John Legend Takes Over KCRW Airwaves for Special Christmas Guest DJ Set

Tuesday, December 24, at 10AM on Morning Becomes Eclectic

Santa Monica, CA (December 19, 2019) – Superstar John Legend dropped by the KCRW studios to talk with KCRW DJ Eric J. Lawrence about his love for Christmas music. Legend’s conversation and guest DJ set, during which he shares some of his favorite holiday tunes, airs Tuesday, December 24, at 10AM, on the station’s flagship music program, Morning Becomes Eclectic. 

“I love Christmas music. l’ve loved it since I was a kid.  It’s always been a huge part of our celebration, as a family,” explains Legend. He recalls Christmas Day at his grandmother’s house. After opening gifts and playing football in the yard, the celebration always ended with a gathering around the piano to sing Christmas tunes. To carry on this tradition, Legend released his own Christmas album in 2018 titled, A Legendary Christmas. Recorded with Raphael Saadiq at his studio in North Hollywood A Legendary Christmas includes new, original holiday tunes, and beloved covers of traditional Christmas songs.  “It put me in a good mood all last year and made me realize how much of a mood-enhancer Christmas music is.” The album was recently re-released as a deluxe edition featuring four additional tracks. 

Legend kicks-off his KCRW mood-enhancing set off with his version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” also featuring Esperanza Spalding.  Other songs included in his guest DJ set are Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas,” and Marvin Gaye’s “Purple Snowflakes.” 

To hear the full set, be sure to tune in to KCRW on Tuesday, December 24, at 10AM, or stream on demand at your own family celebrations, at kcrw.com.

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About KCRW
KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world. A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, San Luis Obispo, and Berlin, Germany, via the KCRW-developed smart phone app, and online at kcrw.com.

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KCRW Reveals Best of 2019; Top 10 Albums, Top 10 Songs, and Best New Artist plus Top Ten Albums of the Decade

Santa Monica, CA (December 5, 2019) – KCRW has revealed its Best of 2019, the coveted list of the year’s Top Ten Albums, Top Ten Songs, and Best New Artist. The annual Best Of recognizes the music and performances that caught KCRW DJs’ attention throughout the year. These artists continually innovate and inspire, while pushing culture forward.

KCRW has also revealed its picks for the Top Ten Albums of the Decade.  

Check it all out at the interactive and immersive KCRW Best of 2019 website, including personal picks for the Top Ten Albums of 2019 from each individual KCRW DJ. 

KCRW’s Top 10 Albums of 2019

1. Brittany Howard – Jaime
2. SAULT – 5
3. Thom Yorke – ANIMA
4. Men I Trust – Oncle Jazz 
5. Raphael Saadiq – Jimmy Lee 
6. Michael Kiwanuka – Kiwanuka
7. Automatic  – Signal 
8. Moon Boots – Bimini Road 
9. Angel Olsen – All Mirrors 
10. Helado Negro – This Is How You Smile 

KCRW’s Top 10 Songs of 2019

1. Yola – “Faraway Look”
2. Lizzo – “Juice”
3. Karen O & Danger Mouse – “Turn The Light”
4. Tame Impala – “Patience”
5. Sudan Archives – “Confessions”  
6. Amber Mark – “What If” 
7. Hot Chip – “Hungry Child” 
8. Jidenna – “Sufi Woman” 
9. Billie Eilish – “bad guy”
10. Anderson .Paak – “Twilight” 

2019 Best New Artist – Black Pumas

“From their incredible performance on Morning Becomes Eclectic, to headlining our Summer Nights series at KCRW HQ (along with sold-out and jam-packed houses all over LA), it’s obvious that Black Pumas’ infectious mix of funk, soul and bluesy-influenced rock has emerged as a crowd favorite,” stated KCRW DJ Raul Campos. “Their self-titled gem of an album flawlessly blends raw and uninhibited grooves with heartfelt, and even at times, gut-wrenching vocals. The powerful journey bobs and weaves through themes of the struggles, and tribulations of life, to an uplifting vision of what humanity can be.” 

As KCRW’s 2019 pick for Best New Artist, Black Pumas join Rosalía, Anderson .Paak, and Tom Misch, who have also received this distinguished KCRW endorsement in recent years.

ALBUMS OF THE DECADE (in alphabetical order)

• Adele – 21 
• Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color 
• Anderson .Paak – Malibu 
• Frank Ocean – Blonde 
• Kamasi Washington – The Epic
• Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly 
• LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening 
• Solange – A Seat at the Table 
• Tame Impala – Currents 
• The War On Drugs – Lost in the Dream

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About KCRW
KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world. A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, San Luis Obispo, and Berlin, Germany, via the KCRW-developed smart phone app, and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
YouTube | youtube.com/user/kcrw