How smooth jazz took over the ‘90s

Summary

The script explores the rise and fall of smooth jazz, focusing on Kenny G's journey from an untrained musician to a symbol of the genre. It delves into the origins of smooth jazz, its commercial success in the '80s and '90s, and the impact of new audience measurement technology on its decline. The narrative highlights the genre's popularity among everyday listeners and its complex relationship with jazz purists, offering a Spotify playlist to experience the music's allure.

Takeaways

• 🎷 Kenny G, known for his saxophone skills, gained fame without formal music lessons and became a symbol of smooth jazz.
• 📈 Smooth jazz rose to prominence in the 1990s, with Kenny G's music being a staple on radio stations and in commercials.
• 🔗 The genre's popularity was linked to its use in various media, including the Weather Channel and golf commercials, which helped it reach a wide audience.
• 🎶 Smooth jazz originated from jazz fusion in the late '60s and early '70s, with artists like Grover Washington Jr. and George Benson blending jazz with pop elements.
• 📀 Creed Taylor's production style, which incorporated pop-friendly instruments, played a significant role in making jazz more accessible to mainstream listeners.
• 🏆 Despite criticism from jazz purists, crossover jazz artists like George Benson achieved commercial success and even won Grammy awards.
• 📻 The term 'smooth jazz' was coined by a market research firm to describe the new radio format that combined jazz with easy listening elements.
• 📈 The rise of smooth jazz radio began in the late '80s and peaked in the late '90s, with stations like The Wave leading the way.
• 📉 The introduction of the Portable People Meter (PPM) technology in the early 2000s is believed to have contributed to the decline of smooth jazz radio due to technical compatibility issues.
• 🌐 Smooth jazz was particularly popular among at-work listeners seeking a stress-free background music, but economic factors also played a role in its decline.
• 🎵 Despite its critics, smooth jazz has a rich history and has produced some exciting and innovative music that continues to find an audience.

Q & A

Who is Kenny G and what is his significance in the context of the video?

Kenny G, also known as Kenneth Gorelick, is a famous saxophonist who gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. He is significant as he became the face of smooth jazz, a genre that became ubiquitous during his peak years.

What was the impact of Kenny G's performance at Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993?

Kenny G's performance at Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993 was a high-profile event that further solidified his status as a prominent figure in the smooth jazz genre.

What is the 'Great Big Bertha' mentioned in the script, and why was it significant for Kenny G?

The 'Great Big Bertha' is a brand of golf club driver. It was significant for Kenny G because it transformed his least favorite club into his favorite, as he endorsed it in a commercial, showcasing his involvement beyond music.

How did the music style known as smooth jazz originate, as described in the script?

Smooth jazz originated from jazz artists crossing over into pop music by recording instrumental covers of pop hits. This crossover was pioneered by musicians like Grover Washington Jr. and George Benson, who made radio-friendly jazz music.

What role did Creed Taylor play in the development of smooth jazz?

Creed Taylor played a pivotal role in the development of smooth jazz by producing records that blended jazz with pop elements, making the music more accessible to a wider audience.

Why did Grover Washington Jr.'s music, particularly 'Mister Magic,' draw criticism from the jazz world?

Grover Washington Jr.'s 'Mister Magic' drew criticism because it was seen as prioritizing radio-friendly appeal over the technical virtuosity and harmonic complexity that jazz purists valued.

What was the significance of George Benson's 'Breezin'' album in the context of jazz music?

George Benson's 'Breezin'' was the first jazz album to go platinum, indicating a significant commercial success and a major milestone in the crossover of jazz into mainstream popularity.

How did Broadcast Architecture contribute to the popularization of smooth jazz?

Broadcast Architecture contributed by conducting market research and giving the radio format a name—'smooth jazz'—which helped in branding and marketing the genre to a broader audience.

What was the role of the 'Portable People Meter' (PPM) in the decline of smooth jazz radio?

The 'Portable People Meter' (PPM), a new audience measurement technology, is believed to have contributed to the decline of smooth jazz radio because its electronic beeper system was not compatible with the soft, ambient sound of smooth jazz, leading to inaccurate audience measurement and a subsequent drop in stations playing the format.

What was the target audience for smooth jazz radio, as mentioned in the script?

The target audience for smooth jazz radio was ordinary, everyday people, particularly those looking for stress-free background music during their workday.

How did the script summarize the legacy of smooth jazz despite its decline?

The script summarized the legacy of smooth jazz by acknowledging its 20-year run and highlighting that despite its lack of critical acclaim, it offered a form of music that many people enjoyed and found soothing.