Life in the Key of G - by Kenny G & Philip Lerman (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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."

Review Quotes

"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."

"Life in the Key of G is funny, honest, and insightful, but he doesn't tell me how I could get that fabulous hair!"

"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!"

"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."

"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."