Life in the Key of G

by Kenny G

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, honest, and funny memoir.

He’s world renowned as the bestselling 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 this heartfelt, funny, and fascinating memoir, 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.

One Note at a Time 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.”

Genres: Music, Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, known professionally as Kenny G, is an American smooth jazz saxophonist, composer, and producer. His 1986 album Duotones brought him commercial success. Kenny G is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with global sales totaling more than 75 million records.

Reviews

[Book Reviews by Tara aka Queen of Memoirs · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
This book was gifted by the publisher Blackstone Publishing
𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸
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Let me begin by stating that Kenny G has a great sense of humor. This memoir is filled with comedic moments and lighthearted undertones that made for an enjoyable, easy read.
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What made me happiest is that Kenny doesn’t shy away from the race conversation and is keenly aware of how much he has benefited from white privilege. Kenny appears very genuine in acknowledging the advantages he experienced as a white musician that plays soulful music. He shows great appreciation for all the bands, artists and mentors of color that helped him become the saxophone player he is today.
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There are a few good lessons in the book. One of them is the importance of practicing your craft. Kenny G believes practice is the most important part of achieving success in any career. He practices playing the saxophone for three hours every day. A ritual that started his freshman year of high school after being cut from his high school band. Instead of sulking after his band instructor thought he wasn’t good enough, Kenny went home and practiced religiously. The following year he made the band. And to this day, even as a Grammy award winning musician, he continues to practice the saxophone for three hours each day.
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Now, what I didn’t expect to receive from this book is parenting advice. Kenny G gives us advice on how to get toddlers to bed, how to get toddlers to clean up, how to teach children to make their own decisions and deal with their own feelings. Believe it or not, I think it was pretty solid advice.
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Kenny shares a lot of stories of various celebrities. One of my favorites is the story of Whitney Houston. Kenny once opened for Whitney while on tour. On opening night Whitney’s security guard gave Kenny two rules. 1. Kenny was instructed not to go into the crowd to serenade the audience, because Whitney didn’t have the insurance to cover Kenny if he were to be injured. And 2. Kenny was told never to be in the hall when Whitney came out of her room. Nor could Kenny or his team speak to Whitney if they happened to see her walking to or from the stage.
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Well there was no way Kenny was going to follow these rules. So before the first show Kenny informed his band that he along with his entire crew were all going to be fired because Kenny planned to do everything he was instructed NOT to do. And he did just that. Once Kenny hit the stage he proceeded to go into the audience and play his little heart out. Then, once his performance was over, Kenny and his entire team went backstage, lined up in the hallway, waited for Whitney to come out of her dressing room, then cheered, “go get’em Whitney” while giving her high-fives.
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Needless to say, Whitney’s security guard was pissed. But Kenny didn’t care. Instead, he informed the guard he was going to continue to do this every night. Because Kenny stood his ground the security guard backed off. And by the fourth tour date, that same guard joined Kenny in the audience during his show and happily escorted Kenny through the crowd during his performance😂.
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However, I didn’t find all of Kenny’s stories this entertaining. Some made me want to put my book down and 🥱😴💤. The chapter he dedicates to his hair was one of them. Yes, you read that right. His hair! Kenny is just as proud of his hair as he is his skills as a Grammy award winning sax player😂. As much as I love his confidence, I had no desire to read an entire chapter about it. Other chapters that lacked excitement were the ones about playing golf, and flying airplanes.
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Overall, if you’re a Kenny G fan this memoir is worth the read. However, if you’re not a fan, I believe you can live with or without it.
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3 1/2⭐️

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up
Highly enjoyable audiobook, narrated by the author. Some nice tunes in here too

[Cassidy Emswiler · Rating 3 out of 5]

just a passionate jewish kid and his alto sax

a few fun stories here and there, but the writing kind of felt like a high school boy going through puberty. (lot’s of “sax” jokes if you catch my drift…)

bonus pics in the back - solidifies my theory that clean facial hair can do a world of wonders: cassidy would of swooned for younger kenny 😌

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing, NetGalley for a digital copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I knew nothing about Kenny G other than he was hot on the Adult Contemporary radio station I listened to and later worked for. Had no idea what his real name was, always wondered why he had a straight sax when my brother’s experience with that instrument had a traditional curved soprano sax. I was of a certain age when Miracles came out, the ever-loving holiday album that became a HUGE success.

