Weekdays: Monday - Friday |
6 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Ramsey, a native of Chicago, has been playing the piano since he was four years old, but it wasn’t until his teenage years that he was fully exposed to jazz. His early classical training and experiences playing in church have helped to shape his distinctively elegant touch. Ramsey released his first record in 1956 and has never looked back. He’s probably best known for the hits “The In Crowd”, “Wade In The Water” and “Sun Goddess”. Along the way he’s won three Grammy® awards and earned seven gold records. Although the bulk of Ramsey’s music is made with his longtime trio, he’s also led the Urban Knights supergroup on four successful smooth jazz projects. Ramsey’s also enjoyed a long career in radio. Since 1990 he’s hosted a weekly traditional jazz show, now known as “Legends Of Jazz” and heard around the world. He’s co-hosted mornings on WNUA in Chicago since the fall of 1997 with Karen Williams, a longtime Chicago radio personality originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2007, Ramsey Lewis will receive the Jazz Master award from the National Endowment of the Arts, and he will be crowned a ‘Living Landmark’ of the state of Illinois. After nearly a decade together, Ramsey and Karen have developed an easy rapport to go along with their shared passion for music. Informative and engaging, they provide just the right amount of information to get you out of bed and motivated for a great day. |
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Miranda’s a native of the Bay Area who joined smooth jazz KKSF in San Francisco fifteen years ago in a part-time role. Her connection with listeners was immediate, and within a year she became the workday companion of choice in the city by the bay. Miranda’s been honored by the American Women in Radio and Television association with a 2005 citation for Best Midday Host. She’s also a successful voiceover artist whose biggest role to date is as the voice of Rene Santz in the CD-ROM version of “Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?” Miranda is also very active in her community, serving on the board of the East Oakland Youth Association. Miranda’s CD collection includes Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis and Sting, and she’s an avid sports fan who also enjoys a good HBO series. Her smooth voice and quick wit, blended with just a touch of sass, make Miranda Wilson the type of co-worker you could listen to all day! |
A native of Southern California, Dave graduated UCLA with a mass communications degree, but decided to pursue a career in music. The talented saxophonist got his ‘big break’ in the touring band of singer Bobby Caldwell; high-profile sideman gigs with Jeff Lorber and Richard Marx followed, and soon Dave was signed to Capitol Records. He’s been recording as a solo artist since 1990, garnering four Grammy® nominations, a worldwide legion of fans, and the respect of the music community. He became a record executive in 2002 when he co-founded Rendezvous Entertainment, which boasts one of the biggest rosters in the smooth jazz genre. Dave’s latest project is the CD At The Movies, a collection of cinematic favorites, released on January 30, 2007. Dave’s radio career began in 1994 as the host of “Personal Notes” and later, “The Dave Koz Radio Show”, which is heard on more than 100 stations each week. He joined smooth jazz station KTWV Los Angeles in 2001 as co-host of “The Dave Koz and Pat Prescott Morning Show”. After more than a decade, Dave’s as comfortable in front of a radio microphone as he is on stage! Dave has made it his mission to end your workday on the right note and provide a ‘Smooth Ride Home’. And with his warm, engaging style, he’s sure to do just that! |
7 p.m. - Midnight She expresses her strong connection to the music…"There is nothing like the soothing quality of Smooth Jazz, especially in the evening to ease the stress of everyday life. The artists are all great down-to-earth people too, and many have become personal friends over the years.” Her life centers around music (with personal favorites that run the gamut from Eric Clapton to Kirk Whalum to the Beatles), friends and family…husband Steve and her two “amazing” kids, Anthony and Lindsey. Maria Lopez – the perfect companion to wind down the day. |
Midnight - 6 a.m. Billy Raven
This signature sign off for Love After Dark's host, Billy Raven, says it all. Billy has been a fixture on Miami's smooth jazz scene since 1991. He has been the most highly rated DJ on 93.9, Love94, and now adds his special late night touch to stations nationwide. Billy Raven was born in New York, and began his love affair with radio in college, while attending school in Nashville. He arrived in Florida in 1989 by way of Detroit. Billy’s deep, rich voice has always attracted attention from the ladies, but his cool delivery makes him a late night friend to men and women alike. “To love what you do, to do what you love-these are among the greatest gifts one can receive.” Billy Raven is a highly spiritual man who knows exactly where his gifts come from. He is also the proud father of two sons and two daughters. Billy works closely with the community through the Billy Raven Foundation, whose mission is to support and inspire foster and at-risk kids. Billy Raven brings his passion for music and mentoring to the airwaves with each edition of Love After Dark. Ask “the Barry White of smooth jazz radio” how he feels about going national and he’ll tell you, "I'm looking to contact Daniel Webster to see if I can have the definition of blessed be replaced with my photograph." Say hello to Billy Raven. |
Weekends: Saturday & Sunday |
6 a.m. - 10 a.m. Brian Culbertson
Brian grew up in Chicago and was a musical prodigy; by age 12 he could play four instruments, and he composed all the music he played at his 7th grade piano recital! While attending DePaul University, Brian began a lucrative career writing jingles for ad agencies; his clients have included Sears, McDonald’s and United Airlines. Also while at college, Brian wrote and recorded his first album in his apartment. The result was Long Night Out, his 1994 debut, which featured the tender “Alone With You”. Brian was just 20 years old at the time! Brian has released seven more CDs since then, the most recent being his first holiday project, A Soulful Christmas (2006). Over the years he’s honed his musical skills and effortlessly fuses jazz with R&B and pop. He’s also established a reputation for making seductive ‘in the mood’ music. Some of Brian’s biggest hits include “On My Mind”, “Let’s Get Started” and “Come To Me”. Brian’s energetic concert appearances have become well-known and much-anticipated in the smooth jazz world. The star of his backing band is horn player Jim Culbertson, Brian’s dad and onetime high school jazz band teacher. Brian Culbertson is certain to bring the same energy to his radio show that characterizes his concerts. Waking up on the weekend has never been so much fun! |
