Full Name: Kenneth Bruce Gorelick
Stage Name: Kenny G
Born: June 5, 1956
Birthplace: Seattle, Washington, USA
Occupation: Saxophonist, composer, producer
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Early Life and Education
Kenny G was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He began playing the saxophone at age 10, inspired after seeing a performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. He attended the University of Washington and studied accounting while continuing to perform with local bands. His early musical influences included jazz legends like Grover Washington Jr. and Stan Getz.
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Music Career
Kenny G began his professional career as a sideman for Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra in the 1970s. He later joined the Jeff Lorber Fusion group before launching his solo career in 1982.
Breakthrough:
His 1986 album Duotones featured the hit “Songbird,” which brought him mainstream success and made him a household name. His smooth jazz style blended pop and R&B influences, helping him appeal to a wide audience.
Major Albums:
• Duotones (1986)
• Silhouette (1988)
• Breathless (1992) – one of the best-selling instrumental albums of all time
• The Moment (1996)
• Rhythm & Romance (2008)
• Brazilian Nights (2015)
Kenny G is known for his signature use of the soprano saxophone and circular breathing technique, allowing him to sustain notes for extremely long periods—once holding a note for 45 minutes, a Guinness World Record.
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Musical Style and Legacy
Kenny G is considered one of the most successful instrumental musicians of all time. His smooth jazz sound, often blending with pop and soft R&B, has made him both widely popular and sometimes critically debated. Despite mixed reviews from jazz purists, his commercial success and lasting influence are undeniable.
He has sold over 75 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling instrumental artists in history.
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Personal Life
Kenny G is an avid golfer and has competed in various celebrity tournaments. He is also a pilot and owns a De Havilland Beaver seaplane. He was married to Lyndie Benson for over 20 years and has two sons.
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Awards and Achievements
• Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition (“Forever in Love”)
• Multiple American Music Awards and Soul Train Music Awards
• NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Jazz Artist
• Latin Grammy nominations
• Hollywood Walk of Fame star (2003)
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Kenny G’s influence on smooth jazz and pop instrumental music is enduring. With a distinct sound and unmatched commercial success, he remains one of the genre’s most recognizable and celebrated figures.
