Kenny G | |
|---|---|
 Kenny G in 2013 | |
| Born | Kenneth Bruce Gorelick June 5, 1956 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Education | Franklin High School |
| Alma mater | University of Washington (BS, magna cum laude) |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1973–1982 (group) 1982–present (solo) |
| Spouses | Janice DeLeon
(m. 1980; div. 1987)Lydie Benson
(m. 1992; div. 2012) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | |
| Discography | Kenny G discography |
| Labels | |
| Website | kennyg |
| Signature | |
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Kenneth Bruce Gorelick (born June 5, 1956), known professionally as Kenny G, is an American smooth jazz saxophonist, composer, and producer.[1] His 1986 album Duotones brought him commercial success.[1] Kenny G is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with global sales totaling more than 75 million records.[2]
Kenny G was born in Seattle, Washington and started playing the saxophone aged 10, inspired by a performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. He attended several schools in Seattle, including the University of Washington. During high school, he took private saxophone lessons and played in the school jazz band.
Kenny G's professional career began with Barry White's The Love Unlimited Orchestra at age 17. He played with the Seattle funk band Cold, Bold & Together before joining the Jeff Lorber Fusion in 1980. His solo career took off after signing with Arista Records in 1982. His debut album, Kenny G, was recorded with members of the Jeff Lorber Fusion and released in 1982. Kenny G's fourth solo album, Duotones (1986), marked the start of his most commercially successful period, featuring the hit single "Songbird". His 1992 album, Breathless, became the best-selling instrumental album ever, and his first holiday album, Miracles: The Holiday Album, sold over 13 million copies. He has worked on soundtracks for films such as The Bodyguard and collaborated with artists, including Andrea Bocelli and Frank Sinatra.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Kenny G released several albums, including Paradise and Brazilian Nights. He made appearances in commercials and music videos and continued to perform worldwide. Kenny G's popularity in China is notable, with his song "Going Home" widely used in public places. Despite facing criticism from some jazz musicians, Kenny G remains a highly successful and influential figure in contemporary instrumental music.
- ^ a b "Kenny G Is Still the Smooth Jazz King". Barnes & Noble.com. October 2002. Archived from the original on April 21, 2007. Retrieved April 7, 2007.
- ^ Hwang, Kellie (July 2, 2013). "7/5: Kenny G performing at Wild Horse Pass Casino". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 23, 2013.