Jazz
United States
Kenny G
On Tour
More albums from Kenny G
Kenny G's Popular Music Videos
About Kenny G
Hometown
Seattle, WA, United States
Born
June 5, 1956
Genre
Jazz
Kenny G's career has proceeded with a smoothness that's on par with his adult-contemporary jazz-pop sound. Born Kenneth Bruce Gorelick in Seattle in 1956, the saxophonist (and early Starbucks investor) has sold more than 75 million albums since the release of his self-titled 1982 debut. After beginning his professional life as a teenage sideman in Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra, Kenny joined up with The Jeff Lorber Fusion, where the saxist’s light-hearted approach to jazz-pop (and corkscrew coiff) fully emerged. The platinum success of his ‘80s-era solo albums G Force and Gravity—and his caressing melodic interpretations, brightening the tracks of R&B giants like Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, and Patti LaBelle—only hinted at what was to come. His sweet soprano sound was inescapable in the 1990s, especially his 1993 jazz-R&B crossover, Breathless, which moved more than 12 million copies to become the best-selling instrumental album ever. Kenny was everywhere: as a blithe interpreter of the Great American Songbook (Classics in the Key of G); as a holiday fixture (courtesy of Miracles and Faith); even in the club (after “Havana”’ scored a house remix). Kenny’s interests only widened as he rocketed into the 21st century, dabbling in Bossa nova with 2008’s Rhythm & Romance, partnering with Indian classical santoor player Rahul Sharma on 2015’s Namaste, and serving as an unlikely—but altogether charming—collaborator on Kanye West’s “This Gospel” and The Weeknd’s “In Your Eyes.”
Musical InfluencesKenny G's musical influences include John Coltrane, Barry White, David Sanborn and more.
Influenced by Kenny GKenny G has influenced the music of Steve Cole, Brian Culbertson, Jessy J and more.
Similar to: Kenny G
Discover more music and artists similar to Kenny G, like Dave Koz, Whitney Houston, Michael Bublé