I had no idea that Kenny G’s CDs were sold at Starbucks because our city was late to the Starbucks game, and that years after a successful partnership with Clive Davis’ Arista Records, Kenny had an exclusive deal with the coffee chain to produce and distribute his music. Wild.

This was a quick read, and I came away with some thoughts: 1) Kenny G is no writer, even with help, 2) this rather conversational tone works and makes it a quick and easy read, 3) Kenny sounds like he can be a real jerk if things aren’t done his way because of his perfectionism, 4) the hundreds of thousands of hours of practice come through in his recordings, 5) he’s got a lot of celebrity stories, 6) I don’t care how much he loves golf and who he golfed with–it shouldn’t take up a whole chapter, and 7) no matter how much Kenny G talks about the influence of great R&B, soul, and old-school jazz greats, his style of jazz fusion does not translate.

I you’re a fan of celebrity memoir, you might enjoy this book.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written biography. One of the best to really get to know the individual. Kenny G has led an exciting and very full life so far. An amazing man with many talents. Just his music alone has been enough from practicing 3 hrs a day and learning every detail of the music recording industry to golfing and skiing on an almost professional level to piloting and owning his own airplanes. A super individual whose values and achievements I can relate to on a lower level with family, saxophone and golf. Very in depth insight into Kenny G.

[Payton Rohrer]

Kenny G my KING

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opt for the audiobook, if you can. Kenny G incorporates some sax as he narrates the book. It was a fun listen.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t remember the year that I went to see Kenny G at the Circle Star Theatre, in San Carlos, but I still remember that night, and probably always will. I went with my then husband, and we drove off without the kids, leaving them with whoever was babysitting. This was ages ago, when we rarely went to concerts, except maybe some that were held at Great America. The first time that I heard his music on the radio, I was hooked.

I don’t remember when I first heard his music, only that it was early on when his music was played on the radio, I knew nothing more about him, other than what I’d heard on the radio, but I was so excited to go out as adults for a night out to listen to Kenny G. It was magical in so many ways, my life revolved around so many other things that were necessary, it was such a blessing to just go out for a night of music and to listen to the magic in the air.

I remember where we sat, about three rows down from the top row, my husband in the seat closest to the aisle, and me next to him, when Kenny G came walking up playing his saxophone as he walked up the aisle, and stopped next to us and just stood there and played his song looking straight at me for several minutes. After reading his book, I know he does that in every concert, but I can only say it felt magical, and I hope all the other others he stopped and played for over the years have appreciated it just as much as I did.

There’s so much in this book that I hadn’t known. I didn’t know he was a pilot, I didn’t know how difficult his journey was to get to the place where he and his music were recognized. I didn’t know anything about his family, or the famous friends he’s made in the years since. There’s so much about things that are related to his music and music in general, but there is also a lot of self examination, the things he looks back on and seems to wonder how he could have done another way. This even shares how he was treated by others in high school, which was far from kind.

A lovely and thoroughly engaging memoir.


Pub Date: 24 Sept 2024

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Blackstone Publishing

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life In The Key of G is an engaging, humorous look into the life of the world-renowned saxophonist. He shares anecdotes about his journey from being a Seattle high school kid to becoming one of the most famous instrumentalists of all time. While much of the book focuses on his music career, Kenny also offers personal insights, such as his daily practice routine and parenting tips. He reflects on his musical influences, acknowledges his privileges, and shares amusing stories about his celebrity encounters, like performing alongside Whitney Houston. Fans of Kenny G and smooth jazz will enjoy this light, breezy read.

