Kenny G Net Worth

Publish date: 2024-06-02

Kenny G net worth is
$50 Million

Kenny G Wiki Biography

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 Net Worth $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 NameKenny G
Net Worth$50 Million
Salary$50 million
Date Of BirthJune 5, 1956
Place Of BirthSeattle, Washington, United States
Height5 ft 1 in (1.57 m)
ProfessionComposer, Musician, Record producer, Songwriter, Saxophonist
EducationSharples Junior High School, Franklin High School, University of Washington,
NationalityUnited States of America
ChildrenNoah Gorelick, Max Gorelick
ParentsMorris Gorelick, Evelyn Gorelick, Forever in Love, Songbird, The Moment, Merced, CA, United States, Brooks, CA, United States
SiblingsBrian Gorelick
NicknamesKenneth Gorelick , Kenny G. , Kenneth Bruce Gorelick , G Kenny
Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/KennyG
Twitterhttp://www.twitter.com/officialkennyg
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kennyg
MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/kennyg
IMDBhttp://www.imdb.com/name/nm0299871
AwardsGrammy 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)
NominationsGuinness 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”
#Trademark
1His long curly hair
2Complex soprano saxophone songs
#Quote
1I approach everything in my life the same way; if it feels right, I know it.
2What 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.
3I've learned that you simply can't control those bad vibes.
4I really create everything I do from the heart.
5Finally, I was no longer a student and was making music for myself.
6Maybe 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.
7The Moment is an album that contains the best music I have ever produced.
8I 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.
9I 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.
10I think everybody has to kind of decide what the word 'jazz' means to them, and that's fine.
11I'm just more into playing golf. It's a great thing.
12I'm responsive to my public, but I also follow my heart.
13If I even lose my glasses or make a mistake. I become really disappointed in myself.
14It wasn't until Duotones that I felt my true voice come out.
15Just because people play songs with great technique doesn't mean the records are better.
16Just 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.
17Maybe 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.
18That's my ideal day, time with my boys.
19The whole rise of new adult contemporary music and smooth jazz was a nice surprise.
20There are a few countries that, for whatever reason, really enjoy listening to my music.
21When I play live, I feel how the audience is going and follow and lead at the same time.
22Being 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.
23I 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.
24I 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.
25I 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.
26I'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.
27I'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.
28Well, 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.
29You 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.
#Fact
1Appears in the music video for Katy Perry's single, "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)", alongside Rebecca Black, Darren Criss, Corey Feldman, Deborah Gibson, Kevin McHale, Isaac Hanson, Taylor Hanson and Zac Hanson.
2Is a Phi Beta Kappa.
3He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
4Ranked in Golf Digest's "Top 100 in Music" (December 2006 issue) as the #1 musician golfer with a plus 0.6 Handicap Index.
5Sustained a single musical note on his saxophone for 45 minutes through a process known as "circular breathing." (1997)
6Loves to play golf when not playing the sax.
7Wife is close friends with Brooke Shields.
8Has two sons named Max and Noah.

All pictures

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Loose Canon2016TV Series performer - 1 episode
Love & Mercy2014performer: "Songbird" / writer: "Songbird" - as Kenny Gorelick
Home & Family2013TV Series performer - 2 episodes
The Board Game2012Short "The Champion's Theme"
The Big Bang TheoryTV Series performer - 1 episode, 2012 writer - 1 episode, 2012
PsychTV Series performer - 1 episode, 2011 writer - 1 episode, 2011
Saturday Night Live2011TV Series performer - 1 episode
Danville 2nd Ward Young Men2010TV Series performer - 1 episode
Atop the Fourth Wall2010TV Series performer - 1 episode
Todd's Pop Song ReviewsTV Series documentary performer - 1 episode, 2010 writer - 1 episode, 2010
Cars2006performer: "Songbird" / writer: "Songbird"
Alpha Dog2006performer: "Girl from Ipanema"
Alma Gêmea2005TV Series performer: "At Last"
Robots2005performer: "SONGBIRD" / writer: "SONGBIRD"
Operación triunfo2002TV Series performer - 1 episode
The Master of Disguise2002performer: "Songbird" / writer: "Songbird"
Life1999/Icourtesy: "New Day"
Long zai jiang hu1998performer: "You're My Woman"
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley1998TV Special documentary performer: "Forever in Love" - uncredited / writer: "Forever in Love" - uncredited
Miracle on 34th Street1994performer: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" / producer: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
The Shadow1994performer: "REMEMBER" / producer: "REMEMBER" / writer: "REMEMBER"
The Bodyguard1992performer: "Even If My Heart Would Break", "Waiting for You" / producer: "Waiting for You" / writer: "Waiting for You"
Dying Young1991performer: "LOVE THEME FROM DYING YOUNG" / producer: "LOVE THEME FROM DYING YOUNG"
Pretty Woman1990performer: "Songbird" / writer: "Songbird"
You Don't Look 40, Charlie Brown!1990TV Special documentary performer: "Breadline Blues"
Skin Deep1989performer: "Songbird" / writer: "Songbird"
Wall Street1987performer: "MIDNIGHT MOTION" / writer: "MIDNIGHT MOTION"

