Few milestones in broadcasting carry the weight of 1,000 episodes. This Labor Day Weekend, the Smooth Jazz Top 20® Countdown with Allen Kepler reaches that remarkable mark, celebrating not only the longevity of a syndicated radio program but also more than four decades of influence on the sound, culture, and global reach of smooth jazz.
Launched in 2007, the Smooth Jazz Top 20® Countdown tracks airplay across Mediabase-reporting radio stations, streaming channels, and the Smooth Jazz Network®. Today, the weekly program is heard on more than 40 radio stations and streaming outlets, giving artists and listeners a continuing platform dedicated to one of contemporary music’s most enduring formats.
For Kepler, the 1,000th episode represents a milestone shared by an entire community of artists, programmers, broadcasters, and fans who have helped sustain the music.
“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,” Kepler said.
Kepler’s connection to the genre stretches back to its formative years. He was part of the team that coined the term “smooth jazz” in 1989 and subsequently created the Smooth Jazz Network® 35 years ago, helping introduce the phrase to a national audience and contributing to the format’s dramatic growth throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Over the course of his career, Kepler has worked with more than 100 Smooth Jazz-branded radio stations and streaming channels, adapting the brand as the way audiences consume music has evolved. In 2012, the network was retooled around what Kepler describes as a Top 100 format, expanding its presence through LIVE365, iHeart, radio affiliates, independent streaming channels, and the network’s app.
That ability to evolve has been central to the Smooth Jazz Network’s continued relevance. While traditional radio remains an important part of its footprint, streaming and digital platforms have opened new avenues for the music to reach listeners around the world.
The Smooth Jazz Top 20® Countdown also extends beyond the weekly chart. Each year, its cycle culminates with the publication of Kepler’s BEATS magazine, an editorial showcase featuring the year-end chart, extensive artist interviews, and honors including Best Artist, Breakout Artist, and Local Radio Station of the Year. The 2026 edition will mark the seventh annual issue of the magazine.
The countdown is part of a larger syndicated programming lineup. Alongside Smooth Jazz Top 20®, the Smooth Jazz Network® offers Smooth Jazz® Weekend and Smooth Jazz® Classics, with all three programs available to radio stations and streaming outlets on a barter and cost-free basis.
Kepler’s creative reach has also expanded beyond broadcasting. Earlier this year, he introduced Smooth Jazz® Wines, a collection inspired by classic smooth jazz songs. The portfolio features five red and three white varietals, with names including “Rise,” “Maputo,” and “Breezin’.” A Smooth Jazz® Wines pairing cookbook is scheduled for publication later this month, adding another dimension to Kepler’s growing portfolio.
His work as a creator has continued in music as well. Kepler co-wrote “Keep It Smooth” with GRAMMY®-winning producer and songwriter Michael Mani. The song serves as the debut release from Colombian singer Lali P and features urban-jazz saxophone icon Najee. The single is set to begin collecting playlist adds September 14.
The breadth of Kepler’s career — spanning radio hosting, show creation, acting, writing, consulting, publishing, and winemaking — reflects an ability to turn a musical format into a broader cultural brand. Yet at the center of it all remains the music and the artists who continue to give smooth jazz its vitality.
More than 40 years after Kepler helped establish the language and infrastructure surrounding the genre, smooth jazz continues to find audiences through radio, streaming, live programming, publishing, and increasingly diverse forms of cultural expression.
The 1,000th episode of the Smooth Jazz Top 20® Countdown is therefore more than a numerical achievement. It is a celebration of endurance — and a reminder of how a musical movement that emerged decades ago can continue to evolve without losing its identity.
“We really helped to create something truly special so many years ago and it is wonderful to see the music and artists thriving today,” Kepler said.
As the Smooth Jazz Top 20® Countdown enters its next thousand episodes, that combination of history, adaptability, and optimism remains at the heart of Kepler’s vision for the genre.
No comments:
Post a Comment