Kenny G, the American adult contemporary and smooth jazz saxophonist, boasts a net worth of $100 million. His remarkable success includes selling 75 million albums worldwide, making him the most successful instrumentalist of all time. Interestingly, Kenny G’s financial portfolio extends beyond music.
Kenny G Net Worth Timeline
Kenny G Wiki, Bio, Income & Quick Facts
- Full Name: Kenneth Bruce Gorelick
- Birthdate: June 5, 1956
- Birthplace: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Age: 68 years old (as of 2024)
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
- Weight: Around 190 pounds (86 kg)
- Genre: Smooth jazz, contemporary jazz
- Instruments: Saxophone (primarily soprano saxophone)
- Notable Albums: Duotones (1986), Silhouette (1988), Breathless (1992)
- Famous Songs: “Songbird,” “Silhouette,” “Forever in Love”
- Career Highlights: Kenny is one of the best-selling instrumental musicians of all time, with over 75 million records sold worldwide.
- Awards: He won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s) in 1994 for the song “Forever in Love.”
- Personal Life: Known for his signature curly hair, Kenny is a skilled saxophonist with a distinctive smooth jazz style. He is also involved in various charitable activities and has been a vocal advocate for environmental causes.
Real Estate
- Hunts Point Estate (Seattle, WA): Kenny G’s former estate in Hunts Point, Seattle, was listed for a staggering $85 million. The 10-bedroom, five-bath mansion spans 12,000 square feet, with additional structures totaling around 17,000 square feet. Designed by architect Richard Landry, it boasts opulent features, including floor-to-ceiling windows, a large pool, a beachside lounge area, and a palatial sports court. The property, now owned by the McCaw family, commands 327 feet of waterfront with a dock for a seaplane and a yacht.
- Malibu Residence (California): Since 1998, Kenny’s primary residence has been a 5,476-square-foot estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu. He also acquired an adjacent lot and built a $3.5 million, 3,500-square-foot retreat.
- Los Angeles Farmhouse: In 2018, Kenny listed his 3,916-square-foot gated farmhouse in Los Angeles for $3.995 million. The property has since been sold.
Investments
Kenny’s made a significant fortune from an early pre-IPO investment in Starbucks. While the exact value of his stake remains undisclosed, $1,000 invested in Starbucks on its public debut would now be worth $300,000!
Rental Income
In an April 2023 divorce court filing, Kenny revealed that he earns an astonishing $600,000 per month in rental income from his diverse property portfolio. While his touring income may have declined, his real estate investments continue to thrive. Unfortunately, the exact details of the properties generating this income remain undisclosed.
Divorce Alimony Payment
Kenny was ordered to pay his ex-wife, Balynda “Lyndie” Benson-Gorelick, more than $300,000 in attorney’s fees and court costs a decade after their divorce. When their divorce was finalized in 2013, Kenny began paying Lyndie Benson an alimony support payment of $40,000 per month (equivalent to $360,000 per year). However, in March 2023, Kenny requested a reduction in alimony payments, citing decreased income due to the impact of COVID on touring. The former couple was married for 21 years before their divorce in 2013, and Kenny had agreed to pay Benson $40,000 a month in spousal support.
Charity Work
- Kenny G Miracles Foundation: Kenny established this foundation to raise funds for music-related charities.
- Supported Charities:
Kenny G Awards and Achievements
- Grammy Awards:
- Kenny has received 17 Grammy nominations throughout his career.
- Notably, he won the Best Instrumental Composition Grammy for his iconic track “Forever in Love.”
- American Music Awards:
- Kenny was named Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist at the American Music Awards in 1994.
- His album “Breathless” was also nominated for Favorite Adult Contemporary Album.
- Billboard Music Awards:
- In 1993, Kenny was nominated for Top Pop Artist at the Billboard Music Awards.
- NAACP Image Awards:
- He received the Outstanding Jazz Artist award twice (in 1994 and 1998) from the NAACP Image Awards.
