Kenny G (born June 5, 1956) is an American smooth jazz saxophonist, composer, and producer, renowned for his 1986 album Duotones. With over 75 million records sold globally, he is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Kenny G began playing the saxophone at age 10 and launched his career with Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra. His breakthrough album Breathless (1992) became the best-selling instrumental album. He has worked with artists like Andrea Bocelli and Frank Sinatra, enjoying global popularity, especially in China.
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Kenny G Net Worth
Kenny G has a net worth of $100 million, making him the most successful instrumentalist of all time with 75 million albums sold. He studied accounting at the University of Washington, choosing a solid degree over music in case he needed a backup.
Kenny G applied his business lessons throughout his career, including investing in Starbucks in the early 1980s. Through a connection with Howard Schultz, he bought shares in the company before its IPO, potentially worth hundreds of millions today. His early investment in Starbucks proved extremely profitable.
Early life
Kenny G was born in Seattle, Washington, to a Jewish family, with his mother being a Canadian Jew from Saskatchewan. He was inspired to play the saxophone after hearing a performance on The Ed Sullivan Show and began playing a Buffet Crampon alto in 1966 at age 10.
Kenny G attended Whitworth Elementary, Sharples Junior High, Franklin High School, and the University of Washington in Seattle. He initially failed to join the jazz band in high school but later earned first chair, with classmate Robert Damper joining his band.
Career
After his time with Lorber, Kenny G launched his solo career, signing with Clive Davis at Arista Records in 1982. His debut album, released August 1, 1982, went gold. His next two albums, G Force (1983) and Gravity (1985), went platinum.
However, his breakthrough came with Duotones (1986), which went 5X platinum, propelled by the hit “Songbird.” His 1992 album Breathless sold 12 million copies, his best-selling album. With over 75 million records sold, Kenny G has collaborated with major artists like Andrea Bocelli and Frank Sinatra.
Personal life
Kenny G married Janice DeLeon in 1980, divorcing in 1987, and later married Lyndie Benson in 1992, with whom he had two sons. His son Max was the guitarist for Imperial Triumphant in 2016. Kenny G built a house in Hunts Point, Washington, in 1996, selling it to Craig McCaw in 1999.
He now resides in Malibu, California. An avid golfer, he has competed in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and is also a licensed pilot with a De Havilland Beaver seaplane.
How long can Kenny G hold a note?
Kenny G set a Guinness World Record in 1997 for holding the longest note ever recorded on a saxophone. Using circular breathing, he held an E-flat for an impressive 45 minutes and 47 seconds at J&R Music World in New York City.
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Conclusion
Kenny G’s journey from a young saxophonist to a wealthy musician is a story of talent, perseverance, and smart financial decisions. His remarkable net worth reflects his status as a globally recognized musician and a successful investor.
FAQs about Kenny G’s Net Worth
- What genres does Kenny G specialize in? – Kenny G is best known for his smooth jazz and adult contemporary music.
- What are some of Kenny G’s most popular songs? – His hits include “Songbird,” “The Moment,” and his rendition of “Going Home.”
- Has Kenny G won any notable awards? – He has received several awards and nominations throughout his career, including Grammy Awards.
- What are Kenny G’s other interests besides music? – He is an avid golfer and has participated in various celebrity golf tournaments.
- How has Kenny G influenced the music industry? – Kenny G has been instrumental in popularizing smooth jazz and has influenced many saxophonists and jazz artists.
