Kenneth Bruce Gorelick

Kenny G

A hero to me doesn’t have to risk his life or save others. A hero is someone you admire for achieving greatness. A hero has Superman like qualities without having to have Superman powers. Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, (Kenny G), has these qualities and for these reasons, is my hero.

Kenny G

Kenny G was born June 5, 1956 in Seattle, Washington to a Jewish family and grew up in Seward Park neighborhood, the center of the city's Jewish community. He saw his first saxophone when he was watching the Ed Sullivan Show. He started playing the saxophone in 1966 when he was 10 years old. Kenny learned how to play from a local trumpeter, Gerald Pfister, and by practicing along with records trying to imitate the music that he was hearing. Kenny G attended Franklin High School in his hometown of Seattle, where he took private lessons on saxophone. Kenny G started his career in music while playing in Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra when he was only 17 years old. “Finally, I was no longer a student and was making music for myself”(Kenny G). After high school, Kenny G went to The University of Washington to get a major in accounting. Kenny G signed with Arista Records in 1982. Kenny G has accompanied many talented performers throughout the years, including: Andrea Bocelli, Whitney Houston, Peabo Bryson, Toni Braxton, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Natalie Cole, Steve Miller, Dudley Moore, Lee Ritenour, The Rippingtons, Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin. Today in his career he is playing at Super Bowls, in music videos and sold out concerts.

To me, Kenny G is more than just a musician; he is a hero of all sorts. Kenny G is a giving philanthropist, giving money to programs to keep music programs in school alive. Kenny G is a person young musicians can look up to. Kenny G inspires me to make music. “What is music anyway? It's a form of communication, and that's why I play the kind of music that I think - that I hope - can communicate with people”(Kenny G). Kenny G inspires many people through his music.

Kenny G

All in all, Kenny G is a hero, someone not only I can look up to, but many other musicians can. Kenny G has made many accomplishments in his life, and continues to make them. Kenny G is now, and forever, my hero.