Kenny G will tell the story of his life and career as a smooth jazz legend in a new memoir.
Blackstone will publish the saxophonist’s Life in the Key of G, co-written with Philip Lerman, this fall, the press announced in a news release.
Kenny G, a Seattle native, started playing saxophone at the age of 10. As a young man, he played with Barry White’s backing band The Love Unlimited Orchestra as well as Cold, Bold & Together and the Jeff Lorber Fusion.
He made his solo debut in 1981 with an eponymous album and released two other records before his breakout album, Duotones, in 1986. His hit singles include “Don’t Make Me Wait for Love,” “Songbird,” “Silhouette,” and “Forever in Love.”
In thememoir, Blackstone says, Kenny G “shares how skinny Kenneth Gorelick, the kid who got hassled for his lunch money in a Seattle high school, became one of the most celebrated and revered virtuosos in the music industry. He uncovers how he’s managed to rise above the fray, tune out the critics, and live a life filled with happiness and humor.”
In a statement, Kenny G said, “It’s been exactly fifty years since my first professional gig (and that blows my mind because I feel like I’m just getting started); but it seemed like a good time to share those stories with the wonderful people who’ve supported me all these years.”
Life in the Key of G is scheduled for publication on Sept. 24.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
