J. R. Richards
| J. R. Richards | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Robert Richards |
| Born |
April 30, 1967 Santa Barbara, CA, United States |
| Genres | Alternative rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Songwriter, Producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, keyboards, programming |
| Associated acts | Dishwalla |
John Robert "J. R." Richards (born April 30, 1967) is an American musician best known as the original lead singer/songwriter for alternative rock band Dishwalla. J.R. is now working as a Music Producer - Singer - Songwriter and is a featured Producer for the Music & Film Production Company Reid Richards Productions which was founded by his wife Min Reid in 2010. He has appeared in the films Almost Anything, 2:13 and Morning (which he also scored) and he guest starred on Charmed as himself. Dishwalla had a No. 1 hit in 1996 & 1997 with the Richards-penned Counting Blue Cars, famous for its "Tell me all your thoughts on God, 'cause I'd really like to meet Her" lyrics. J.R won a Billboard Music Award for Top Mainstream Rock Track of the Year. In addition to this he won two ASCAP Awards for both having the Most Performed Song of The Year. In 2013 The City of Los Angeles awarded J.R. a Proclamation for Dedication to Enhancing Lives of Families Living in Extreme Poverty for his work in El Salvador with 20k Watts (details below).
Dishwalla produced four other albums with J.R. Richards as lead singer and main songwriter, including the 2002 hit, "Opaline". After Dishwalla finished making its last album in 2005, bassist Scot Alexander left the band prior to touring. Dan Lavery from the band Tonic filled in for Scot during Dishwalla'a fourth album tour in 2005. Drummer Pete Maloney left the band end of 2005 leaving the band without a drummer, bass player or label. The band was unofficially broken up in 2006 with only one original member remaining. J.R left the band officially in 2008 even though at this point Dishwalla's last performance was in 2005. Dishwalla has since reformed in 2009 with a modified member list though Dishwalla has yet to release a record under the Dishwalla moniker since J.R. Richards left. JR has four children and is married to British Director / Producer Min Reid-Richards.
His debut solo album A Beautiful End was released in 2009, and debuted in the Top 50 on iTunes worldwide. In 2016 J.R. released his 2nd solo album Honore et Amore as well as an all acoustic album of songs JR wrote while in Dishwalla called Stripped.
In January 2011, J.R. created the 20k Watts project along with Leo and Ryan Rossi. 20k Watts is an Artist Eco Alliance which aims to bring sustainable clean energy to developing communities in need. To empower communities in impoverished areas using the sun, wind, and battery for storing and supplying electricity and enhancing the current and future quality of life.
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