Kenneth Bruce Gorelick was born on 5 June 1956 in the city of Seattle, Washington USA to Jewsih parents (mother from Canada), and is one of the world’s most popular and best selling musicians and performers renowned for his talents with the saxophone. Quite possibly the most popular contemporary instrumentalist, Kenny G’s discography includes collaborations with such giants of music as Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton and Aretha Franklin, and he’s even worked with then-rapper Will Smith and his duet partner, DJ Jazzy Jeff. With all that in mind, it’ll come as no surprise that Kenny G’s net worth is as large as it is – or that it looks set to continue growing.
So just how rich is Kenny G? According to authoritative sources, Kenny G’s staggering record sales and various collaborations with other world-famous stars have netted him an estimated net worth of $50 million.
Kenny G has had an affinity for his instrument of choice – the saxophone – since his very earliest days. Attributing his first experience of the instrument to hearing it on “The Ed Sullivan Show”, Kenny G started playing when the future legendary instrumentalist was just ten years old. Nowadays, it might come as a surprise to hear that Kenny G once had trouble getting into his high school’s jazz band – it took Kenny two tries, but that did nothing to deter him. This determination paid off, as Kenny G’s first professional gig came when he was still in high school – he managed to land a part in composer and songwriter Barry White’s “Love Unlimited Orchestra”. Afterwards, various bands would follow, until Kenny G signed his first contract with the record label “Arista Records” as a solo performer. However, although very keen on the possibility of a music career, Kenny G didn’t neglect his studies, and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington in 1977 with a degree in accounting.
Since his debut in his teens, Kenny G has released a number of albums that went on to great success. Typically classified as a smooth jazz performer, Kenny G has been a consistent best seller throughout his career – his second and third albums, “G Force” and “Gravity”, were already successful hits, going on to become platinum in the US. Future albums sold even better, including Kenny’s sixth album, “Breathless” – which became the most commercially successful instrumental album in history, selling 15 million copies and certainly giving Kenny G’s net worth a massive boost on the way. By 2000, Kenny G was already being invited to perform in the White House. It is worth noting another big reason for Kenny G’s impressive net worth – the saxophone legend has recorded several songs aimed primarily at the ever-growing Chinese market. In fact, Kenny G’s greatest hit ever is probably the odd story of his song “Going Home” – which is used across China to signify the end of various businesses, from television programmes to train stations and shopping malls.
In his personal life, today, Kenny G lives in Malibu, California. Kenny G married Lyndie Benson-Gorelick in 1992, and they have two sons together. Unfortunately, the couple separated in 2012 when Kenny G filed for a divorce.
Full Name | Kenny G |
Net Worth | $50 Million |
Salary | $50 million |
Date Of Birth | June 5, 1956 |
Place Of Birth | Seattle, Washington, United States |
Height | 5 ft 1 in (1.57 m) |
Profession | Composer, Musician, Record producer, Songwriter, Saxophonist |
Education | Sharples Junior High School, Franklin High School, University of Washington, |
Nationality | United States of America |
Children | Noah Gorelick, Max Gorelick |
Parents | Morris Gorelick, Evelyn Gorelick, Forever in Love, Songbird, The Moment, Merced, CA, United States, Brooks, CA, United States |
Siblings | Brian Gorelick |
Nicknames | Kenneth Gorelick , Kenny G. , Kenneth Bruce Gorelick , G Kenny |
Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/KennyG |
Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/officialkennyg |
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kennyg |
MySpace | http://www.myspace.com/kennyg |
IMDB | http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0299871 |
Awards | Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition (1994), American Music Award for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist (1994), Soul Train Music Award for Best Jazz Album (1994, 1989), NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Artist (1998) |
Record Labels | “Arista Records” |
Albums | "Kenny G Live", “G Force”, “Gravity”, "Kenny G -Greatest Hits" (1997), "The Very Best of Kenny G" (1994), "Breathless" (1992), "The Moment" (1996) |
Nominations | Guinness Book of World Records (Longest note ever recorded on a saxophone, 1997), 25th highest-selling artist in America (RIAA, 2006) |
Movies | "The Bodyguard", "The Shadow", "Miracle on 34th Street" |
TV Shows | “Love Unlimited Orchestra” |
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1 | I approach everything in my life the same way; if it feels right, I know it. |
2 | What is music anyway? It's a form of communication, and that's why I play the kind of music that I think - that I hope - can communicate with people. |
3 | I've learned that you simply can't control those bad vibes. |
4 | I really create everything I do from the heart. |
5 | Finally, I was no longer a student and was making music for myself. |
6 | Maybe the biggest thing that I've learned musically is that anything is possible. Things can work when maybe they don't seem like they can. |
