to the job I got with my education. :) I especially love that DJs like Sharlese and Abbie share my taste in the dark side of music. I would love it if you all played one of these tracks today: "Willow" -Blackwater Holylight (PNW all-women band!) "A Forest" -The Cure "I/m Not Here {missing face]" -The Twilight Sad Thanks, and have a great day! -Sonja, West Seattle" Thank you Sonja!

"Amplifier here! My name is Kristina from Seattle and I support KEXP because I love the variety and new music that I discover. The KEXP sessions have the best audio and I get to watch and listen to my favorite artists at their best. Thanks for everything. I would like to request Yeah Yeah Yeah's "Hysteric" it was my wedding song! Or Built to Spill "Carry the Zero" . Whichever flows best :)" Thank you Kristina, we appreciate you!

"It's a miiiia, Freya in Mpls, it's a my birthday 🥳 Could you please play "Step Out" by José Gonzales? And please shout out my friend Joel from Seattle who shared with me the Gospel of KEXP 😁 Also I am an amplifier and the Music Heals days have helped me navigate the myriad emotions of grief after my son Mitchell's death in March of 2021. The morning of his memorial, my friend Joel said How can I help? and I said Can you send me a playlist of songs from a Death and Music or Music Heals show? Just what I needed. 💚💚Thank you to all you glorious rascals over there 💚💚" Thank you Mia! We 💚 you!

"When I moved here in the early 90's I came across KCMU, instant connection and Saturdays mornings became a family institution. Now it's a daily affair, at home, work, car & bike! KEXP has enhanced my life & proud to support. My request song is "you're my best friend " by Queen. For my 14 year old Schnoodle, Marshmallow. I've had other dogs before, but she is truly a special soul. I'm grateful for the love unconditional love she & KEXP give. -Rake Amplifying from Mars Hill, NC" Thank you and Marshmallow!

"Hey John, Owen, Heney, and the rest of the KEXP crew! I discovered KEXP about 15 years ago when a friend introduced me to the station. Not long after that I started donating regularly, and a few years ago, I became an official Amplifier. KEXP has been a special part of my life from that start. It gets me though many tedious and dull workdays. It picks me up when I am feeling blue. It was my constant when I spent a couple of months traveling in Iceland. It was a common thread amongst friends when we were locked down at home during covid. We would all be listing and then chatting about the music over a Slack channel. It was a community within a community. One time that particularly sticks out was when I was in Iceland in 2021. I was staying in Akureyri and got sick. not knowing if I had covid (testing was not an easy task at that point out in north Iceland) so I locked myself into my room for 5 days until I felt better. Feeling quite lonely and detached in my small room, I started listening to Larry's OG Thursday featuring The Pharcyde (mind you, it was about 10pm Iceland time). I texted a friend back home who I knew would love this show and we listened together from two different continents and it brought me back to good times. We listened to the whole show and chatted all night. I really needed that and it was all because of KEXP. There is so much love of the music and the community that has been built around it feeds off that. I am proud to be an Amplifier and do what I can to support this community. Thank you for all you do and for keeping us from being alone. Would you play something from either Sigur Ros (who we saw live in NYC last night) or something old from New Order, one of my absolute favorites, because there are not many stations left that will play either, let alone both, of those artists. Let's do it because we can. Thank you KEXP! We are not alone (because we are always listening!) - Matt in Brooklyn" Thank you Matt!

Thank you so much to all our amplifiers for making days like today and everyday possible at KEXP!