Kenny G's most notable hits from the 1980s

The 1980s marked the rise of Kenny G, transforming him from a session musician into one of the most recognisable names in smooth jazz.

His breakthrough came in 1986 with Songbird, a soulful track from the album Duotones that cemented his reputation globally.

That same year, he collaborated with R&B voices like Lenny Williams on Don’t Make Me Wait for Love and Ellis Hall on What Does It Take (To Win Your Love), blending jazz with rhythm and blues influences.

Two years later, Kenny G delivered another classic with Silhouette (1988), the title track of his fifth studio album, which remains one of his signature ballads.

Other memorable pieces from the decade include Against Doctor’s Orders (1983), Midnight Motion (1986), and Pastel (1988), which showcased his versatility and technical mastery.

By the close of the ’80s, Kenny G had successfully bridged jazz and mainstream pop, earning both critical acclaim and mass appeal.

His smooth saxophone melodies became a soundtrack of the era, laying the foundation for his record-breaking success in the following decade.

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Kenny G is performing in Nairobi on September 27, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).