Kenny G: The Smooth Jazz Icon You Know And Love

How Much Is Kenny G Worth?

Let’s talk about the man behind the saxophone: Kenny G. This smooth jazz sensation has a net worth of $100 million, and that’s no small potatoes. Known for his soulful tunes and record-breaking sales—75 million albums sold worldwide—Kenny G holds the title of the most successful instrumentalist of all time. But here’s the kicker: his wealth extends far beyond the music scene. Kenny’s a savvy investor, with fingers in both the stock market and real estate pie. Rumor has it, his pre-IPO stake in Starbucks might even be worth more than what he’s earned from his music career. Now, that’s a smart move. To give you some perspective, if you had invested $1,000 in Starbucks on the day it went public, that investment would now be worth a cool $300,000. Kenny’s not just a saxophonist; he’s a real estate mogul too. In April 2023, during a divorce court filing, Kenny revealed that he pulls in a staggering $600,000 per month from rental income alone. That’s some serious cash flow!

From Seattle to Stardom: Kenny G's Early Life

Kenny G, born Kenneth Bruce Gorelick on June 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington, didn’t always have it easy. Believe it or not, the jazz prodigy we know today wasn’t even accepted into his high school jazz band on his first try. But persistence paid off, and the following year, he nailed the audition, earning his place as the first-chair saxophonist. During his high school days, he played alongside fellow musician Robert Damper, who still rocks the piano and keyboards in Kenny’s band today. At just 17, Kenny landed his first professional gig as a sideman for Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra. From there, he joined the Seattle funk band Cold, Bold & Together and eventually became a key member of The Jeff Lorber Fusion. This was the beginning of a journey that would take him to the top of the music world.

Breaking Through: Kenny G's Rise to Fame

After his time with The Jeff Lorber Fusion, Kenny G stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist. He caught the attention of music legend Clive Davis, who signed him to Arista Records in 1982. His debut album dropped on August 1, 1982, and it went gold. The hits kept coming with "G Force" in 1983 and "Gravity" in 1985, both of which achieved platinum status. But it was his 1986 album "Duotones" that truly launched him into international superstardom. This album went 5X Platinum, thanks in large part to the single "Songbird," one of only two instrumentals ever to reach the top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. Kenny’s career soared from there. His next album sold 4 million copies, and his 1992 masterpiece "Breathless" sold an astonishing 12 million. That album remains his best-seller to date. Over the years, Kenny has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Andrea Bocelli, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, and even Kanye West. With over 75 million records sold globally, Kenny G is undeniably one of the most popular musicians of all time.

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Smart Money Moves: Kenny G's Investment Strategy

Kenny G didn’t just rely on his musical talent to build his empire. He studied accounting at the University of Washington, a decision he made to ensure he had a solid backup plan. That education paid off in more ways than one. Throughout his career, Kenny has been a shrewd investor, building a stock portfolio that’s rumored to be incredibly valuable. Back in the early '80s, Kenny met Howard Schultz, the man who revolutionized Starbucks. Kenny’s uncle was an early backer, and Kenny decided to invest some of his early music royalties into the coffee giant. While we can’t know the exact value of this investment today, consider this: $1,000 invested in Starbucks on its IPO day in 1992 would now be worth over $300,000. If Kenny invested pre-IPO, his stake could be worth hundreds of millions. In 2015, Kenny told CNBC that he continues to hold stakes in Apple, Microsoft, and United Airlines. When asked about his Starbucks investment, Kenny humbly admitted, “I’d say I’m more lucky than smart. Not lucky that Starbucks became successful, but lucky that I decided to invest.”

Kenny G's Real Estate Empire

Kenny G hasn’t just been making waves in the stock market; he’s also been a major player in the real estate game. In 1990, he splashed out $8.8 million across three transactions to assemble a four-acre estate in Hunts Point, Washington. By 1995, he’d built a 12,200-square-foot mansion on the property, which he listed for $26.5 million in 1998. The home eventually sold to cellular phone billionaire Craig McCaw in 1999 for an undisclosed amount. McCaw later listed the property for $85 million in 2022, then dropped the price to $70 million, but it remains unsold as of this writing. Kenny also purchased a home in Studio City, California, for $2.85 million in 2007. After listing it several times, he finally sold it in 2021 for $2.765 million. The buyers renovated the property and flipped it for $6.3 million in December 2023 to rapper Lil Dicky. Since 1998, Kenny’s primary residence has been a breathtaking bluff-top mansion in Malibu. He bought the first piece of the property in 1997 for $12.5 million and later spent $3 million on the house next door, which he tore down to build a new mansion. This luxurious compound features offices, a screening room, a guest house with ocean views, and even a 1,500-square-foot recording studio.

Raking It In: Kenny G's Rental Income

Aside from his personal properties, Kenny G’s real estate portfolio generates serious cash flow. In April 2023, legal filings revealed that Kenny earns an impressive $600,000 per month in rental income. That’s right—half a million dollars every 30 days! This income stream adds another layer to his already impressive financial portfolio.

A Look at Kenny G's Personal Life

Kenny G’s personal life has seen its fair share of ups and downs. He was first married to Janice DeLeon from 1980 to 1987. His second marriage to Lyndie Benson lasted from 1992 to 2012, and they have two sons together. When their divorce was finalized in 2013, Kenny began paying Lyndie an alimony support payment of $40,000 per month, or $360,000 annually. In March 2023, Kenny requested a reduction in alimony payments, citing a significant drop in income due to the lingering effects of the pandemic on touring. By that point, he had already paid roughly $4 million in alimony over the previous decade.

Wrapping Up: The Legacy of Kenny G

Kenny G’s journey from a rejected high school jazz band audition to becoming one of the most successful musicians in history is nothing short of inspiring. His ability to blend smooth jazz with pop appeal has earned him a loyal global following. Beyond his music, Kenny’s savvy investments in companies like Starbucks and his real estate ventures highlight his financial acumen. Whether he’s playing a soulful saxophone solo or closing a lucrative real estate deal, Kenny G continues to leave his mark on the world. And that, my friends, is the story of a true icon.