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The Rise of the Smooth Jazz Format: An Exploratory Study of Kenny G and his Gang of Smooth Operators

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Date Issued:
2012
Abstract/Description:
The purpose of this study is to explore the development and rise of the smooth jazz radio format. It is an exploratory study which aims to illustrate the confluence of forces that contributed to the immense success of the smooth jazz genre through the 1980s and well into the 1990s. Artists, such as the saxophonist Kenny G, popularized this style of music that is often described as instrumental-pop music, happy-jazz, or easy listening. Others might draw comparisons to the music we often hear inside of elevators and shopping centers. This is a process that is not unique to the genre of jazz nor to the time period I will be focusing on but is a niche in the music world in which I am intimately involved. This study delves into how the smooth jazz genre developed, the key player(s) involved with its proliferation, and most importantly, this study demonstrates that in spite of the meteoric rise and immense commercial success of smooth jazz, it was not a trend that could withstand the continuously changing tastes of the public.
Title: The Rise of the Smooth Jazz Format: An Exploratory Study of Kenny G and his Gang of Smooth Operators.
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Name(s): Mader, William, Author
Grauerholz, Elizabeth, Committee Chair
Lynxwiler, John, Committee Member
Gay, David, Committee Member
, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2012
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study is to explore the development and rise of the smooth jazz radio format. It is an exploratory study which aims to illustrate the confluence of forces that contributed to the immense success of the smooth jazz genre through the 1980s and well into the 1990s. Artists, such as the saxophonist Kenny G, popularized this style of music that is often described as instrumental-pop music, happy-jazz, or easy listening. Others might draw comparisons to the music we often hear inside of elevators and shopping centers. This is a process that is not unique to the genre of jazz nor to the time period I will be focusing on but is a niche in the music world in which I am intimately involved. This study delves into how the smooth jazz genre developed, the key player(s) involved with its proliferation, and most importantly, this study demonstrates that in spite of the meteoric rise and immense commercial success of smooth jazz, it was not a trend that could withstand the continuously changing tastes of the public.
Identifier: CFE0004314 (IID), ucf:49483 (fedora)
Note(s): 2012-05-01
M.A.
Sciences, Sociology
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Cultural Sociology
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004314
Restrictions on Access: public 2012-05-15
Host Institution: UCF

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