HUSL Today Salutes

Kirk Whalum

Image source: http://www.freedomhill.net/jg/04-whalum/index/P1010087.jpg

Born July 11, 1958 in Memphis, Tennessee, Kirk Whalum was surrounded by music at an early age. Kirk began his musical career on the drums but later switched to the sax in junior high. Kirk began playing local functions and clubs while still in high school. A music scholarship brought him to Texas Southern University in Houston. When asked about his music Kirk responded,

"The music I like to play and write encompasses the four elements I grew up with: Memphis R&B, gospel, rock, and jazz. The emphasis, though, is on melody, period."

In the 1980s Kirk ventured out and started his own band. He became a go to guy for artists visiting Houston in search of an opening act. In 1983 he caught the ear of Jazz Pianist Bob James and Kirk ended up in New York soloing on Bob's album, Bob James 12. Kirk went on to become a member of James' touring band and landed a deal with Columbia Records, where he released 5 records. 

Thanks to his amazing skills on the saxophone, in the late 80s and early 90s Whalum landed a series of session and touring jobs, working with artists like Whitney Houston, Willie Norwood, Babyface, Nancy Wilson, Yolanda Adams, Take 6, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Barbra Streisand, Edwin Hawkins, Quincy Jones, Kevin Mahogany, Al Green, and Luther Vandross. He also has worked on a number of film scores, including those for The Prince of Tides, Boyz in the Hood, The Bodyguard, Grand Canyon, and Cousins (film).





Read more after the jump.







In 1997 Kirk was signed to Warner Bros records and released several records including the chart topper For You. The following year was 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.

Kirk's '00 release, Unconditional again put him at the top of the charts. "Now 'Til Forever," the albums first single, hit #1.  Kirk's long awaited Christmas CD, The Christmas Message was released in 2001. He released several more chart toppers before he left Warner Bros for Rendezvous Entertainment in 2005, his current label home. 

In November 2007, Kirk was featured in Jazz Monthly. Click here to read his interview. Kirk’s musical accomplishments have brought him a total of eight Grammy nominations.



Kirk continues to churn out some of the best smooth jazz and sax tunes ever released. You can keep up with him on his blog,click here to check it out.

Sidenote: Thanks Khyla for the suggestion!

Source: Kirkwhalum.com

HUSL Today Salutes Kirk Whalum!!!