This memoir felt like sitting down with Kenny G for a personal conversation. His dedication amazed me—he still practices the saxophone for three hours a day, even after decades of success. His insights into hard work and his relatable parenting advice impressed me. One moment that hit me was when he shared how he finally stood up to his mother—it was so real and relatable. Kenny’s humility and passion come through in every chapter, making this memoir both inspiring and heartwarming.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is fast and rough, so take it slow and easy whenever possible. What better person to learn this philosophy from than Kenny G and his smooth and delectable sax-playing?! In his memoir, "Life in the Key of G", Kenny details his life from elementary school to the present in personal and professional areas. He recalls and shares behind-the-scenes information related to every feat and accomplishment along the way. His book serves as a dual memoir and self-help, as Kenny uses his experiences and knowledge to share profound and positive "tips" to achieve happiness and better understand yourself.
One would struggle to try to pinpoint or label Kenny as anything in particular, as he presents himself as a jack of all trades through aspects of his personality being curious and tenacious. His writing and content are engaging and inviting, and he immerses the reader into his world; he writes objectively and is not shy to give credit where credit is due. 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 of the music.

[Joel Mensch · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a self-taught sometimes intermediate sax player, I saw Kenny Gorelick appear as a guest on local news. He seemed like a down to earth, humble guy who is a contemporary of mine. He spoke about how he practices and about some other things related to playing and performing. Based on that, I bought the book. I was able to glean a reasonable amount about practicing, playing, composing and performing. On the other hand, I found that there was way too much about his personal life. On top of that, while he often mentioned things indicating that he is a humble, down to earth person, there was a lot of boasting about his intelligence, popularity, creativity, golf ability, fitness, handling of personal conflict and of course, his hair. I suppose that some of that should have been expected since it's a biography and not a musical instruction book. BTW, Kenny, if you happen to read this, I'm sure that in person you are a good, humble and down to earth guy. BTW #2, though I'm not a fan of most of his music, I greatly respect his technical prowess.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the easiest book to read - Kenny G is a wonderful saxophonist. He explains the different kinds of jazz, the technical aspects of how he is able to hold a note for 45 minutes plus. He talks about many musicians who he admires, those he has played with and issues he had with some.

He writes wonderful things about his father and less about his mother, some about his siblings. Writes about his sons but appears to have fathered them by himself - no mention of their mother.

A book about him, his music. He admits to being a perfectionist and his ego - well all of this is shown. I have never read a memoir that has so many 'I's in it. He mentions therapy towards the end and I was glad to read that. He loves his music, golf and flying - but I do not think he is much of a people person although he mentions many famous people.

I still love his music.

[Marissa Shuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the pleasure of attending Kenny G’s book tour for this book a few weeks ago in Lexington, KY, which was an amazing experience. His memoir itself is just as amazing and fascinating. I’ve always enjoyed listening to his music, but never knew much about his musical journey and how he ended up in his career until I attended his book tour event and sat and read this book. I also learned that he has a great sense of humor, which he incorporated into the book. He’s definitely a funny guy and got quite a few laughs from me while reading his memoir. If you’ve ever even heard of him or listened to one of his songs I highly recommend reading his memoir. There’s a lot of good wisdom and inspiration found within the pages that you don’t even have to be a musician in order for it to be able to apply to you in some way.

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t really like when memoirs are rated because who should really critique what a person decides to share about their life. I am an avid fan of Kenny G…for nearly 30 years, in fact. This memoir was not what I would call an autobiography since it only covers a specific time of his life (his professional career) with bits of personal history inserted depending on the context. Meanwhile, he invites us to get to know him…I like who he is. I can relate to his propensity for control and competitiveness. Whatever he puts his mind and hands to, he does it with everything he has. Because, what else is there.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Kenny G's memoir Life in the Key of G! He was funny, insightful and it was a joy to listen to him narrate his own memoir in audiobook format. Kenny G did very well at narration and I loved the fact that you got to hear him play his music in the audiobook. I felt as though I sat in the room with Kenny G while he played his sax and told stories from his life/career. I highly reccomend this memoir to smooth jazz afficionados but especially to anyone curious to know more about the man behind those luscious locks and sweet sax tunes.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t often read memoirs, but I started reading this book at a time when I had emptied my TBR list by mistake and I had no other books to read. I didn’t know anything about Kenny G except that I loved his music. As I listened to each chapter I learned that he was an amazing human being and that we had a lot in common. I too played a wind instrument and enjoyed golf and skying. And I enjoyed practicing (to improve) as much as playing (to win). In this book he is honest enough to discuss what he did well and admit what he learned from his mistakes.

