Dave Koz is a renowned American smooth jazz saxophonist, radio host, and entrepreneur born on March 27, 1963, in Encino, California. Growing up in Tarzana, Koz's interest in music was sparked when he began playing the saxophone in the 7th grade at Portola Middle School.
After graduating from UCLA with a degree in mass communications in 1986, Koz decided to pursue a career in music. His big break came just six weeks later when singer Bobby Caldwell invited him to join his tour. Through Caldwell, Koz met keyboardist Jeff Lorber, who hired him and encouraged him to compose and record his own music.
In 1990, Koz released his self-titled debut album on Capitol Records, which earned him his first Grammy nomination. Throughout his career, he has released numerous successful albums, including:
Koz has received nine Grammy nominations and had 11 albums reach #1 on Billboard's Current Contemporary Jazz Albums Chart. His discography includes 20 studio albums, 7 live albums, 1 compilation album, and 47 singles as a lead artist.
In addition to his music career, Koz has hosted "The Dave Koz Radio Show" since 1994. He also co-hosts a morning show on 94.7 The Wave in Los Angeles. From 2004 to 2006, his performance of "Faces of the Heart" served as the theme song for the ABC soap opera General Hospital.
In April 2004, Koz publicly came out as gay in an interview with The Advocate magazine. That same year, People magazine named him one of their "50 Hottest Bachelors."
Throughout his career, Koz has collaborated with numerous artists, including Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Celine Dion, and U2. In 2002, he co-founded Rendezvous Entertainment, a record label.
Koz continues to release new music and tour. His recent albums include "A New Day" (2020) and "A Romantic Night In (The Love Songs Album)" (2021). He has also collaborated with other artists, such as Cory Wong on "The Golden Hour" (2021).
Dave Koz has established himself as not only a platinum-selling artist but also a humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. His smooth jazz melodies and saxophone skills have earned him a dedicated fan base and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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