Kenny Garrett is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who began his career in the late 1980s. He was a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, then the Mel Lewis Orchestra, and subsequently the jazz fusion group Steps Ahead. In the early 1990s, Garrett began his solo career, releasing 21 albums as a leader and performing throughout the United States and the world. Along with his solo albums, Garrett has worked with many renowned musicians and ensembles, including Miles Davis, Roy Hargrove, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, and Christian McBride. His music combines straight-ahead jazz with R&B, funk, and soul, and he often incorporates the influence of African and Muslim music traditions into his compositions. Garrett continues to tour and record, with his most recent releases being the 2019 albums African Exchange Student and Happy People.