Cover photo for Brian Keith Adams's Obituary
1964 Brian Keith Adams "Slacker" 2024

Brian Keith Adams

November 23, 1964 — April 17, 2024

Kansas City, MO

Brian Adams has passed away.

The popular, larger-than-life persona known as "Slacker" on morning radio, signed off with this message to his family, friends and fans:

I truly do not believe that this cancer that snuck up on me last spring was a curse, or a punishment, but rather a wonderful blessing from God. It gave me the ability to recognize that every day is a gift; every day is a chance to tell those you love your feelings.

I've had wonderful parents who gave me a base to begin my life, a family that has surrounded me through its entirety, so many friends I've met along the way. I've had the chance to fall in love, meet special people who have been enjoyable chapters in my book of life. I've had the chance to travel, to experience so much, to have an amazing career in broadcasting that has given me the opportunity to touch so many lives!

But most importantly, God blessed me with the most amazing wife, best friend and lover I could ever have! She has been a rock through this entire journey, and as we've gone through life together, my truest and best friend. I love you Jennifer Adams!

I would not have known the miracle of being a father were it not for my Jennifer. At the end of the trail, quantifying our real successes in this world is not easy, but clearly my greatest success and joy has been my daughter, Brianna. She has a great soul, a kind soul; she's beautiful inside and out, and I love her so deeply.

Thanks to everyone who has loved me, tolerated me, forgiven me, and supported me throughout this dark but enlightening journey. Love to you all!

Brian was born in KC to parents Jerry and Carol Adams and grew up outside of Parkville, where he enjoyed what he said was "a great childhood," riding bikes, catching crawdads, collecting baseball cards, playing on the pinball machine at the neighborhood convenience store, and "doing stupid stuff with my friends."

After graduating from Park Hill School, Brian worked many an odd job before learning to channel his strong (i.e., loud) voice and sense of humor (twisted) into a microphone. He began his radio career as an intern and late night DJ at KY-102 in 1992. In 2008, "Slacker" joined 101 the Fox and worked his way up from a fill-in jock to KC's #1 morning show host for many years running.

"I absolutely fell in love with radio," he said. "I got to meet and interview so many amazing people, from great chefs to Tom Petty, to Keith Richards and Sheryl Crow, and got to talk with them intimately, if just for a moment. And I was blessed to be able to call my listeners, 'friends.'"

Brian enjoyed riding his Harley on the back roads of South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. He loved sharing and sipping top-shelf bourbons, telling bad jokes, mimicking his friend's voices, emceeing for good causes, and finding cars for people who needed them.

Brian leaves behind his parents, Jerry and Carol Adams; a brother, Brad; and the loves of his life, wife Jennifer Adams, and daughter, Brianna ("Bri") Adams.

Services for Brian will be private.


In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brianna Adam's educational fund.

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