Audiences may not know his name, but they’ve definitely heard the sounds of Kenneth T. Whalum III.  One could say the “T” stands for talented because at the age of 25 this phenomenal tenor saxophonist has played alongside some of today’s most iconic artists.  He got his big break in 2006 when he was selected to tour with music and fashion mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.  Word quickly spread of his professionalism, dedication, versatility and his ability to make audiences feel his music and the jobs just kept coming.  Whalum has appeared on stage with multi-platinum artists Jay-Z and 50 Cent, toured with Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Ayo, and Regina Belle and provided recording accompaniment for Beyonce, Fantasia, Joss Stone, and super producer Rodney Jerkins.

Whalum has been playing the saxophone since he was an adolescent growing up in Memphis, Tennessee.  His love of music and his first “steady gig” began at The New Olivet Baptist Church where his father, Rev. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., serves as pastor.  He later joined his high school band and as a teen he began to immerse himself in his craft, practicing hours a day in an attempt to become one of the best musicians to ever place his or her lips on a reed. He further developed his performance skills in local clubs.  Whalum’s musical influences include his chart-topping saxophone playing uncle, Kirk Whalum, John Coltrane, D’ Angelo, Kanye West and Bilal. 

Whalum is currently on tour with Maxwell and working on his debut solo jazz album.  He promises it will be anything but ordinary, taking jazz to the next level and hopefully, catapulting him to the world renowned status of the artists he plays for.

Whalum’s rise to success is no stroke of luck.  He is a testament to what dedication, hard work, talent and an undying faith in God’s divine plan for one’s life can yield.  Talented and destined for continued success—that’s Kenneth T. Whalum III.