Kirk Whalum

Johannesburg is a long way from Kirk’s hometown of Memphis, TN. Having grown up a "pastor’s kid," it’s not surprising to learn that Kirk’s warm, melodic sound was birthed in the Baptist church. Born into a musical family, Kirk first expressed his interest in music on the drums, switching to saxophone in Jr. High School when he was "impressed" with the shininess of the sax. Kirk began playing local functions and clubs while still in high school. A music scholarship brought him to Texas Southern University in Houston, beginning his road to musical maturity. "I became enthralled by the "Texas Tenor" sound and was able to spend many years gleaning from Arnett Cobb one of the fathers of that "big" Texas sound."

Having built a steady following as a sideman in some of Houston’s top jazz clubs, 1980 saw Kirk stepping out in faith and starting his own band. "Houston was such a cool music town in the early ‘80s. There were so many live music venues then..everybody came through Houston. I have memories of hanging out with Sonny Stitt and Rollins.. I was like a sponge—just sitting there with these giants and absorbing everything they threw my way." It worked. His musical reputation as well as his local following grew. Soon Kirk became "the" opening act for jazz shows that came to Houston and in 1983 he caught the ear of jazz pianist Bob James, who was so impressed with the young Whalum that two weeks later Kirk found himself in New York soloing on Bob’s album, Bob James 12. Kirk became a member of his touring band and eventually snagged a recording deal with Columbia Records.

Kirk released five records while signed to Columbia, the first in 1985, Floppy Disk, introduced the still frequently requested tune, "Kyle’s Smiles" written for Kirk’s yet-to-be-born, son Kyle. But it was the 1995 release of Cache that put Kirk on the charts. That CD went to #1 and remained there for five weeks. Other releases on that label include And You Know That! The Promise and In This Life.

In 1987 Kirk received a serendipitous phone call from jazz guitarist Larry Carlton. Larry had heard this warm, passionate sax on the radio in Los Angeles and traced it to its creator, Kirk. "Larry had never heard of me, didn’t know who I was or where I was, but managed to track me down in Houston.

Next thing I know, I’m headed to LA to record with him. It was during that recording that I decided to move to Los Angeles." Kirk soon became an "in demand" session player. The late 80’s and early 90’s saw Kirk recording and performing with Nancy Wilson, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Barbara Streisand, Quincy Jones, and others. There were movie soundtrack recordings including; Boys in the Hood, Grand Canyon, The Prince of Tides and unforgettably, Whitney Houston’s 1993 release, The Bodyguard.

Kirk says, "I have so many fond memories my years spent touring with Whitney. Her powerful gift impacted me profoundly-much like the many gospel singers who influenced the both of us. I will always treasure being there to watch her make history time and time again." Kirk toured with Whitney for seven years, until 1997 and also served as the unofficial chaplain for her and the band.

Through his very visible association as Whitney’s sax guy, he was constantly making new fans of people who might not otherwise have been introduced to his music. But Kirk had another passion.

"In 1979 I won a scholarship to study French at the Alliance Française in Paris, France. It was a dream come true and I vowed that I would live there some day." July of ’92 saw that dream become a reality when Kirk moved his family to France. Although that adventure was cut short by the unprecedented success of Whitney’s single, "I Will Always Love You" and the subsequent "BODYGUARD TOUR", France and things French remain close to Kirk’s heart.

Kirk began his relationship with Warner Bros. Records in 1996 when he and Bob James collaborated on Joined at the Hip and received a Grammy nomination for their effort. Kirk later signed with Warner Bros. and in ‘97 released his first solo album for that label, Colors, which was inspired by Kirk’s appreciation for cultural and musical diversity as well as his passion for racial reconciliation.

Though Kirk had achieved recognition and respect with the success of his previous releases, the 1998 release of For You cemented Kirk’s place on the Smooth Jazz Charts. For You has been Kirk’s best selling CD to date and rendered four top ten hits for Kirk. It remained on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts for over 65 weeks and was TOP TEN on the charts for 53 weeks!

1998 also saw the release of Kirk’s first Gospel project, The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter One. That project received rave reviews as well as both Stellar and Dove nominations. Kirk’s 2000 follow-up to that was his second Gospel project, Hymns in the Garden, co-produced by newly signed Warner Bros. artist, John Stoddart.

Kirk’s ’00 release, Unconditional again put him at the top of the charts. "Now ‘Til Forever," the albums first single, hit #1. Two Grammy nominations soon followed. Kirk’s long awaited Christmas CD, The Christmas Message was released in 2001.

In 2002 Kirk released the critically acclaimed Gospel According to Jazz Chapter II (on CD & DVD), which blends old-fashioned gospel with jazz styles ranging from "cool-jazz? to salsa and all points in between. Kirk’s other release that year was a collaboration project with fellow WB label mates guitarist Norman Brown and trumpeter Rick Braun. The group is called BWB and the album is entitled Groovin’. This project quickly rose to the top of the Smooth Jazz charts and dominated Smooth Jazz radio for several months.

