A landmark moment for the Smooth Jazz Network® as Kepler celebrates four decades of shaping the genre’s sound, culture, and global reach
Reaching 1,000 episodes is a rare feat in broadcasting, and this Labor Day Weekend the Smooth Jazz Top 20® Countdown with Allen Kepler joins that elite club as the Smooth Jazz Network® celebrates the milestone across its national footprint.
Launched in 2007, the Smooth Jazz Top 20® Countdown reflects airplay across Mediabase-reporting radio stations, streaming channels, and the Smooth Jazz Network® itself. The syndicated show currently airs weekly on over 40 radio stations and streams.
“Smooth Jazz is more vibrant than ever…The 1,000th episode is a testament to the artists, programmers, and listeners who keep this music thriving,” said Kepler, who was part of the team that coined the music genre “smooth jazz” in 1989. “In 2012, we retooled our network to reflect what we call a Top 100 format, which airs on LIVE365, iHeart, radio affiliates, various independent streaming channels, and our app.”
Kepler created the Smooth Jazz Network® 35 years ago, introducing the phrase “Smooth Jazz” on a national level and helping drive the meteoric rise of the format throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Over the decades, Kepler has worked with more than one hundred Smooth Jazz-branded radio stations and streaming channels.
At year end, the Smooth Jazz Top 20® Countdown culminates with the publication of Kepler’s BEATS magazine. The year-end issue serves as the editorial capstone to the countdown’s annual cycle featuring a year-end chart, dozens of artist interviews, and awards for the Best Artist, Breakout Artist, and Local Radio Station of the Year. The 2026 issue will mark the seventh annual edition of BEATS magazine.
In addition to Smooth Jazz Top 20® Countdown, the Smooth Jazz Network® offers two more syndicated shows, Smooth Jazz® Weekend and Smooth Jazz® Classics. All three shows are barter and cost free for radio stations and streams.
Earlier this year, Kepler expanded the brand with Smooth Jazz® Wines featuring wines inspired by classic smooth jazz songs. Available in five red and three white varietals, the menu includes such wines as Rise, Maputo, and Breezin’. Later this month, Kepler will publish a Smooth Jazz® Wines pairing cookbook.
Adding to his credits as a show creator, radio host, actor, writer, consultant, publisher, and winemaker, Kepler co-wrote a new single, the aptly titled “Keep It Smooth,” with GRAMMY®-winning producer-songwriter Michael Mani as the debut release from Colombian singer Lali P. The single featuring urban-jazz icon Najee will begin collecting playlist adds on September 14.
Flourishing for more than four decades of music and influence, Kepler and Smooth Jazz remain relevant and continue to prosper globally in new and evolving ways.
“We really helped to create something truly special so many years ago and it is wonderful to see the music and artists thriving today.”
No comments:
Post a Comment