Kirk Whalum is an American jazz saxophonist and songwriter. He is perhaps best known for his smooth jazz songs, often featuring his signature sax solos. He is a 12-time Grammy nominee and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2011. He received the Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year for his album, Roundtrip.

Whalum began his career as a studio musician in 1981 and released his first solo album in 1988. Since then, he has released over 20 additional albums, mostly focusing on jazz and gospel music. In addition to his own albums, he has also worked with noted artists such as Whitney Houston, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Babyface, and George Benson. He has also composed several movie and television scores.