Kenny G

Kenny G
Angela George · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Kenny G
Birth name	Kenneth Bruce Gorelick
Birth date	June 5, 1956
Birth place	Seattle, Washington
Occupation	Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer
Instrument	Saxophone
Genre	Smooth jazz, jazz, R&B, pop

Kenny G is a renowned American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, known for his smooth and soulful saxophone playing style, which has been influenced by George Benson, Grover Washington Jr., and Stan Getz. Born in Seattle, Washington, Kenny G has collaborated with numerous famous artists, including Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston. His music often incorporates elements of R&B, pop music, and jazz, making him a crossover sensation, with fans from Los Angeles to New York City and beyond, including London, Paris, and Tokyo. With a career spanning over four decades, Kenny G has performed at various iconic venues, such as Madison Square Garden, Hollywood Bowl, and Royal Albert Hall.

Early Life and Career

Kenny G was born to Jewish parents and grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz enthusiast who introduced him to the works of Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 10 and was heavily influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire, The Crusaders, and Herbie Mann. Kenny G attended University of Washington and later transferred to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he studied alongside Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. After college, he moved to Los Angeles, California and began his professional music career, performing with artists such as Jeff Lorber, George Duke, and Quincy Jones.

Music Style and Influences

Kenny G's music style is a unique blend of smooth jazz, R&B, and pop music, with influences from jazz fusion and funk music. His playing style has been compared to that of Stan Getz, Paul Desmond, and Cannonball Adderley, and he has cited John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Sonny Rollins as major influences. Kenny G has also been influenced by classical music, particularly the works of Mozart, Chopin, and Debussy, and has collaborated with classical musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman. His music often features electronic keyboards, drum machines, and bass guitar, creating a distinctive sound that has been praised by critics and fans alike, from Rolling Stone to The New York Times and DownBeat.

Discography

Kenny G has released numerous successful albums, including Duotones, Silhouette, and Breathless, which have featured hit singles such as "Songbird", "Forever in Love", and "By the Time This Night Is Over". His albums have been produced by renowned producers such as Walter Afanasieff, David Foster, and Babyface, and have featured guest appearances by artists such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John. Kenny G has also released several Christmas albums, including Miracles: The Holiday Album and Wishes: A Holiday Album, which have become holiday classics, alongside albums by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. His music has been featured in various films and television shows, including The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale, and The Simpsons.

Awards and Accolades

Kenny G has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. He has been nominated for awards alongside artists such as Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, and Wynton Marsalis, and has won awards for his work on albums such as "Duotones", "Silhouette", and "Breathless". Kenny G has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, particularly in the area of music education, and has supported organizations such as The Grammy Foundation, The Jazz Foundation of America, and The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. He has performed at various charity events, including Live Aid, Farm Aid, and The Prince's Trust.

Personal Life

Kenny G is a private person, but it is known that he is married to Lyndie Benson and has two sons, Max Gorelick and Noah Gorelick. He is an avid golfer and has participated in several celebrity golf tournaments, including the American Century Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Kenny G is also a licensed pilot and owns a Gulfstream II jet, which he uses to travel to his concerts and other events, including performances at Carnegie Hall, Hollywood Bowl, and Sydney Opera House. Despite his busy schedule, Kenny G is known to be a devoted family man and has spoken publicly about the importance of his family and his Jewish heritage, which has influenced his music and his philanthropic work, particularly in support of organizations such as The Anti-Defamation League and The Jewish Federation. Category:American jazz musicians