In ’03 Kirk revisited the homegrown soul influences of his native Memphis, TN with, Into My Soul. Kirk considers it "an honor to pay homage to the city and sounds that have so greatly influenced my music all these years."

Kirk signed with RENDEZVOUS ENTERTAINMENT in 2005 and released his first album for them, Kirk Whalum Performs the Babyface Songbook, to critical praise and acclaim. Kirk says that he wanted to pay tribute to one of the world’s most prolific, contemporary songwriters.

His current album for RENDEZVOUS will be released late summer 2007 and is entitled, ROUNDTRIP. Kirk explains the concept behind Roundtrip: "Ever since my album of covers For You (1998) became the best seller of my career, I came to the realization that people love it

when you interpret melodies they know and love. So, I decided to alternate between records of covers and originals. For my new CD, I thought, 'Why not cover myself?' So I went back to the beginning and included some of my “hits” from the Texas jazz club days that had never been recorded. I also put a fresh spin on some of my early releases such as, The Wave and Afterthought.“

Fans are eagerly awaiting the recording and release of Gospel According to Jazz Chapter lll, which will be recorded in ’07 and will again feature a DVD.

Kirk’s musical accomplishments have brought him professional and critical acclaim with a total of seven Grammy Nominations and two Stellar Awards (Best Gospel Instrumental Album); it’s his benevolent spirit and charitable efforts that truly define him. Kirk has hosted numerous benefit concerts on behalf of many organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena (CA) and the Houston Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. He is currently involved with the STROKE OF HOPE foundation-an organization that seeks to empower stroke survivors and their caregivers.

As someone who loves working with young musicians, Kirk is most proud of his 2006-2008 appointment as the first Artist-in-Residence of the STAX Music Academy in his hometown of Memphis.

Impressive would, indeed, sum up Kirk’s career, but if you asked him, he would simply say, “ it’s grace.”
Show less

Kirk Whalum: Humanité

by Chris Mosey
October 6, 2019

The saxophone solo on Whitney Houston's “I Will Always Love You" was the work of Kirk Whalum. He played too at the memorial concert for African American astronaut Ronald McNair, killed when the space shuttle Challenger blew up during take-off in January 1986. He's no great shakes as a vocalist but Humanité features guest appearances in this department by the likes of Brendan Reilly, Robyn Troop, Mi Casa, Afgan, Liane Carroll, Andrea Lisa, Zahara and Keiko Matsui. ...

Live Review

Christmas with Kirk Whalum and Friends at the Halton Theater

by K. Shackelford
February 1, 2018

Kirk Whalum's Sixth Annual A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas Tour Halton Theater Charlotte, NC December 15, 2017 It is a special experience to watch musicians who have a deep musical and personal relationship perform together. These relationships arouse a performance synergy that produce musical conversations with depth. Attendees of Grammy Award winner Kirk Whalum's Sixth Annual “A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas" tour, were able to witness such an experience at ...

102

Album Review

Kirk Whalum: Romance Language

Read "Romance Language" reviewed by Larry Taylor

by Larry Taylor
February 11, 2012

Romance Language is very appropriate for Valentine's Day--the perfect background for a romantic evening. Tenor saxophonist Kirk Whalum has teamed up with his brother, vocalist Kevin Whalum, on this recreation of the classic John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman (Impulse!, 1963).Moreover, throughout this daunting task, the brothers succeed in brushing a smooth jazz veneer on the great ballads celebrated in the historic original release. The Whalums' effort follows vocalist Kurt Elling's tribute album, Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings ...

218

Album Review

Kirk Whalum: The Gospel According to Jazz

by T. S. Varlack
September 1, 2001

True crossover artists have the uncanny ability to bring together the audiences of often very different musical tastes and backgrounds together to learn, appreciate and relish in themselves, each other and the experience itself. Whalum's The Gospel According to Jazz is one such experience. The superb sax man combines with an all star cast to take Jazz back home to church. The ultra versatile Whalum excels yet again combining the best of two worlds as he and friends skillfully work ...

109

Album Review

Kirk Whalum: The Gospel According to Jazz

by T. S. Varlack
August 1, 2001

Video / DVD

StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Kirk Whalum's "Gospel According to Jazz"

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
December 8, 2018

This week, let's take a look at some videos featuring saxophonist Kirk Whalum, who's bringing the seventh annual edition of his “Gospel According to Jazz Christmas" show to St. Louis next Friday, December 14 at the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church. The show, a spinoff from Whalum's series of “Gospel According to Jazz" albums that began back in 1998, each year features several guest stars, with the 2018 lineup including percussionist and vocalist Sheila E. plus singers Lynn Mabry, John ...
read more

Recording

Kirk Whalum, The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter IV (2-Disc, 19-Song CD & DVD) - Available March 24

