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blossoming sideman role and forming his own band . It was there that he 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 # 1 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 .”
Whale is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgments 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 . A 12-time Grammy ® Award nominee , Kirk won his first Grammy ® Award ( 2011 ) for Best Gospel Song (“ It ’ s What I Do ” — featuring Lalah Hathaway ) alongside life-long friend and gifted songwriter , Jerry Peters . Kirk has also been honored with a Brass Note on the Memphis Walk of Fame and a Star on the Nashville Walk of Fame .
Tickets for “ Georgia On My Mind : Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles ” are $ 50 to $ 115 ( included in the MSU Riley Center ’ s Fall / Winter Season ). Tickets may be purchased online at www . msurileycenter . com or call 601-696-2200 .
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