7 | The Moment is an album that contains the best music I have ever produced. |
8 | I just started as a part of the public school music program. I took lessons at the school every Friday and was a part of the school band. I was just a normal kid taking instrumental lessons at school, nothing special. |
9 | I started realizing that music is the one area where I've always let go. When that saxophone goes into my mouth, I get into a space where I never think about the notes I've already played or anticipate the notes ahead. |
10 | I think everybody has to kind of decide what the word 'jazz' means to them, and that's fine. |
11 | I'm just more into playing golf. It's a great thing. |
12 | I'm responsive to my public, but I also follow my heart. |
13 | If I even lose my glasses or make a mistake. I become really disappointed in myself. |
14 | It wasn't until Duotones that I felt my true voice come out. |
15 | Just because people play songs with great technique doesn't mean the records are better. |
16 | Just figure out what you think jazz is, and then if it fits into that category, it's jazz, and if it doesn't, it isn't. It's no big deal. |
17 | Maybe I'm a dreamer, but I think the ordinary guy has just as much right to say 'This is a good song' as somebody who is in the music business. |
18 | That's my ideal day, time with my boys. |
19 | The whole rise of new adult contemporary music and smooth jazz was a nice surprise. |
20 | There are a few countries that, for whatever reason, really enjoy listening to my music. |
21 | When I play live, I feel how the audience is going and follow and lead at the same time. |
22 | Being a purely instrumental album, it makes a musical statement, not a religious one, and I hope that people can feel the emotion of the great melodies, even without the words. |
23 | I don't play the traditional Charlie Parker songs. But I do improvise and I do create with my instrument, and that to me is jazz. But there are people who use the word 'jazz' only in a traditional sense, and they would be offended by that, and that's fine. |
24 | I learned so much about playing and touring being on the road and in the studio with Jeff, but I'd always played a lot of gigs in Seattle even prior to joining the Fusion. |
25 | I listen to all the top 20 songs, and top 20 albums, even the rap albums. But I don't like negative messages. If somebody is putting a lot of ego out there, I don't like it. When I make my records I want it to be sincere. |
26 | I've never personally criticized anyone else's music, but I know that the public's real problem is not the music I make but the perception that I play simple music for money only and for the notoriety and to increase my popularity. |
27 | I've never really played golf. With the sax, I learned technique well enough so that it feels like part of my body, and I just express myself. That's where I want to get in golf. |
28 | Well, Grover Washington was my main influence and when I went to college, I started listening to more of the jazz masters like Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, and John Coltrane. |
29 | You can't just walk away when somebody recognizes you. You have to take some time out and talk to them. It's not a waste of time - I just love talking to people. And I don't do this to sell records. The truth is, I do what I do because I love it. |
Title | Year | Status | Character |
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Loose Canon | 2016 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Love & Mercy | 2014 | performer: "Songbird" / writer: "Songbird" - as Kenny Gorelick | |
Home & Family | 2013 | TV Series performer - 2 episodes | |
The Board Game | 2012 | Short "The Champion's Theme" | |
The Big Bang Theory | | TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2012 writer - 1 episode, 2012 | |
Psych | | TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2011 writer - 1 episode, 2011 | |
Saturday Night Live | 2011 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Danville 2nd Ward Young Men | 2010 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Atop the Fourth Wall | 2010 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Todd's Pop Song Reviews | | TV Series documentary performer - 1 episode, 2010 writer - 1 episode, 2010 | |
Cars | 2006 | performer: "Songbird" / writer: "Songbird" | |
Alpha Dog | 2006 | performer: "Girl from Ipanema" | |
Alma Gêmea | 2005 | TV Series performer: "At Last" | |
Robots | 2005 | performer: "SONGBIRD" / writer: "SONGBIRD" | |
Operación triunfo | 2002 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
The Master of Disguise | 2002 | performer: "Songbird" / writer: "Songbird" | |
Life | 1999/I | courtesy: "New Day" | |
Long zai jiang hu | 1998 | performer: "You're My Woman" | |
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley | 1998 | TV Special documentary performer: "Forever in Love" - uncredited / writer: "Forever in Love" - uncredited | |
Miracle on 34th Street | 1994 | performer: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" / producer: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" | |
The Shadow | 1994 | performer: "REMEMBER" / producer: "REMEMBER" / writer: "REMEMBER" | |
The Bodyguard | 1992 | performer: "Even If My Heart Would Break", "Waiting for You" / producer: "Waiting for You" / writer: "Waiting for You" | |
Dying Young | 1991 | performer: "LOVE THEME FROM DYING YOUNG" / producer: "LOVE THEME FROM DYING YOUNG" | |
