Kenny G - Songbird Info

"Songbird" is the 1986 breakthrough instrumental track by American saxophonist Kenny G, released as the third single from his fourth studio album, Duotones . Played on a , the song is widely credited with defining the "smooth jazz" genre and catapulting Kenny G to global stardom. Production and Inspiration

: Kenny G wrote and produced "Songbird" himself. While Arista Records initially pushed for more R&B vocal tracks on the album, Kenny G insisted on including this personal instrumental. Kenny G - Songbird

: The song was inspired by his decision to move from his birthplace, Seattle, to Los Angeles. Kenny G has noted that the melody represents a "new life" and a "catalyst" for his career. "Songbird" is the 1986 breakthrough instrumental track by

"Songbird" defied industry expectations for instrumental music in the 1980s: While Arista Records initially pushed for more R&B

: The track hit No. 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart and even reached No. 23 on the R&B chart.

: The recording features his signature warm soprano saxophone tone and melodic phrasing. Interestingly, Kenny G has admitted the song contains minor "human errors" and out-of-tune notes that he refuses to fix, believing they are part of what makes the track authentic. Chart Performance and Success