The famous saxophonist Kenny G turns 68 today
With over 75 million records sold worldwide, Kenny G’s smooth, melodic saxophone has made him one of the most recognizable and successful instrumental musicians in the world
The famous saxophonist Kenny G turns 68 today
Kenny G was born Kenneth Bruce Gorelick on June 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington. Growing up in Seattle’s Seward Park neighborhood, Kenny G discovered his passion for music at an early age. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 10 after being inspired by a performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” He attended Franklin High School, where he played in the school’s jazz band. After high school, he went on to study accounting at the University of Washington, though his heart remained in music.
Kenny G’s professional music career began in the mid-1970s when he joined the Jeff Lorber Fusion, a jazz-fusion band. This experience allowed him to develop his distinctive sound and hone his skills as a saxophonist. His big break came in 1982 when he signed with Arista Records as a solo artist. His debut album, “Kenny G,” was released the same year, marking the beginning of his success as a smooth jazz superstar.
Kenny G’s rise to fame came with his fourth studio album, “Duotones,” released in 1986. The album featured the hit single “Songbird,” which became a chart-topping success and a staple of smooth jazz. This success was followed by the multi-platinum album “Silhouette” in 1988 and “Breathless” in 1992, which remains one of the best-selling instrumental albums of all time. His single “Forever in Love” from the album “Breathless” won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition in 1994.
Kenny G continued to produce hit albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including “The Moment” (1996) and “Classics in the Key of G” (1999), which showcased his ability to blend classical and contemporary styles. His Christmas albums, such as “Miracles: The Holiday Album” (1994), have also been particularly popular, cementing his status as a household name during the holiday season.
In the 2010s and beyond, Kenny G has continued to record and perform, exploring new musical styles and collaborations. His 2015 album “Brazilian Nights” reflects his interest in bossa nova and Brazilian music. Kenny G has also been active in live performances, touring extensively worldwide, and participating in various music festivals and events. He made headlines with his collaboration on Kanye West’s 2019 album “Jesus Is King,” bringing his smooth saxophone sound to the track “Use This Gospel.”
Kenny G married Janice DeLeon in 1980, but the couple divorced in 1987. He later married Lyndie Benson in 1992, with whom he has two sons, Max and Noah. However, this marriage also ended in divorce in 2012. Outside of his musical career, Kenny G is an avid golfer and has competed in various celebrity golf tournaments. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting numerous charitable causes and organizations.
With over 75 million records sold worldwide, Kenny G’s smooth, melodic saxophone has made him one of the most recognizable and successful instrumental musicians in the world.
Watch the music video for “Forever In Love” one of Kenny G’s biggest hits, 1992
Watch more music related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
