Known for his musical melodies and extraordinary saxophone skills, Kenny G has made his mark in the world of music, crossing genres and capturing audiences around the globe.
Let’s follow the article below to learn about Kenny G net worth, his current life, and his career.
What is Kenny G’s Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
According to Celeb, Kenny G net worth is estimated at around $50 million in 2023. Kenny G has made his fortune from record sales, endorsement deals, and various other business ventures. He takes home about $7 million a year in pay.
Kenny G is among the most accomplished musicians, having won countless honors for his work. His influence on music and his lasting impact on jazz has made him an icon of the genre.
Kenny G’s Overview
Early Life
Kenny G was born on June 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in a Jewish family. Kenny G showed early musical aptitude, starting with piano lessons at six and later transitioning to the saxophone.
After studying accounting at the University of Washington, he dropped out to focus on music full-time. Starting in the late 1970s by playing in local jazz bands, he caught the attention of famous jazz keyboardist and producer Jeff Lorber.
Career
Early Career
He began his musical career when he obtained his first saxophone at age 10. By the time he was 17, he was playing with Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra.
This early exposure to professional music paved the way for his burgeoning career, leading to his association with the Jeff Lorber Fusion, where his talent as a saxophonist started gaining recognition.
Kenny G began his solo career in the early 1980s with the release of his self-titled debut album. Though not an immediate commercial success, it began a prolific and successful solo career. “G Force” (1983) and “Gravity” (1985), his following two albums, started to sell better.
However, his fourth album, “Duotones” (1986), marked his breakthrough. The single “Songbird,” of this album reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, a rare accomplishment for a jazz instrumental.
“Duotones” went multi-platinum and catapulted Kenny G into the limelight, establishing him as a prominent figure in the smooth jazz genre.
Successful Career
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Kenny G continued his successful trajectory, releasing albums that consistently topped the Billboard contemporary jazz chart.
One of his best-selling albums, “Breathless” (1992), had the single “Forever in Love,” which went on to win the Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition in 1994.
Kenny G is also known for his record-breaking feat of holding an E-flat on saxophone for over 45 minutes using a technique known as circular breathing. His beautiful melodies and virtuosity in saxophone playing made him a household name in the music industry.
Beyond his solo work, Kenny G’s collaborations with other artists have also been noteworthy. He has worked with many singers, including Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston.
This shows how versatile and popular he is. Kenny G was among the best-selling performers, with 14 studio albums and over 75 million record sales worldwide.
Personal Life
In 1992, Kenny G married Janice DeLeon, with whom he shares a son named Max Gorelick, born in 1993. The couple divorced in 2002.
He later married Lyndie Benson in 1997, and they have two sons, Noah and Levi. Although they separated in 2012, they have maintained a friendly relationship, and Kenny G has been an involved father to his children.
Divorce Alimony Payment
When their divorce was finalized in 2013, Kenny started giving Lyndie Benson $40,000 monthly ($360,000 annually) in alimony payments.
Kenny asked for a cut in his alimony payments in March 2023, saying that his income has decreased significantly because traveling hasn’t returned from the effects of COVID. When he made the request, Kenny had given Lyndie about $4 million in the ten years before.
Real Estate
In 1990, Kenny paid $8.8 million for a four-acre house in Hunts Point, Washington. He did this in three separate deals. He constructed a mansion there of 12,200 square feet in 1995.
In 1998, he put the house on the market for $26.5 million. Craig McCaw got the house in 1999 for an unknown amount. McCaw put the home on the market in July 2022 for $85 million, but he still needs to find a buyer as of this writing.
End of 2007, Kenny paid $2.85 million for a house in Studio City, California. He listed this house for sale more than once over the years. He finally sold it for $2.765 million in February 2021.
Kenny has lived in Malibu’s same palatial bluff-top mansion/compound since 1998. He bought his first piece of land for $12.5 million in 1997. In 2000, he spent $3 million to buy the house next door. He tore down the old house and built a new castle.
The second house is said to have cost more than $3.5 million to build. The new second home still has the same address as the old one. There are conference rooms, an auditorium, and an ocean-view guest house, all in the main building.
Why is Kenny G Famous?
Kenny G is primarily famous for his exceptional saxophonist talent, especially in smooth jazz. He is well-known worldwide for his unique sound and virtuosic control of the saxophone.
Kenny G holds the world record for the longest-held note on a saxophone, showcasing his remarkable instrument mastery.
FAQs about Kenny G
Does Kenny G own part of Starbucks?
One of the first people to help Starbucks was Kenny’s uncle. Kenny G used some of the early money he made from his music to buy shares in Starbucks.
How old is Kenny G?
Kenny G age is 66 years old.
How tall is Kenny G?
Kenny G height is 1,71 m.
Is Kenny G related to Katy Perry?
Kenny G is Kathy’s mom’s brother, and Kathy Beth Terry loves him. Kenny G plays a saxophone solo on the roof at Kathy Beth Terry’s house party in the music video directed by Marc Klasfeld.
Who is the best saxophone player ever?
People often say that Charlie Parker was the best trumpet player ever. Parker, who was known as “Yardbird” or “Bird” for short, made jazz the best form of spontaneous artistic expression.
Conclusion
Kenny G is one of the most famous saxophonists in history, and his musical and financial success has been a model for many others. His life shows that you can be successful if you work hard toward your goals and never give up.
To learn more about Kenny G and explore the financial journey of this smooth jazz titan, stay tuned with WCnetworth.
