Kenneth Whalum

Kenneth Whalum
Background information
Born1983 (age 41–42)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
OriginMemphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Education
Genres
Occupations
  • Saxophonist
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
  • Composer
Instruments
  • Saxophone
  • Vocals
Years active2000s–present
LabelsIndependent

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

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

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

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

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

As leader

  • To Those Who Believe (2010)
  • Broken Land (2017)
  • Broken Land 2 (2021)

Selected singles

  • "Might Not Be OK" (feat. Big K.R.I.T.) (2016)
  • "One More Kiss"
  • "Say Sorry" (2022)

As guest (selected)

References

  1. ^ a b "Kenneth Whalum III Musician". All About Jazz. 11 July 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  2. ^ a b ""I Just Hear the Instruments, I Don't Hear Genres": An Interview With Kenneth Whalum". DJBooth. 25 July 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  3. ^ Ju, Shirley (5 August 2017). "Kenneth Whalum Shares A Secret Fans May Not Know About JAY-Z". HipHopDX. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  4. ^ a b Bloom, Madison (29 July 2022). "Beyoncé Releases New Album Renaissance: Listen and Read the Full Credits". Pitchfork. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  5. ^ Watkis, Donovan (2022-07-29). "Beyoncé Releases Renaissance Album : Full Credits". World Music Views. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
  6. ^ Chinen, Nate (2011). "Kris Bowers Ensemble at the Jazz Gallery". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  7. ^ Murph, John (2024-08-11). "Kris Bowers: New Power Generation". JazzTimes. Retrieved 2025-11-02.
  8. ^ "Big K.R.I.T. Performs "Might Not Be OK" At BET Hip Hop Awards". Ambrosia for Heads. 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  9. ^ Kennedy, John (2014-11-10). "Big K.R.I.T. Delivers Best Work With 'Cadillactica': Track-by-Track Review". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-11-02.
  10. ^ "Back TAB It: Trey Anastasio Band Returns With 1st 8-Piece Concert Of 2025". JamBase. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
  11. ^ "Trey Anastasio Band Honors Jerry Garcia With Heartfelt 'Mission In The Rain' Cover At Golden Gate Park". JamBase. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
  12. ^ Saturday Night Live (2025-10-18). Sabrina Carpenter: Manchild (Live) – SNL. Retrieved 2025-10-31 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ Saturday Night Live (2025-10-18). Sabrina Carpenter: Nobody's Son (Live) – SNL. Retrieved 2025-10-31 – via YouTube.
  14. ^ "Kenneth Whalum – To Those Who Believe". The Urban Music Scene. 2010. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  15. ^ "Kenneth Whalum – Broken Land 2 Review". Bearded Gentlemen Music. 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  16. ^ "Heavy, Meaningful, & Haunting: Kenneth Whalum's Broken Land 2". Atwood Magazine. 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  17. ^ "Music review: Saxophonist Kenneth Whalum III at Bohemian Caverns". The Washington Post. 27 January 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
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