Kirk Whalum Biography
Soulful, passionate, stirring...these are the words most often used to describe Kirk’s music. Forged from his Memphis, (TN) gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX nightclub scene, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. The 80’s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. It was there that Kirk ultimately developed both his “voice” and songwriting in the crucible of the local club scene––especially at a rooftop club called Cody’s. It was also in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him and brought him on tour, which led to five successful albums with Columbia Records, including "Cache," Kirk’s first number one album. As well, Kirk and Bob received a Grammy nomination for their collaboration album, Joined at the Hip. After moving to Los Angeles, Kirk became an in demand session player for top artists like, Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones and most notably, Whitney Houston, amongst many others. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit, “I Will Always Love You.” Kirk soon followed that career high point with his phenomenal hit album released on Warner Bros. Records, "For You," perhaps the most successful of over 25 solo recordings to date; others include his eclectic Gospel According to Jazz series.
An ordained minister, Kirk has earned his Masters of Art in Religion. It’s in this spirit that he serves his community, frequently performing at nursing homes, schools and missions. There is also his daily fifteen minute podcast, "Bible In Your Ear" (BIYE), in which he invites you to listen along as he reads through the Bible in a year. In addition to music and ministry, Kirk has a passion to educate young, aspiring musicians and as such he currently serves as a creative advisor of the STAX Music Academy and the STAX Museum of American Soul Music in his hometown of Memphis, TN.
Kirk is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgements for his musical excellence including three Dove Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination and has won two Stellar Awards-Gospel music’s highest honor. An eleven time Grammy nominee, Kirk won his first Grammy award for Best Gospel Song (“It’s What I Do”-featuring Lalah Hathaway) alongside life-long friend and gifted writer, Jerry Peters.
In a career spanning decades, Kirk has a sound that is uniquely his; it is a sound that leaves an indelible imprint on the listener.
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How to book Kirk Whalum?
Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Kirk Whalum for both live and virtual events for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment. Fill out a
booking request form for Kirk Whalum, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Kirk Whalum or any other celebrity of your choice.
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How much does it cost to book Kirk Whalum?
Booking fees for Kirk Whalum, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. Pricing often varies between live and virtual events. Other factors that can affect speaker fees include the talent's schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. The live and virtual event speaking fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Kirk Whalum, please fill out the
booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.
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Who is the agent for Kirk Whalum?
All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Kirk Whalum for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Kirk Whalum for your next private or corporate function.
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What is a full-service talent booking agency?
All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Kirk Whalum or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Kirk Whalum or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.
Kirk Whalum is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Kirk Whalum for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Kirk Whalum generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jimmy Greene, Etienne Charles, Terri Lyne Carrington, Emeli Sandé and Adele. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kirk Whalum for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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