WNUA-DB: Continuing a Legacy of Jazz Excellence

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WNUA-DB is a digital jazz station dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich tradition of smooth and contemporary jazz. Inspired by the historic impact of the original WNUA 95.5, which helped popularize smooth jazz in the United States from 1987 to 2009, WNUA-DB carries the spirit of the format forward for today’s global audience.

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The original station featured notable personalities, including Ramsey Lewis, Karen Williams, Rick O’Dell, Loni Taylor, Danae Alexander, and Bill Cochran. While the terrestrial broadcast has long since concluded, WNUA-DB (digital broadcasting) continues the tradition by showcasing a wide spectrum of jazz—from smooth and contemporary to fusion and classic influences.

The Roots of Smooth Jazz

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Smooth jazz evolved from the jazz-funk movement of the 1970s, blending traditional jazz instrumentation with African and Latin rhythmic influences. The genre was further shaped by jazz fusion pioneers such as Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, and Al Di Meola. Although the term “smooth jazz” emerged in the late 1980s, its musical foundation traces back to the innovative jazz-rock and jazz-funk recordings of the mid-1970s.

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Today, WNUA-DB honors that evolution by delivering a curated 24/7 jazz experience for listeners around the world.