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Kenny G
He’s the top-selling instrumentalist in history, with more than 70 million albums sold worldwide. He’s a Grammy® winner who wows audiences with his breath control, sweet tone and emotional style. He’s even been named the best golfer in music by Golf Digest magazine. So what’s Kenny G’s latest challenge? Entertaining radio audiences each weekend not as an artist, but as a host! Kenny Gorelick has been a professional musician since 1976, when he joined Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra. The Seattle native eventually graduated from the University of Washington and joined Jeff Lorber Fusion, led by the pioneering smooth jazz keyboardist. After two albums he went solo, and made his debut as a leader in 1982. Kenny G’s fourth CD, Duotones, featured the song that would make him a star, “Songbird”, and made him an in-demand guest player among the likes of Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. His recording career has never slowed, with 15 CDs to his credit (including four holiday releases) and a Grammy® for composing “Forever In Love”. His best-loved songs include the aforementioned “Songbird” as well as “Silhouette”, “Baby G”, “Midnight Motion” and “The Moment”. On his 2004 release At Last: The Duets Album, Kenny teamed up with David Sanborn on a cover of “Pick Up The Pieces” and with Earth, Wind & Fire on an inspired version of “The Way You Move”. Kenny’s most recent musical project is the newly released |
2 p.m. - 7 p.m. Norman Brown
Young Norman quickly became a skilled guitarist and moved to Los Angeles after high school graduation. He attended the prestigious Musician’s Institute and briefly taught there after completing his studies when he was signed to his first recording contract. Norman released his debut CD, Just Between Us, to critical acclaim in 1992, but his career really took off with 1994’s After The Storm. To date he’s released six CDs, and won the Grammy® for Best Pop Instrumental Album for 2002’s Just Chillin’. Some of his best-loved songs include “Take Me There”, “Paradise”, “Up ‘n At ‘Em”, and the R&B hit “I Might”, which marks Norman’s singing debut (on record, that is – he’s delighted live audiences with his singing for years). Anyone who’s seen Norman Brown in concert has witnessed the rapturous joy music brings to him, with closed eyes and a wide smile throughout each performance. It’s that enthusiasm and joy for life that Norman brings to his newfound radio career. |
7 p.m. - Midnight As a band member, a solo artist and a remix producer, Paul was a fixture on the London dance charts for the entire 1980s. His two biggest hits of that era became international phenomena: “Rainforest”, a hit on American urban, dance and smooth jazz stations alike; and the Vietnam-themed “19”, which went to #1 in 13 countries and sold over 4 million copies since its 1985 release. His forays into less dance-oriented, more jazz-pop music began in earnest in 1990, with a project called Kiss The Sky. Since then, Paul has released four CDs under his own name and five under the project name The Jazzmasters. Some of his biggest hits include “Serene”, “Lost Summer”, “Walkin’ to Freedom” and his latest #1 hit, “Free As The Wind.” In addition to his recording career, Paul has long written scores for TV and film, including the Spice Girls’ movie Spiceworld. He has sold more than 11 million records worldwide and shows no signs of slowing down. Paul’s excited to add radio host to his long resume and share his singular perspective and sharp wit. And with Paul Hardcastle at the controls, no matter how you choose to relax on the weekends, you’re guaranteed to move and feel good! |
Smooth and sophisticated, pianist Ramsey Lewis is the very definition of ‘cool’. He’s also a living legend, with more than 50 years in the music business and well over a decade in radio.
There may be no bigger fan of smooth jazz music than Miranda Wilson. Her passion for the songs and artists she plays fuels every word and thought she shares with the listeners working right alongside her.
Dave Koz is a media mogul and a renaissance man for the 21st century. He continues to excel and grow as a performer while finding fulfillment as a record label executive and a radio host.
Maria Lopez knew from an early age that radio was in her future. “Even before I knew I wanted to have a career in the business, I always loved the voices of radio”. Maria has now been gracing radio airwaves for over 20 years, from her first on air position as a newscaster in San Francisco, to her current showcase on the Smooth Jazz Network™. Nominated for Smooth Jazz personality of the year by the premiere radio trade publication, Radio & Records, she has appeared on TV as a pledge host for KQED San Francisco and national PBS broadcasts. 
"Music is my business...I just hope I made my business, your pleasure." 
Pianist Brian Culbertson is accustomed to letting his fingers do the talking, but he’s ready to expand his already-successful career into the world of weekend morning radio.
Bar none, saxophonist Kenny G is the biggest name in smooth jazz. 
Blessed with a silky voice and a smooth hand at the guitar, Norman Brown has made a significant impact on the smooth jazz and urban formats since he burst onto the scene in 1992. The Kansas City native first picked up the guitar at age eight and counted Jimi Hendrix as his first major influence, but he fell in love with jazz as a teenager when introduced to his father’s Wes Montgomery records.
London-born Paul Hardcastle is one of the most prolific musicians in smooth jazz, and it all began with an impulse buy. While selling stereos in Chelsea in the early 1980s, Paul decided to trade in one of his video cameras for a synthesizer, even though he didn’t really have a musical background. After just three months of solo experimenting, Paul convinced a local band that he’d fit in perfectly as their keyboardist, and a star was born.