Kenneth Whalum

Kenneth Whalum is an American musician whose career successfully bridges the worlds of instrumental jazz and contemporary alternative soul, first establishing himself as an in-demand saxophonist and horn arranger before rising to prominence as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Hailing from Memphis, Whalum’s foundational work includes touring and recording with R&B and soul legends like Al Green and Isaac Hayes, and his distinctive horn work and arrangements are featured on landmark albums such as Jay-Z’s American Gangster and Maxwell’s BLACKsummers’night, as well as projects by Beyoncé, D’Angelo, Frank Ocean, and Mac Miller. Since the late 2010s, he has stepped into the spotlight as a solo vocalist, specializing in what he describes as “alternative soul,” characterized by vulnerable storytelling, soft ballads, and pensive compositions that fuse soul, R&B, and jazz. His solo albums like Broken Land and Broken Land 2 cemented his artistic shift, demonstrating his gift for crafting emotionally deep music that doesn’t follow trends, but rather sets them, making him a versatile and highly respected figure in the modern music landscape.