What is the quiet storm quartet?
In 1976, Melvin Lindsey launched the first broadcast of the Quiet Storm Radio Station from Howard University's WHUR-FM. Quiet Storm radio became the only late-night radio hour serving Black audiences, introducing the world to the classic soulful sounds of then up-and-coming artists including Smokey Robinson, Anita Baker, Minnie Ripperton, Stevie Wonder, and more.
The Quiet Storm Quartet honors this legacy by transcribing these beloved songs for the string quartet canon for the very first time — shedding new light on the intricate instrumentals and lush harmonies of quintessential R&B and soul music.
on august 14th, Quiet Storm Quartet will publish its first volume of works, honoring the music of the quiet storm from 1972-1982:
Today, there is virtually no representation of Quiet Storm-era music in the string quartet repertoire. Yet the string quartet, as one of classical music's most enduring and versatile ensembles, has access to stages, recital halls, and cultural spaces where this music has rarely been heard. By publishing these arrangements, QSQ aims to bring quiet storm into those rooms and into the hands of a new generation of instrumentalists who grew up with this music in their homes.
Anita Baker
Earth, Wind & Fire
Smokey Robinson
Stevie Wonder
Teena Marie
And more
Book and individual score sales will be live on August 14th, 2026.