Quiet storm is a late-night radio format featuring soulful slow jams, pioneered in the mid 1970s in Washington D.C. Encompassing a mix of African-American music genres, quiet storm music is distinguished by understated, mellow dynamics and relaxed tempos and rhythms. It can be soothingly pensive or express romantic sentiment.
Quiet storm music is similar to soft rock and adult contemporary styles, but is more closely and unmistakably rooted in R&B and soul music, often with jazz extensions. At its best, the style features an urban sophistication and subdued soulfulness.
Today, quiet storm is a broad term given to an array of mellow, slow-groove contemporary R&B, soul and smooth jazz offerings.
