Kirk Whalum

Kirk Whalum
Kirk Whalum in 1987
Kirk Whalum in 1987
Background information
Born (1958-07-11) July 11, 1958 (age 66)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
GenresSmooth jazz, pop, R&B, gospel
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Saxophone, flute
Years active1985–present
LabelsWarner Bros., Sony, Columbia
Websitekirkwhalum.com

Kirk Whalum (born July 11, 1958) is an American R&B and smooth jazz saxophonist and songwriter. He toured with Whitney Houston for more than seven years and soloed on her single "I Will Always Love You", the best-selling single by a female artist in music history. He was also featured on many Luther Vandross albums, most often playing on the singer's covers of older pop and R&B standards such as "Anyone Who Had a Heart", "I (Who Have Nothing)", and "Love Won't Let Me Wait".

Whalum has recorded a series of well received solo albums and film soundtracks, with music ranging from pop to R&B to smooth jazz. His musical accomplishments have brought him a total of 12 Grammy nominations. He won his first Grammy award in 2011 for Best Gospel Song ("It's What I Do", featuring Lalah Hathaway) alongside lifelong friend and writer Jerry Peters.