[TA Inskeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not giving this memoir 5 stars because I’m a fan of Kenny G, though I am. It’s because not only is this easily readable, and not only is G himself incredibly self-deprecating, but because he spends so much of the book talking about music. From his musical loves and history to the way/s he makes music, he delves into all of it, and that’s what I wanted from this book more than anything. Highly recommended to any Kenny G fans, or fans of Smooth Jazz.

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenny G was my entry point into my love of jazz when I was a teenager. The audiobook was wonderful as the author read the book, plays several riffs and explains how he came up with the Kenny G sound. It was also fun to learn of his professional connection with Whitney Houston as I remember a summer in the Boston Commons when I got to hear Kenny G and Whitney Houston outside the concert venue. The music went beautifully with the setting.

[Scotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! I like Kenny G, his music and his personality, and I don't particularly care who disagrees with that. This book reinforces that. He makes music that sounds and feels good. He doesn't over-analyze or try too hard to make a technical song.

As you read this, there will be things that Kenny kind of skips over, like Pat Metheny's rant. I encourage you to look those things up. (Kenny G > Pat Metheny, btw)

[Lea Columbus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. This is a fun breezy memoir written by Kenny G. He talks about his musical development and his career as a star saxophone player.The memoir has lots of anecdotes about his early career and training. He he does include some personal information about growing up and a little about his sons.Most of the book is about his music.I enjoyed it very much. It was a well written fun book.

[Brian S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great memoir by a diminutive Jewish kid from the city! I am grateful for his authentic dorkiness. If you like this and haven’t read Henry Winkler’s memoir, you should—they speak in the same voice and are both artists that work incredibly hard to perfect their craft. Cheers, G, see you on the Rue de la Huchette.

[Dallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenny tells about his life, his way

I have enjoyed Kenny’s music for some time and was glad to learn more about him. He tells what makes him like he is so that the music we have enjoyed has rolled out. I’m grateful to have great instrumental music to live my life to. Thanks for sharing.

[Yuuto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty informative and a nice bit of nostalgia for me. I hadn’t known Kenny G was so funny! The audiobook was great since he read it and played a bit of his music during it. He did start to lose me during the chapters talking about golf and flying, but overall, this was a nice read. (Definitely get the audiobook version if you can!)

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very mixed feelings on this one. I love Kenny’s music, sense of humor and self confidence. His “positive” perspective was a bit trying at times. Also, he never mentioned his marriages, which I guess were negative stories. So he just had kids with no reference to their mother.

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I read was a library copy; I have since purchased a signed book from the publisher.
I found this story so inspiring and a stepping stone to finding my own creative energy.
I also enjoy listening to Kenny G’s music, especially Christmas music.

[Kathy Orwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book about a great sax player and how he got started. It gives you a little insight into the making of a great musician and the ups and downs he has while his career is starting to take off. Would definitely recommend if you want to learn more about this musician.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed listening to Kenny G’s music for years! The book is all about his life and you really get to know him. He makes his story humorous and enjoyable to listen to. Also, since I listened to the audiobook, I got some snippets of his wonderful music.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning more of Kenny G's story. What inspires him, what moves him. What the process behind his art is.
Life in the Key of G was a fascinating glimpse into the mind, heart, and life of the artist we know as Kenny G.

[Danielle M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid audiobook. Kenny G is down to Earth, but loves his celebrity encounters. He is a perfectionist to his craft and hobbies, thoroughly enjoyed this memoir

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected — but like so much of the music, it was a little too polite in the end.