Kenneth Whalum
Kenneth Whalum | |
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| File:Kenneth Whalum.jpg | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1983 (age 42–43) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Origin | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Education | |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
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| Instruments |
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| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Labels | Independent |
Kenneth Whalum (born 1983) is an American saxophonist, singer, songwriter, and composer. He has released several solo albums and has recorded with artists including Jay-Z, Maxwell, Beyoncé, D’Angelo, Frank Ocean, and Mac Miller.
Early life and education
[edit | edit source]Whalum was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1983. He began playing drums as a child before switching to saxophone in middle school.[1] He attended Overton High School and Morehouse College, later graduating from the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School in 2008.[2]
Whalum is the nephew of Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum and the great-nephew of jazz pianist Hugh "Peanuts" Whalum.[1]
Career
[edit | edit source]Whalum began his career performing with artists such as Al Green and Isaac Hayes. He played saxophone and arranged horns on Jay-Z's albums American Gangster (2007) and 4:44 (2017).[3] He has also toured and recorded with Maxwell, Beyoncé, D’Angelo, Frank Ocean, and Mac Miller.[4][5]
In 2011, Whalum performed in pianist Kris Bowers ensemble at the Jazz Gallery in New York City. A review in The New York Times praised the group's "ambition and phrasing" and noted Whalum's role in the ensemble's sound.[6]
In 2014, Whalum contributed to Kris Bowers’ album Heroes + Misfits.[7]
Whalum's song "Might Not Be OK," featuring Big K.R.I.T. drew national attention when K.R.I.T. performed its spoken-word verse at the 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards as a statement on racial injustice.[8]
In 2014, Whalum played in a Big K.R.I.T. song called "Standby (Interlude)".[9]
In 2025, Whalum performed with the Trey Anastasio Band.[10][11]
On 18th October 2025, Whalum performed alongside Sabrina Carpenter in the songs Nobody's Son and Manchild during her appearance on Saturday Night Live.[12][13]
Solo work
[edit | edit source]Whalum released his debut album To Those Who Believe in 2010. A review in The Urban Music Scene described his saxophone playing as "nothing short of amazing" and compared its energy to John Coltrane.[14]
His album Broken Land was released in 2017, followed by Broken Land 2 in 2021. Bearded Gentlemen Music described Broken Land 2 as "a bounty of mid-tempo grooves and slowed-down meditations" that resisted genre stereotypes.[15] Atwood Magazine called the record "heavy, meaningful, and haunting."[16]
Musical style
[edit | edit source]Whalum has described his sound as "alternative soul."[2] His music blends elements of jazz, R&B, gospel, and soul. The Washington Post noted that a 2013 performance at Bohemian Caverns evoked Coltrane's quartet while establishing its own character.[17]
Discography
[edit | edit source]As leader
[edit | edit source]- To Those Who Believe (2010)
- Broken Land (2017)
- Broken Land 2 (2021)
Selected singles
[edit | edit source]- "Might Not Be OK" (feat. Big K.R.I.T.) (2016)
- "One More Kiss"
- "Say Sorry" (2022)
As guest (selected)
[edit | edit source]- Jay-Z – American Gangster; 4:44 (2017)
- Maxwell (musician) – BLACKsummers'night
- Mac Miller – Swimming
- Beyoncé – Renaissance[4]
References
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External links
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