Source: Alex Hill
March 7, 2015

Inspired By Nelson Mandela, President Obama, Curtis Mayfield, John Coltrane, Paul McCartney And Others Grammy winner Saxophonist Kirk Whalum has a calling that words can’t explain. For the last five years Kirk has been spreading the ‘message’ through his acclaimed series The Gospel According To Jazz, Chapters I-III. Now, he’s preparing to release (two-disc, 19-song CD and a feature-length DVD) on March 24, 2015, which is unparalleled growth of the evolution of the GATJ series into the upcoming “docu-musical’ saluting ...
read more

Performance / Tour

Kirk Whalum Performing "Gospel According to Jazz Christmas" on Saturday, December 1 at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
November 6, 2012

Saxophonist Kirk Whalum (pictured) will perform a “Gospel According to Jazz Christmas" concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 1 at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5515 Doctor Martin Luther King Dr. Whalum, a popular smooth jazz and R&B performer and the nephew of St. Louis pianist, saxophonist and singer Hugh “Peanuts" Whalum, first launched the “Gospel According to Jazz" concept in 2002 with an album of the same name. His 2010 release The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter III included ...
read more

Performance / Tour

Kirk Whalum to Demonstrate at Saxquest, Perform at the Sheldon

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
June 2, 2012

Saxophonist Kirk Whalum (pictured) is coming to St. Louis later this month to demonstrate a new line of saxophones, and again in September to perform in a fundraising concert. On Sunday, June 10, Whalum will appear at Saxquest, 2114 Cherokee St, for “A Taste of Keilwerth," demonstrating and performing on the manufacturer's latest models of saxophones. The free event will take place from 2:00 pm to 6:00 p.m., with Whalum playing with a full rhythm section every hour on the ...
read more

Recording

Kirk Whalum Duets with His Brother, Kevin, to Remake a Classic Album in a "Romance Language" of Their Own

Source: Great Scott P.R.oductions
February 9, 2012

Grammy winning saxophonists reimaged take on the Coltrane/Hartman collaboration will be released on Valentines Day Memphis, TN: Most artists would be daunted at the thought of remaking a classic work of art made by legends, but not Grammy winner Kirk Whalum. The multidimensional saxophonist adeptly steps into the role of John Coltrane and tapped his brother, vocalist Kevin Whalum, to fill the shoes of Johnny Hartman on an unabashedly romantic collection of duets originally recorded in 1963 by the seminal ...
read more

Recording

Whalum to Romance the Web

Source: Great Scott P.R.oductions
February 6, 2012

Grammy winning saxophonist will launch his new Romance Language album by streaming a live concert on Valentines Day Portland, OR: Instead of dealing with crowded, overpriced restaurants on Valentines Day, stay home, light a few candles and let Grammy winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum set the mood for romance with a live two-hour concert streaming at 11:30 PM ET/8:30 PM PT in conjunction with the release of his 29th album, Romance Language. In partnership with Portland Prime, Hilton Portland & Executive ...
read more

239

Music Industry

Jazz Great Kirk Whalum Named CEO of Stax Museum & Stax Music Academy in Memphis

Source: Stax Museum of American Soul Music
April 20, 2010

MEMPHIS, TN - After an international search for a new CEO of the Soulsville Foundation (which operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Stax Music Academy, and The Soulsville Charter School) to replace interim CEO Deanie Parker, former Director of Publicity and Artist Relations for Stax Records, the foundation board announced today that renowned musician, songwriter, and entertainer Kirk Whalum has accepted the position. The board also announced that Mark Wender has also joined the staff as Chief Operating ...
read more

Event

Special Kirk Whalum Event at Stax Museum March 16th!

Source: Stax Museum of American Soul Music
March 15, 2010

Event

Millennium Promise Invites You to a Night of Jazz

Source: All About Jazz
September 24, 2008

Promises Made Album Release Party Featuring Grammy-Nominated Jazz Great Kirk Whalum & Friends

Millennium Promise, Simmons Family Foundation and Koch Records Host All-Star Benefit Event

On Monday, September 29, 2008, philanthropic organizations Millennium Promise and Simmons Family Foundation, along with entertainment powerhouse Koch Records, will join forces to host a CD release party for Promises Made, an all-star jazz album benefiting Millennium Promise. The event will be held at the famous BB King's Blues Club & Grill in the heart ...
read more

124

Education

Jazz Player Kirk Whalum Connects with Young Fans

Source: All About Jazz
July 25, 2008

Just as the late Oklahoma jazz guitarist Charlie Christian made a lasting impression on today's artists with his compositions, jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum is connecting with the next generation as an artist-in-residence, and with fans through technology. It is a beautiful, sunny day in Memphis, and Whalum, 50, has been in the studio, compiling tracks for his live recording, “Gospel According to Jazz Chapter III," to be released later this year. He will be the keynote act with Tulsa saxophonist ...
read more