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
My Imaginary Friend Is Kenny G2014ShortKenny G
Megadeth Wearhouse2013Short
Katy Perry: Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)2011Video shortUncle Kenny
Scream Farm2008VideoRad

Composer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
My Imaginary Friend Is Kenny G2014Short
Downstream2005Short
Jutai1991as Keni-G

Music Department

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The American Red Cross Holiday Music Spectacular1999TV Movie song performer
Dying Young1991musician: saxophone

Thanks

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Longing Heart2010Short thanks

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Jimmy Kimmel Live!2004-2015TV SeriesHimself - Musical Guest / Himself - Guest
Today2015TV SeriesHimself - Musical Guest
Oprah: Where Are They Now?2014TV SeriesHimself
Home & Family2013TV SeriesHimself - Guest
Saturday Night Live2011TV SeriesHimself
Nail Files2011TV SeriesHimself
Lopez Tonight2011TV SeriesHimself - Guest
Streisand: Live in Concert2009TV Special documentaryHimself - Audience (uncredited)
Wheedle's Groove2009Video documentary
Britain's Got More Talent2009TV SeriesHimself
Kenny G: An Evening of Rhythm and Romance2008TV MovieHimself - Sax
Great Performances2007-2008TV SeriesHimself
Dirty Sexy Money2008TV SeriesHimself
2008 Asian Excellence Awards2008TV Movie documentaryHimself
Más vale tarde2008TV SeriesHimself
Tavis Smiley2008TV SeriesHimself - Guest
2007 AZN Asian Excellence Awards2007TV SpecialHimself
All-Star Cup 20052005TV SeriesHimself
Fashion News Live2005TV SeriesHimself
American Idol2005TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The Contender2005TV SeriesHimself
Late Night with Conan O'Brien2005TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno1993-2005TV SeriesHimself - Guest / Himself - Musical Guest
New Year's Rockin' Eve 20052004TV SpecialHimself
Non-Denominational All-Star Celebrity Holiday Special2004TV MovieHimself
A Home for the Holidays2004TV MovieHimself
Live with Kelly and Michael2004TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The 32nd Annual American Music Awards2004TV SpecialHimself
MADtv2002TV SeriesHimself
Operación triunfo2002TV SeriesHimself - Musical Guest
75th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade2001TV MovieHimself
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Barbra Streisand2001TV Special documentaryHimself (uncredited)
Babyface: A Collection of Hit Videos2001VideoHimself (segment "Everytime I Close My Eyes")
Arista Records' 25th Anniversary Celebration2000TV Special documentaryHimself
ABC 2000: The Millennium1999TV Movie documentaryHimself
Good Morning America1999TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The American Red Cross Holiday Music Spectacular1999TV MovieHimself
Vibe1998TV SeriesHimself
Concert of Hope1997TV SpecialHimself
Surprise Surprise!1997TV SeriesHimself
The 1997 World Music Awards1997TV SpecialHimself
Gracias por todo1997TV SeriesHimself - Musical Guest
The 53rd Presidential Inaugural Gala: An American Journey1997TV SpecialHimself
43º edición de los premios Ondas1996TV MovieHimself
The Rosie O'Donnell Show1996TV SeriesHimself - Guest
Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond1996TV Special documentaryHimself
1995 Billboard Music Awards1995TV SpecialHimself
The 22nd Annual American Music Awards1995TV SpecialHimself
Christmas in Washington1994TV MovieHimself
A Gala for the President at Ford's Theatre1994TV SpecialHimself
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade1994TV SpecialHimself
Christmas at Home with the Stars1994TV SpecialHimself
VH1 Honors1994TV SpecialHimself
The 36th Annual Grammy Awards1994TV SpecialHimself - Presenter
The 21st Annual American Music Awards1994TV SpecialHimself
Viéndonos1993TV SeriesHimself - Musical Guest
The 35th Annual Grammy Awards1993TV SpecialHimself
Andy Griffith Show Reunion1993TV SpecialHimself
Songbird Live1992VideoHimself
The 19th Annual American Music Awards1992TV SpecialHimself
Voices that Care1991TV Movie documentaryHimself
The 18th Annual American Music Awards1991TV SpecialHimself
That's What Friends Are for: Arista's 15th Anniversary Concert1990TV Movie documentaryHimself
The 4th Annual Soul Train Music Awards1990TV SpecialHimself
Kenny G Live1989VideoHimself
Grammy Living Legends1989TV MovieHimself
The Arsenio Hall Show1989TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The 15th Annual American Music Awards1988TV SpecialHimself
Solid Gold1985-1987TV SeriesHimself
Soul Train1987TV Series documentaryHimself - Guest
The 1st Annual Soul Train Music Awards1987TV SpecialHimself
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1986TV SeriesHimself - Musical Guest
VH1 New Visions1986TV SeriesHimself - Guest Host VJ (1987)

Archive Footage

Won Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
1997Star on the Walk of FameWalk of FameRecordingAwarded on November 20, 1997 at 7021 Hollywood Blvd.

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
1999GrammyGrammy AwardsBest Pop Instrumental PerformanceTitanic (1997)
1999Hong Kong Film AwardHong Kong Film AwardsBest Original Film SongLong zai jiang hu (1998)

Known for movies


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