Kenny G’s net worth is $100 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He has made his money as a contemporary saxophone composer and performer, while also investing in business projects.
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Where Did Kenny G Get His Fortune?
Besides his music career, Kenny has made early investments in Starbucks and other successful businesses.
Key Takeaways About Kenny G
- Music Career Success: Kenny G’s debut album went platinum, establishing him as a leading figure in Contemporary Jazz.
- Grammy Winner: He has won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition for “Forever in Love.”
- Business Ventures: Kenny G was an early investor in Starbucks and owns a portion of its success.
- Other Investments: He has made successful stock market investments in companies like United Airlines, Microsoft, and Apple.
- Collaborations: Kenny G has worked with esteemed artists such as Michael Bolton, Whitney Houston, and Kanye West.
In 1982, Kenny G released his first solo album, “Kenny G”, which became a huge commercial success. The album went platinum and established him as a top artist in Contemporary Jazz.
He has released several successful albums and won multiple Grammy Awards. Besides his musical career, Kenny G has ventured into business, including a fine jewelry company.
What Kenny G Is Known For
Music
Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, also known as Kenny G, began playing saxophone at 10 after hearing a performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
According to the LA Times, he began with Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra and Jeff Lorber’s Fusion. Realizing his solo potential, he signed with Arista Records in 1982.
Releasing his debut album, followed by ‘G Force’ and ‘Gravity,’ he quickly became a jazz favorite, earning platinum for both.
His fourth album ‘Duotone’ sold more than 75 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling instrumental albums ever.
He won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition for his ‘Forever In Love’ single and the AMA’s for Best Adult Contemporary Artist.
Business Ventures
Besides his musical achievements, Kenny G is also a successful businessman. His journey began when his uncle, one of the first supporters of Howard Schultz, encouraged him to invest in Starbucks.
Kenny G was an original investor in Starbucks and now partly owns the successful company.
According to Money Grower, Kenny G invested $10,000 in Starbucks in 1998. He shared this in a video with CNBC, emphasizing that investing was crucial to his success.
Other Investments
Investing in the stock markets also interested the legendary musician. Like Starbucks, he has made some very good investments over the years, such as United Airlines, Microsoft, and Apple.
Facts about Kenny G
Accountancy as a fallback
Though widely acknowledged as an instrumentalist, Kenny G graduated with flying colors while devoting his life to music. At the University of Washington, he earned a degree in accountancy and was honored as magna cum laude.
According to the National Endowment of the Arts, Kenny G played the sax in high school but faced rejection. He practiced tirelessly and eventually joined the Barry White Love Unlimited Orchestra.
He studied hard in college and performed in professional shows. If music didn’t work out, he’d still have a job as an accountant.
Kenny G collaborations with other artists
At 66, Kenny G has achieved much, collaborating with many talented artists. Some of his well-known works are on Spotify and other music streaming platforms.
He’s collaborated with renowned artists like Michael Bolton, Whitney Houston, Weezer, Toni Braxton, Kanye West, and The Weekend.
Conclusion
Kenny G has amassed a net worth of $100 million by playing music and making smart decisions. He invested in Starbucks, earning a significant stake in the company. His stock market portfolio includes shares in United Airlines, Apple, and Microsoft.
Kenny G’s hard work and talent have led to successful collaborations with other artists, expanding his influence in the music industry. His story is one of lasting success, and his net worth reflects that.
Kenny G Featured Image by: Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources:
https://wbckfm.com/kenny-gs-main-source-of-income-might-not-be-music-at-all/
https://www.financialpoise.com/kenny-g-teaches-long-term-investments/
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/kenny-starbucks-frappuccino/story?id=28587589
