deesign/Richard Thompson/Amnesty International

Richard Thompson has been writing and recording songs for more than a quarter century -- beginning with the folk-rock ensemble Fairport Convention, continuing through a series of acclaimed duo albums with Linda Thompson and culminating in his most recent CD, You?Me?Us? (Capitol). The songwriter-guitarist has never made the Top 40 and, given the often serious undertones of his writing, he says he doesn't really expect to. Still, he continues to tour extensively (in February and March he will play concerts in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii). And such artists as Elvis Costello, John Mellencamp, R.E.M. and David Byrne, among many others, have paid tribute to him with cover versions of his songs.

Over the years, Thompson has earned a reputation for consistency and innovation across musical genres, blending the lyrical power of traditional ballads and blues with the punch of rock and roll. In the process, he has also built a worldwide following of fiercely devoted fans. In 1994, a group of those fans approached Thompson with a proposal to produce T-shirts in his honor, sell them through the Internet and donate the proceeds to a worthy cause. After Thompson gave his consent to the plan, he was asked where the funds should go.

"You can't go wrong with them."

From those beginnings, the Richard Thompson Internet Discussion List has grown into a steady source of donations supporting AIUSA's human rights work. By the end of 1996, the list had sold hundreds of T-shirts and generated a respectable $3,500 from donors in 20 countries. "This is all coming from grassroots people," notes Dee Gennarelli, an Arizona graphic artist. "I'm very proud of our friends on the Internet." Gennarelli designed that first T-shirt, which has become a common sight at concerts and music festivals around the world. She now helps to raise funds for Amnesty through her Web site.

Besides T-shirt sales, the Internet group has held numerous on-line auctions of Thompson collectibles, including autographed posters and books, rare vinyl albums and CDs. The response has been so strong that the auctions are now being held monthly. Proceeds from all auction sales are forwarded to AIUSA, which records each contribution as a "tribute gift" in Thompson's name and sends the donor a note of thanks. According to Gennarelli, one reason for the success of the Internet fundraising formula may be the natural connection between Thompson's admirers and the kinds of international humanitarian concerns that are at the heart of Amnesty's mission. "They're well-read, well-educated people with a pretty global consciousness," she says, adding that many of Thompson's core followers are also Amnesty members. Asked why these fans are so loyal, Gennarelli replies simply: "I think we just appreciate musical genius."

For his part, RT (as his Internet friends refer to him) has never been hesitant to tackle difficult subjects -- from personal betrayal to the crass commercialism of modern culture -- in his sometimes stark, sometimes witty, always unsentimental lyrics. "In a song," he observes, "you can confront ideas, sing to an audience an idea that is even uncomfortable to them, that might be hidden. And in a song you can make it into something almost pleasant. You can make the experience cathartic." In fact, the challenge that Richard Thompson meets in his best work -- expressing hard truths while still engaging the listener emotionally -- is not unlike the one that Amnesty faces daily in its efforts to raise public awareness of global human rights abuses. Maybe that's why AI has struck a chord with this original musician's discerning fans.

Tim Ledwith, Membership Communications Director


	Amnesty receives "tribute gifts" in Thompson's name from auctions on the Internet
	Richard Thompson has been writing and recording songs for more than a quarter century -- beginning with the folk-rock ensemble Fairport Convention, continuing through a series of acclaimed duo albums with Linda Thompson and culminating in his most recent CD, You?Me?Us? (Capitol). The songwriter-guitarist has never made the Top 40 and, given the often serious undertones of his writing, he says he doesn't really expect to. Still, he continues to tour extensively (in February and March he will play concerts in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii). And such artists as Elvis Costello, John Mellencamp, R.E.M. and David Byrne, among many others, have paid tribute to him with cover versions of his songs. Over the years, Thompson has earned a reputation for consistency and innovation across musical genres, blending the lyrical power of traditional ballads and blues with the punch of rock and roll. In the process, he has also built a worldwide following of fiercely devoted fans. In 1994, a group of those fans approached Thompson with a proposal to produce T-shirts in his honor, sell them through the Internet and donate the proceeds to a worthy cause. After Thompson gave his consent to the plan, he was asked where the funds should go. "Amnesty International," he replied. "You can't go wrong with them." From those beginnings, the Richard Thompson Internet Discussion List has grown into a steady source of donations supporting AIUSA's human rights work. By the end of 1996, the list had sold hundreds of T-shirts and generated a respectable $3,500 from donors in 20 countries. "This is all coming from grassroots people," notes Dee Gennarelli, an Arizona graphic artist. "I'm very proud of our friends on the Internet." Gennarelli designed that first T-shirt, which has become a common sight at concerts and music festivals around the world. She now helps to raise funds for Amnesty through her Web site. Besides T-shirt sales, the Internet group has held numerous on-line auctions of Thompson collectibles, including autographed posters and books, rare vinyl albums and CDs. The response has been so strong that the auctions are now being held monthly. Proceeds from all auction sales are forwarded to AIUSA, which records each contribution as a "tribute gift" in Thompson's name and sends the donor a note of thanks. According to Gennarelli, one reason for the success of the Internet fundraising formula may be the natural connection between Thompson's admirers and the kinds of international humanitarian concerns that are at the heart of Amnesty's mission. "They're well-read, well-educated people with a pretty global consciousness," she says, adding that many of Thompson's core followers are also Amnesty members. Asked why these fans are so loyal, Gennarelli replies simply: "I think we just appreciate musical genius." For his part, RT (as his Internet friends refer to him) has never been hesitant to tackle difficult subjects -- from personal betrayal to the crass commercialism of modern culture -- in his sometimes stark, sometimes witty, always unsentimental lyrics. "In a song," he observes, "you can confront ideas, sing to an audience an idea that is even uncomfortable to them, that might be hidden. And in a song you can make it into something almost pleasant. You can make the experience cathartic." In fact, the challenge that Richard Thompson meets in his best work -- expressing hard truths while still engaging the listener emotionally -- is not unlike the one that Amnesty faces daily in its efforts to raise public awareness of global human rights abuses. Maybe that's why AI has struck a chord with this original musician's discerning fans. Tim Ledwith, Membership Communications Director Article is reprinted with the kind permission of AIUSA ACTION. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © Amnesty Action Winter 1997.