Kenny G

Kenneth Gorelick (born June 5 1956), better known by his stage name Kenny G, is an American saxophonist who was born in Seattle. He adopted his stage name when he turned professional at the age of 17 and started playing in Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra. He has a degree in accounting from the University of Washington.

Related Topics:
June 5 - 1956 - Stage name - American - Saxophonist - Seattle - Barry White - Love Unlimited Orchestra - Accounting - University of Washington

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1981 Kenny G signed with Arista Records as a solo artist. He has released many solo albums and collaborated with various artists including Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole and Aretha Franklin. Influenced by the likes of Grover Washington Jr., his own albums are usually classified as smooth jazz.

Related Topics:
Arista Records - Whitney Houston - Natalie Cole - Aretha Franklin - Grover Washington - Smooth jazz

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

His cross-over into pop music has lead to negative reviews from many music critics, although he remains highly popular with the American buying public. As of 2003, Kenny G was named the 25th-highest selling artist in America by the RIAA, with 47.5 million albums sold in the USA http://www.riaa.com/gp/bestsellers/topartists.asp.

Related Topics:
Pop music - As of 2003 - RIAA

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1994, Kenny G won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition for Forever in Love.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1997, Kenny G earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing the longest note ever recorded on a saxophone. Kenny G held an E for over forty five minutes, a record he still holds.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kenny G. is a strong player, though many have grudges against him for overwriting his playing into one of Louis Armstrong's tracks: What a Wonderful World.

Related Topics:
Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~