SMOOTH JAZZ NETWORK®
Over 35 years in Smooth Jazz consulting, research and programming
ALLEN KEPLER
OWNER, SMOOTH JAZZ NETWORK
HOST OF THE SMOOTH JAZZ TOP 20 COUNTDOWN
HOST OF SMOOTH WEEKEND
Allen Kepler is the owner of SMOOTH JAZZ ENTERPRISES. The company specializes in radio and streaming programming, show production and consulting. In 2026, he launched SMOOTH JAZZ WINE, the perfect pairing with the genre of music he has evangelized over the past 40 years.
A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Allen began playing trumpet at the age of 11. While in high school, he played in jazz band along side Grammy winning guitarist Norman Brown. After receiving music performance scholarships to several universities Allen studied music, radio, television and film at the University of Kansas.
His first professional radio stint came in 1985 with San Diego’s KIFM. Two years later Kepler moved from Southern California to Chicago’s WNUA, where he was part of the "think tank" in 1989 that coined the phrase "Smooth Jazz". In the winter of 1990 he moved to Princeton, New Jersey to join Broadcast Architecture.
By then, Kepler had earned a national reputation for his knowledge of Smooth Jazz. In 1991, Kepler founded the Smooth Jazz Network®, and began consulting what would become legendary “Smooth Jazz” branded radio stations WQCD New York, KTWV Los Angeles, KYOT in Phoenix, KKSF San Francisco, WJZW Washington DC, WJJZ Philadelphia, KOAI Dallas and WNUA. Kepler also served as director of the company's international programming for Tokyo's JOAV-FM (J-Wave). Over his 40+ year career, Kepler personally launched and consulted over 100 smooth jazz stations.
Billboard Magazine writer Ken Tucker described Kepler as "more than a consultant… he’s an evangelist for the smooth jazz format. While radio consultants are involved in any number of aspects of a radio station's programming, it is downright rare to find them helping a station, let alone a format, sell itself to ad agencies."
SMOOTH JAZZ ENTERPRISES currently syndicates the SMOOTH JAZZ TOP 20 COUNTDOWN®, SMOOTH JAZZ WEEKEND™ and SMOOTH JAZZ CLASSICS™, as well as the 24-hour SMOOTH JAZZ NETWORK®.
Allen continues his life-long relationship with smooth jazz music. Allen shares: “After 40 years working with the amazingly talented musicians, avid music fans and broadcasters, I have never been more excited about “Smooth Jazz”. Expanding our brand to wines as well as apparel is the next step in supporting this lifestyle enjoyed by so many.
As an actor, Kepler made a recent appearance on HBO's "BARRY", has starred in a short film opposite Maria Bello and was featured as "Samson" in Florence + The Machine's music video "Delilah" and film "The Odyssey". He also has several projects in development for future filming and release.
Kepler lives in the Los Angeles area and is a consultant, actor, producer, show host and writer. He is a member of SAG/AFTRA and the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. He also served on the Executive board for the Guitar Center Music Foundation for several years, promoting the importance of music education.
Hey Friends,
I'd love to get your feedback on the shows and hear what you think about the music.
Please send me an e-mail to let me know what's on your mind.
Have a wonderfully smooth day!
ENDORSEMENTS
Paul Hardcastle
International music icon
“There have been a few people who have been highly instrumental in my career, Simon Fuller was the first and I would put Allen Kepler on the same level of importance. He is Hard working, honest, and thrives on making things happen.”
Donny Osmond
American entertainment icon
“A few years back, I wrote a song called "Breeze On By" based on George Benson's 1976 hit "Breezin'." A lot of people loved the song but they criticized the thought of Donny Osmond performing Smooth Jazz.
However, Allen Kepler believed in my song. Despite the cynicism toward my new genre, Allen not only had confidence in my song, he played it and promoted it. "Breeze On By" became a top-ten hit for me.
Thanks to the vision and management skills of Allen Kepler, I can now add Smooth Jazz to my repertoire.”
Kenny G
Biggest selling instrumentalist of al time
Allen Kepler has a great 'feel' for how things could/should work and he has the right kind of instincts, connections, and drive to make things happen. I have worked with Allen for over 5 years and have really enjoyed the care and intelligence that he brings to the table. He is always full of fresh ideas and ways to look at everything 'outside of the normal box'. He isn't afraid to try hard and if things don't work out the first time, he is up again trying another approach. That is key in the entertainment industry because it is hard for people to see things the first time and it may take multiple tries and different approaches to get the job done. Allen is not afraid of that challenge. In face, he thrives on it.