Morgan Rhodes

Morgan Rhodes

Host of Morgan Rhodes (formerly The Playground)

Morgan Rhodes’ cell phone voicemail blares James Brown’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” a flying flag of her dedication to funk and soul that is displayed even better in her late night sets on KCRW’s airwaves. Morgan is an “Air Force kid” who spent part of her childhood in the UK and then settled in Los Angeles.  Her parents were both music collectors, exposing her young ears to rare grooves, jazz fusion, and funk. Morgan fell in love with dance music on her own and found a place to listen to it in 1997 when a friend suggested she tune into Jason Bentley’s Metropolis. She became a volunteer on his show, as well as Garth Trinidad’s Chocolate City, initially hoping to hop on the mic to attract commercial voiceover work. But a few radio classes and an internet radio show later and she was hooked.

"Jason and Garth are two beautifully individual variations on one theme:  playing music that feels good.  They've given me a real desire to connect with the audience, instead of just playing what I like, said Rhodes. “My goal for the show is to offer listeners musical respite that's both adventurous and freeing, because that's what KCRW has given me throughout the years.”

Soul music with beats and breaks will be the core of the show. Morgan is also set on providing a feminine perspective, drawing attention to the women who drive dance music.  While not at KCRW, Morgan works at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment as a photo editor/archivist.

Morgan Rhodes on KCRW

Legendary DJ/crate-digger Cut Chemist professes his love for Cymande’s 1972 self-titled debut.

S1 Bonus - Reissue: Heat Rocks - Cymande

Legendary DJ/crate-digger Cut Chemist professes his love for Cymande’s 1972 self-titled debut.

from Lost Notes

America's entire Air Combat Command will stand down tomorrow.
Investigators want to know why a B-52 was loaded and flown with nuclear
missiles for the first time in 40 years. That…

Shades of the Cold War...and Doctor Strangelove

America's entire Air Combat Command will stand down tomorrow. Investigators want to know why a B-52 was loaded and flown with nuclear missiles for the first time in 40 years. That…

from To the Point

More from KCRW

You’ve heard of ballroom dancing? Tuxedos, waltz music — forget all that. Queer “ballroom” is raw, edgy, and gritty. Balls are popping up all over LA.

from KCRW Features

Sharon Van Etten returns to KCRW with her new band The Attachment Theory for an extended and invigorating performance of songs from their self-titled LP.

from Live From

What does “America First” mean when it comes to U.S. plans for Iran? The business community puts pressure on immigration policy.

from Left, Right & Center

Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s whirlwind bromance comes to an end. Plus, why are Israel and the UN at odds over a new humanitarian aid group in Gaza?

from Left, Right & Center

The Hollywood Fringe Festival , now 15 years old, is LA's largest performance art celebration featuring hundreds of unique shows throughout the city.

from KCRW Features

The Getty Center’s latest exhibit explores how photos of the U.S. and international queer community have evolved and shifted the public's perception.

from KCRW Features

The latest film releases include From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, Dangerous Animals, Predator: Killer of Killers, and The Life of Chuck.

from Weekend Film Reviews

Huntington Park Mayor Arturo Flores talks about the immigration raids in his city and decries the use of the National Guard and U.S. Marines amid protests.

from KCRW Features

The Santa Ana City Council is meeting to discuss proposals aimed at federal immigration enforcement.

from KCRW Features