“Songbird” by Kenny G
Kenny G is an instrumentalist from Seattle, more specifically a saxophonist. He became interested in the instrument in his youth and was playing professionally before graduating high school.
And even though he did proceed to also graduate from college, with honors, by the time all was said and done Kenny not only took up music full-time but is also one of the few instrumentalists ever to achieve pop star status. For instance, as of the writing of this post, he ranks amongst the best-selling musicians of all-time, as compiled by Wikipedia.
This track (“Songbird”) is from his fourth album, Duotones (1986), a product of Arista Records. It peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. This marked Kenny G’s most impressive showing in that regard and a major feat for an instrumental in and of itself.
It also placed on Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 for 1987. The song was officially released on 12 March of that year.
Based on its immense success, “Songbird” is generally considered to be Kenny’s signature song.
The success of this track was buttressed by its music video being regularly featured on VH1. Apparently Kenny G wasn’t receiving such love on the more-popular MTV, as his music doesn’t necessarily appeal to youth.
More Facts about “Songbird”
Also “Songbird” has been Kenny G’s only notable truly hit on the UK Singles Chart. There, it peaked at number 22. And although the saxophonist had dropped a couple of charting singles beforehand, this was the song that truly made him into a music star.
However, “Songbird” was not received favorably by everyone. Some jazz purists in particular expressed a lack of appreciation for the tune and Kenny G’s artistry in general.
Interesting to note is that prior to “Songbird” blowing up, Kenny had stated that his “audience was 75% Black”. FYI. Kenny worked largely with African-American artists beforehand. But afterwards, when he began to ‘sell out concerts that have an equal Black-and-White split’, he knew he had made it more mainstream.
Apparently this is a love song. And we’ve come to that conclusion based on the report that Kenny G wrote it based on his relationship with Lyndie Benson. Kenny and Lyndie would end up marrying a few years later.
“Songbird” has also enjoyed the privilege of being regularly featured or referenced in pop media.
I was blessed to my first child to this world
listening to this song in the operating room
Great song