I ran the lights for a rock band in clubs during the 70's. During breaks George Benson's album "Breezin'" was often played on the sound system. "This Masquerade" put a hook into me. That is where I got my first exposure.
I wish more people I know did like smooth jazz. I was listening to smooth jazz at work and actually had my boss walk up to me tell me that I was an "embarrassment to my generation" for listening to smooth jazz. In his mind, smooth jazz is nothing ...