Pretty Woman | 1990 | performer: "Songbird" / writer: "Songbird" | |
You Don't Look 40, Charlie Brown! | 1990 | TV Special documentary performer: "Breadline Blues" | |
Skin Deep | 1989 | performer: "Songbird" / writer: "Songbird" | |
Wall Street | 1987 | performer: "MIDNIGHT MOTION" / writer: "MIDNIGHT MOTION" | |
Title | Year | Status | Character |
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Jimmy Kimmel Live! | 2004-2015 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest / Himself - Guest |
Today | 2015 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
Oprah: Where Are They Now? | 2014 | TV Series | Himself |
Home & Family | 2013 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
Saturday Night Live | 2011 | TV Series | Himself |
Nail Files | 2011 | TV Series | Himself |
Lopez Tonight | 2011 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
Streisand: Live in Concert | 2009 | TV Special documentary | Himself - Audience (uncredited) |
Wheedle's Groove | 2009 | Video documentary | |
Britain's Got More Talent | 2009 | TV Series | Himself |
Kenny G: An Evening of Rhythm and Romance | 2008 | TV Movie | Himself - Sax |
Great Performances | 2007-2008 | TV Series | Himself |
Dirty Sexy Money | 2008 | TV Series | Himself |
2008 Asian Excellence Awards | 2008 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
Más vale tarde | 2008 | TV Series | Himself |
Tavis Smiley | 2008 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
2007 AZN Asian Excellence Awards | 2007 | TV Special | Himself |
All-Star Cup 2005 | 2005 | TV Series | Himself |
Fashion News Live | 2005 | TV Series | Himself |
American Idol | 2005 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
The Contender | 2005 | TV Series | Himself |
Late Night with Conan O'Brien | 2005 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | 1993-2005 | TV Series | Himself - Guest / Himself - Musical Guest |
New Year's Rockin' Eve 2005 | 2004 | TV Special | Himself |
Non-Denominational All-Star Celebrity Holiday Special | 2004 | TV Movie | Himself |
A Home for the Holidays | 2004 | TV Movie | Himself |
Live with Kelly and Michael | 2004 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
The 32nd Annual American Music Awards | 2004 | TV Special | Himself |
MADtv | 2002 | TV Series | Himself |
Operación triunfo | 2002 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
75th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade | 2001 | TV Movie | Himself |
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Barbra Streisand | 2001 | TV Special documentary | Himself (uncredited) |
Babyface: A Collection of Hit Videos | 2001 | Video | Himself (segment "Everytime I Close My Eyes") |
Arista Records' 25th Anniversary Celebration | 2000 | TV Special documentary | Himself |
ABC 2000: The Millennium | 1999 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
Good Morning America | 1999 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
The American Red Cross Holiday Music Spectacular | 1999 | TV Movie | Himself |
Vibe | 1998 | TV Series | Himself |
Concert of Hope | 1997 | TV Special | Himself |
Surprise Surprise! | 1997 | TV Series | Himself |
The 1997 World Music Awards | 1997 | TV Special | Himself |
Gracias por todo | 1997 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
The 53rd Presidential Inaugural Gala: An American Journey | 1997 | TV Special | Himself |
43º edición de los premios Ondas | 1996 | TV Movie | Himself |
The Rosie O'Donnell Show | 1996 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond | 1996 | TV Special documentary | Himself |
1995 Billboard Music Awards | 1995 | TV Special | Himself |
The 22nd Annual American Music Awards | 1995 | TV Special | Himself |
Christmas in Washington | 1994 | TV Movie | Himself |
A Gala for the President at Ford's Theatre | 1994 | TV Special | Himself |
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade | 1994 | TV Special | Himself |
Christmas at Home with the Stars | 1994 | TV Special | Himself |
VH1 Honors | 1994 | TV Special | Himself |
The 36th Annual Grammy Awards | 1994 | TV Special | Himself - Presenter |
The 21st Annual American Music Awards | 1994 | TV Special | Himself |
Viéndonos | 1993 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
The 35th Annual Grammy Awards | 1993 | TV Special | Himself |
Andy Griffith Show Reunion | 1993 | TV Special | Himself |
Songbird Live | 1992 | Video | Himself |
The 19th Annual American Music Awards | 1992 | TV Special | Himself |
Voices that Care | 1991 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
The 18th Annual American Music Awards | 1991 | TV Special | Himself |
That's What Friends Are for: Arista's 15th Anniversary Concert | 1990 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
The 4th Annual Soul Train Music Awards | 1990 | TV Special | Himself |
Kenny G Live | 1989 | Video | Himself |
Grammy Living Legends | 1989 | TV Movie | Himself |
The Arsenio Hall Show | 1989 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
The 15th Annual American Music Awards | 1988 | TV Special | Himself |
Solid Gold | 1985-1987 | TV Series | Himself |
Soul Train | 1987 | TV Series documentary | Himself - Guest |
The 1st Annual Soul Train Music Awards | 1987 | TV Special | Himself |
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1986 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
VH1 New Visions | 1986 | TV Series | Himself - Guest Host VJ (1987) |