This show gave a platform, recording resources, and eventually compilation CD exposure to bands such as the Dixie Chicks.
In the 1990s, Chris Douridas became known as the host of KCRW's daily three-hour new music program, Morning Becomes Eclectic, bringing a personal character to the show.
Perhaps Douridas' greatest contribution to the station was his hiring of most of the on air staff including Liza Richardson (a former colleague at Dallas' KERA), Jason Bentley (formerly of KXLU, and former music director/host of "Morning Becomes Eclectic"), Garth Trinidad, Anne Litt (current music director), Gary Calamar, Kevin Ponthier (a former colleague at his college station, KNTU), and Tricia Halloran.
Halloran recently left the station and is a Hum in Santa Monica, CA staff music supervisor.
On the occasion of the 2016 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the channel staged an All-Coachella programming event on April 14–17, 21-24.
In the late 1990s, Douridas was an A&R executive for DreamWorks Records, the label started by David Geffen, Mo Ostin and Lenny Waronker.
While there, he brought in the bands the Eels and Propellerheads, and produced the Grammy nominated soundtracks for American Beauty and Shrek 2.
Lavie also contributed an original song for the 2008 Andrew Adamson film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, which Douridas was consulting on.
The inaugural evening featured live performances from Dawes, The Like and a DJ set from fellow KCRW host Anne Litt.
To date, the series has featured the US debuts of London Grammar,[10] Michael Kiwanuka, Chet Faker, Liam Bailey, and Katy B, among others, and the LA debuts of Years and Years, James Bay (singer), The Naked and Famous, Two Door Cinema Club, Wolf Alice, Alt-J, Twin Shadow, Frances (musician), Maximum Balloon, Tom Odell, Villagers, and MNDR.
Additionally, the night often hosts surprise appearances from iconic artists as well, with past appearances by Moby, Ben Folds, Chrissie Hynde, Miguel (singer), Florence and the Machine, Daniel Lanois, Brett Dennen, Vanessa Carlton with Stevie Nicks, Lucinda Williams, Rickie Lee Jones,[11] Neil Finn, Matisyahu and Kimbra.
Douridas hosted the inaugural season of Sessions at West 54th, a live interview and performance series on PBS.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney awaited toxicology results before deciding whether to file charges.
[14] On April 30, 2006, Douridas' only daughter died in a drowning accident while having a seizure while bathing in the bathtub at her family's home in South Pasadena.