Which genre heavily influenced the development of smooth jazz?

The genre that heavily influenced the development of smooth jazz is R&B and pop music. Smooth jazz emerged in the late 20th century as a blend of various musical styles, but its core characteristics and appeal are deeply rooted in R&B and pop elements. This influence is evident in the use of melodic hooks, soft vocal styles, and polished production techniques that are also prominent in R&B and pop music.

Smooth jazz tends to prioritize a laid-back, accessible sound, which aligns with the smooth production practices found in popular music, making it appealing to a broad audience. Artists who popularized smooth jazz often drew inspiration from R&B rhythms and melodic structures, integrating them into their compositions. This fusion allowed smooth jazz to capture the essences of emotional expression and rhythmic groove found in R&B, ultimately shaping its identity and commercial success.

Other genres, while important in the overall context of jazz evolution, do not hold the same level of direct influence on smooth jazz as R&B and pop do. For example, while classical music has contributed to jazz through technical aspects and orchestration, and rock and roll has influenced jazz fusion, they do not align as closely with the defining features of smooth jazz as R&B and pop music.