The Long Play: Smooth operators: Sophisti-soul, late-night grooves & transatlantic elegance (UK & US 80s–early 90s R&B, soul, and pop)

Aired on Tuesday 21st April 2026, 6:00PM

The Fill In

Tonight on The Long Play, we slip into the velvet world of 'Smooth Operators' — from the effortless cool of Sade to the timeless romance of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. We trace the rise of sophisti-soul across the 80s, where artists like Billy Ocean brought R&B into the pop spotlight, and Australia’s own Kate Ceberano made it unmistakably local. Velvet vocals, late-night grooves, and a sound that proves sometimes the smoothest move… is to take it slow.

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