- Soul Train Music Awards:
- His album “Silhouette” won the Best Jazz Album award at the Soul Train Music Awards in 1989.
- Additionally, his album “Breathless” was also honored with a Soul Train Music Award.
- Other Achievements:
- Kenny has sold over 75 million albums globally.
- His collaborations include artists like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra, and Kanye West.
Kenny G Early Life, Education, and Career
Kenny G, born Kenneth Bruce Gorelick on June 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington, is a Grammy award-winning smooth jazz saxophonist. His musical journey began at an early age when he developed an affinity for music. By the time he was ten, he started playing the saxophone, and seven years later, he debuted as a sideman for Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra.
Academically, Kenny pursued a major in accounting at the University of Washington in Seattle. Despite his professional music career, he continued to study and graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude. His impressive career graph includes over 20 studio albums, with hits like “Duotones” and “Breathless,” both of which achieved platinum status. His signature smooth, melodic style on the soprano saxophone has made him a popular figure in contemporary jazz. Besides music, Kenny is an avid golfer and has even participated in golf tournaments, ranking No. 1 in the Golf Digest Top 100 in Music in 2006.
Kenny G’s Parents, Siblings, Wife, and Personal Life
- Father: Morris Gorelick, a Russian Jewish immigrant.
- Mother: Evelyn Ruth “Eva,” a Canadian Jewish emigrant from Saskatchewan.
- brother: Brian Gorelick.
- Marriage and Children:
- Kenny was married twice. His first marriage was to Janice DeLeon in 1980, but they divorced after seven years.
- Later, he married Lyndie Benson in 1992. The couple had two sons, Max and Noah.
- Lyndie described their 20-year marriage as “a magical 20 years of music and romance” before they eventually divorced in 2012 due to irreconcilable differences.
- Dating Profile:
- Since his 2012 divorce, Kenny has kept a low dating profile and doesn’t seem keen on returning to the dating scene.
FAQ About Kenny
How Much is Kenny G worth?
Kenny, the celebrated American adult contemporary and smooth jazz saxophonist, boasts an impressive net worth of $100 million.
Who is Kenny G?
Kenny, born Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, is an American jazz saxophonist known for his smooth jazz style and best-selling albums.
What genre of music does Kenny G play?
Kenny is known for playing smooth jazz, a genre characterized by its melodic and relaxing qualities.
What are some of Kenny G’s most popular songs?
Some of Kenny’s most popular songs include “Songbird,” “Forever in Love,” “Silhouette,” and “Going Home.”
How did Kenny G become famous?
Kenny gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s with his smooth jazz sound and became one of the best-selling artists in the genre.
What type of saxophone does Kenny G play?
Kenny primarily plays the soprano saxophone, which is known for its higher range and smooth tone.
Has Kenny G won any awards?
Yes, Kenny has won several awards, including the Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental Composition and Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
Is Kenny G still performing?
Yes, Kenny continues to perform and tour regularly, delighting audiences with his smooth jazz music.
Does Kenny G collaborate with other artists?
Yes, Kenny has collaborated with various artists across different genres, including pop and R&B musicians.
Does Kenny G compose his own music?
Yes, Kenny is not only known for his performances but also for composing many of his own songs.
Where can I find Kenny G’s music?
Kenny’s music is available on streaming platforms, online music stores, and physical CDs.
How many concerts has Kenny G had?
Kenny has had three concerts.
What are some upcoming Kenny G tours and concerts?
On November 3, 2024, he will perform at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California, alongside other artists like David Foster, Tori Kelly, Andrea Bocelli, and more.
On August 11, 2024, he’ll be at the Rio Rancho Events Center in New Mexico, sharing the stage with Black Violin and CeeLo Green.
And on August 10, 2024, he’ll perform at the Southwest Jazz & Heritage Fest Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona.
What instrument does Kenny G play?
Kenny’s main instrument is the soprano saxophone, but he also occasionally plays alto and tenor saxophones.
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