Life in the Key of G

Kenny G and Philip Lerman

Kenny G (Narrator)

09-24-24

9hrs 45min

Abridgement

Unabridged

Genre

Nonfiction/Biography & Autobiography

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Play Audio Sample

09-24-24

9hrs 45min

Abridgement

Unabridged

Genre

Nonfiction/Biography & Autobiography

Description

“Warm, thoughtful, and upbeat, this candid memoir about a life dedicated to—and enriched by—music will appeal to Kenny G’s many fans and to music aficionados with an interest in the rise of the smooth jazz sound. Feel-good reading from a feel-good musical artist.” Kirkus Reviews

A People Magazine Pick of Best Celebrity Memoirs of 2024
A Saturday Evening Post Pick of Top 10 Books of Summer
A London Observer Pick of Best Celebrity Memoirs of 2024
A Billboard Pick of Must-Read Music Memoirs of Fall
A Kirkus Reviews Pick of Fall Nonfiction

Kenny G—the incomparable musician with the straight sax, the flowing hair, and some of the most memorable melodies in history—reveals the man behind the music in this indelible, fascinating, and funny memoir.

He’s world renowned as the best-selling instrumentalist of all time, but there’s a lot about Kenny G that even his legions of devoted fans have never known—until now.

In honest and heartfelt prose, 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.

Few people know of Kenny G’s musical roots as the sole white guy in one of the coolest funk bands of the seventies, or as the teenage backup musician for everyone from Barry White to Liberace. As an artist he’s dedicated to turning the next generation on to jazz heroes like Grover Washington, John Coltrane, and Stan Getz. A man who takes his music seriously but himself not so seriously, Kenny G lets readers behind the scenes to see how he creates his unique sound and unforgettable songs. Along the way, he offers life lessons in discipline, determination, and dedication.

Life in the Key of G leads readers on a tour of one of the great musical careers of the twentieth century, from the time he pulled a fast one on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show—a bold gamble that launched his stardom—to famed duets with legends like Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra, and more.

As Kenny G likes to say, “Try it. You’ll have the best sax you ever had.”

Praise

“Warm, thoughtful, and upbeat, this candid memoir about a life dedicated to—and enriched by—music will appeal to Kenny G’s many fans and to music aficionados with an interest in the rise of the smooth jazz sound. Feel-good reading from a feel-good musical artist.” Kirkus Reviews

“Kenny G’s memoir reveals someone who is dedicated to his family and craft, has a sense of humor about himself, and who comes off as genuinely grateful, happy, and quite possibly the nicest guy in music.” Booklist

“Kenny G has lived with a spirit of excellence, and there is much to learn from this man of substance and vision on how to do the same. If you want a recipe for what it takes to live the American dream, you’ll find it in Life in the Key of G. All that it takes to develop your craft, make your mark, find your voice, and keep your wits about you while in pursuit of it all, is laid out here. It is a genuinely inspiring, entertaining, empowering, and humorous read!” Zoro, world-renowned drummer and author of Maria’s Scarf

“Life in the Key of G is funny, honest, and insightful, but he doesn’t tell me how I could get that fabulous hair!” Al Roker, author of the Morning Show Murders series and cohost of Today

“Kenny G is one of the best musicians of this or any generation. I hope that through this book, people will get to know and celebrate the wonderful person Kenny is and the special individual…I have been blessed to know.” Jack Nicklaus, World Hall of Fame golf champion 

“[Kenny G] is surely one of the best-selling instrumentalists of all time…How’d he do it? His breezy memoir, Life in the Key of G, offers some clues.” The Wall Street Journal

“Every chapter/experience from his life ties into the others, complementing and reminding of information shared earlier and later in the book. His use of imagery is soothing and relaxing. Life in the Key of G teaches about an inspirational man inside and outside the music.” Portland Book Review

“In this entertaining account of the jazz saxophone player’s life in music, we hear about the hard work, maturity, and self-respect that Kenny G applied during every phase of his fifty-year career…His beguiling charm and optimism make listening to his story fun and will leave a positive afterglow long after the conclusion of this inspiring audiobook.” AudioFile

“Put a record on and dive into this heartfelt memoir that goes backstage in the 70s with Kenny and greats like John Coltrane and Barry White—and offers some useful life lessons along the way.” People

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Details
More Information
Language English
Release Day Sep 23, 2024
Release Date September 24, 2024
Release Date Machine 1727136000
Imprint Blackstone Publishing
Provider Blackstone Publishing
Categories Biographies & Memoirs, Art & Literature, Entertainment & Celebrities, Religious
Author Bio
Kenny G

Kenny G is a Grammy Award–winning saxophonist whose indelible, unique sound created a new genre of music and has endeared him to millions of people around the world. He is the best-selling instrumentalist of all time, with global sales of more than seventy-five million albums. Kenny has twice been given the NAACP Image Award. A Seattle native, Kenny lives in Los Angeles and is a proud and devoted father. 

Narrator Bio
Kenny G

Kenny G is a Grammy Award–winning saxophonist whose indelible, unique sound created a new genre of music and has endeared him to millions of people around the world. He is the best-selling instrumentalist of all time, with global sales of more than seventy-five million albums. Kenny has twice been given the NAACP Image Award. A Seattle native, Kenny lives in Los Angeles and is a proud and devoted father. 

Overview

A People Magazine Pick of Best Celebrity Memoirs of 2024
A Saturday Evening Post Pick of Top 10 Books of Summer
A London Observer Pick of Best Celebrity Memoirs of 2024
A Billboard Pick of Must-Read Music Memoirs of Fall
A Kirkus Reviews Pick of Fall Nonfiction

Kenny G—the incomparable musician with the straight sax, the flowing hair, and some of the most memorable melodies in history—reveals the man behind the music in this indelible, fascinating, and funny memoir.

He’s world renowned as the best-selling instrumentalist of all time, but there’s a lot about Kenny G that even his legions of devoted fans have never known—until now.

In honest and heartfelt prose, 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.

Few people know of Kenny G’s musical roots as the sole white guy in one of the coolest funk bands of the seventies, or as the teenage backup musician for everyone from Barry White to Liberace. As an artist he’s dedicated to turning the next generation on to jazz heroes like Grover Washington, John Coltrane, and Stan Getz. A man who takes his music seriously but himself not so seriously, Kenny G lets readers behind the scenes to see how he creates his unique sound and unforgettable songs. Along the way, he offers life lessons in discipline, determination, and dedication.

Life in the Key of G leads readers on a tour of one of the great musical careers of the twentieth century, from the time he pulled a fast one on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show—a bold gamble that launched his stardom—to famed duets with legends like Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra, and more.

As Kenny G likes to say, “Try it. You’ll have the best sax you ever had.”