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Life in the Key of G
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.”
This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Blackstone Publishing.
Book club questions for Life in the Key of G by Kenny G and Philip Lerman
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
What stories from Kenny’s past surprised you?
What was your impression of Kenny G before reading his memoir? How has that impression changed now that you know more about his life?
What do you think is Kenny’s most admirable quality? Is he someone that you would want to know?
How did Kenny’s experiences in childhood make him into the musician he is today? Do you think he would have been as driven and successful if his early years were different?
Do you have a favorite Kenny G song? After reading the book, are there songs you weren't familiar with that you are excited to listen to?
Kenny's relationship with Arista Records president Clive Davis is a foundational part of his career. What did you think of the relationship between Kenny and Clive? What about how things came to an end?
One of the most pivotal moments of Kenny's career is his fateful decision on the Johnny Carson show. What were you feeling when you read this story? Have you ever made a difficult choice that was against what you were supposed to do?
Life in the Key of G Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the Life in the Key of G discussion questions
“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.” Kirkus Reviews
“Kenny G’s memoir reveals someone who is…genuinely grateful, happy, and quite possibly the nicest guy in music.” Booklist
“A genuinely inspiring, entertaining, empowering, and humorous read!” Zoro, world-renowned drummer and author of Maria’s Scarf
“Life in the Key of G is funny, honest, and insightful, but he doesn’t tell me how I could get that fabulous hair!” Al Roker, author of the Morning Show Murders series and cohost of Today