Kirk Whalum grew up in Memphis, where his father was a minister. That early exposure to church music shaped his approach, along with listening to jazz players like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. He went to Howard University before putting out his first solo album, 'Cache,' in 1988.
His second album, simply called 'Kirk Whalum,' included the single 'The Promise.' Later records like 'Hymns' and 'Round Trip' followed. In 2012, he released a gospel album titled 'Ta Ta You Jesus,' which included the traditional hymn of the same name. Another track, 'All I Do,' appears among his most recognized songs.
Whalum has played saxophone on recordings by Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross, and with the Count Basie Orchestra. In 2008, he was in a car accident that broke his neck. He recovered and continued performing.
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