Kenny G
Biography
Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, professionally known as Kenny G, is an American jazz saxophonist born on June 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington. His 1986 album Duotones brought him commercial success. With global sales totaling more than 75 million records, he is one of the best-selling artists of all time. His career began in 1973 when he worked as a sideman for Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra at age 17 while still in high school. He continued playing professionally while majoring in accounting at the University of Washington in Seattle, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude. He played with the funk band Cold, Bold and Together prior to becoming a credited member of The Jeff Lorber Fusion. Additionally, he contributed to the soundtrack of the 2021 film The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run with covers of My Heart Will Go On and Gary's Song.
Career overview
Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, known professionally as Kenny G, is an American jazz saxophonist born on June 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington, USA. His career began in 1973 when he worked as a sideman for Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra at age 17 while still in high school. He continued playing professionally while studying accounting at the University of Washington in Seattle, eventually graduating Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude. He played with the funk band Cold, Bold and Together before becoming a credited member of The Jeff Lorber Fusion.
Commercial success came to Kenny G with his 1986 album, Duotones. He is recognized as one of the best-selling artists of all time, with global record sales totaling more than 75 million. His acting credits on the movie database total 43. Additionally, he contributed to the soundtrack of the 2021 film The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, providing covers of My Heart Will Go On and Gary's Song, a track originally written for the SpongeBob SquarePants television episode Have You Seen This.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
45 titles- A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (2025) as Kenny G
- In Whose Name? (2025) as Self
- 2024 Back That Year Up with Kevin Hart & Kenan Thompson (2024) as Self
- Listening to Kenny G (2021) as Self
- The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020) Songs
- The Postal Service Zoom Auditions (2020) as Self
- Tamron Hall (2019) as Self - Guest
- Holey Moley (2019) as Self
- Drop the Mic (2017) as Self
- A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) as Himself
- Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special (2017) as Janitor
- Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives (2017) as Self
- Match Game (2016) as Self - Panelist
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Self
- Kenny G: An Evening Of Rhythm & Romance (2009) as Self - Sax
- Wheedle's Groove (2009) as Self
- Kenny G: An Evening of Rhythm and Romance - Live (2009) as Himself
- Hit Man: David Foster & Friends (2008) as Self
- Dirty Sexy Money (2007)
- Britain's Got More Talent (2007) as Self
- Andrea Bocelli - Vivere Live in Tuscany (2007) as Self
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Self - Musical Guest
- American Idol (2002) as Self - Guest
- Arista Records' 25th Anniversary Celebration (2000) as Self
- Futurama (1999) as Kenny G's Head (voice)
- The View (1997) as Self
- The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1996) as Self - Guest
- Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond (1996) as Self
- MADtv (1995) as Self
- World Music Awards (1993) as Self
- The Bodyguard (1992) Theme Song Performance
- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992)
- Michael Bolton: This Is Michael Bolton (1992) as Self
- Voices That Care (1991) as Self
- Traffic Jam (1991) Original Music Composer
- The Ronn Lucas Show (1990)
- Kenny G Live 1989 (1989) as Saxophones, all instruments
- Kenny G Live 1989 (1989) Producer
- Kenny G - Live at Montreux (1988)
- Kenny G - Live at Montreux (1988) Director
- MTV Video Music Awards (1984) as Self
- Surprise, Surprise (1984) as Self
- Christmas in Washington (1982) as Self
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Musical Guest
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Kenny G best known for?
Kenny G is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (2025), In Whose Name? (2025), The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020), Tamron Hall (2019).
When and where was Kenny G born?
Kenny G was born on June 5, 1956 in Seattle, Washington, USA.
How many credits does Kenny G have?
Kenny G has accumulated over 45 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1962 to 2025.
What is Kenny G's background in cinema and television?
Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, professionally known as Kenny G, is an American jazz saxophonist born on June 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington. His 1986 album Duotones brought him commercial success. With global sales totaling more than 75 million records, he is one of the best-selling artists of all time. His career began in 1...
Kenny G by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Futurama (1999) as Kenny G's Head (voice) — aged about 43
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Self — aged about 58
- MTV Video Music Awards (1984) as Self — aged about 28
- Christmas in Washington (1982) as Self — aged about 26
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self — aged about 6
- In Whose Name? (2025) as Self — aged about 69
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