In a career spanning nearly two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. As the recipient of four Grammy® nominations, the list of artists who Koz has played with bears testament to his talent and includes such musical luminaries as Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, U2, Michael McDonald, Luther Vandross, and Rod Stewart.
Born and raised in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley, Koz initially picked up the saxophone to gain entry into his big brother's band. What began as a ploy became a lifelong obsession. Years later, after earning his degree in mass communications from UCLA, Koz decided to become a professional musician. Within weeks of that decision, he was recruited as a touring member of Bobby Caldwell’s band. It was during this time that Koz befriended keyboardist Jeff Lorber, who invited Koz to come play on one of his tours. That stint was followed by a fourteen-month tour with pop singer Richard Marx.
Signed to Capitol Records by Bruce Lundvall, Koz released his self-titled solo debut album in 1990. This was the first in a body of best-selling work, which includes the gold-certified Lucky Man (1993), Off The Beaten Path (1996), and the holiday-themed albums December Makes Me Feel This Way (1997) and Dave Koz & Friends - A Smooth Jazz Christmas (2001). His gold-certified fifth album, The Dance (1999), spawned no less than five Top 5 contemporary jazz hits. Saxophonic (2003) produced another four Top 5 singles and garnered Koz two Grammy nominations spanning two consecutive years.
In 2007, Koz released two collections of standards. At The Movies is a lush, romantic collection of timeless melodies from cinema that has been at the top of the charts since its release in January of 2007. Eleven of the twelve movies featured on the album garnered Academy Award® wins or nominations. Produced by the legendary Phil Ramone, and accompanied by a full orchestra, it features special guest performances by India.Arie, Anita Baker, Chris Botti, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, Donna Summer, and Vanessa Williams. The album also includes several stunning instrumentals showcasing Koz’s interpretations of some of his favorite movie themes celebrating the most wondrous time of the year. Memories Of A Winter’s Nightis a festive collection of 12 holiday standards celebrating the wonders of the season. Released in September 2007, the album includes Dave’s duets with Kelly Sweet, Kimberley Locke, and Brenda Russell and also features Rick Braun, Peter White, and David Benoit.
Dave serves as a radio personality in two different outlets: on weekdays, as the host of an afternoon radio show that airs in fifteen markets across the nation, including Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco; and on weekends, as the host of the syndicated Dave Koz Radio Show, now in its tenth year, in approximately 120 markets.
As an entrepreneur, Koz is co-founder of the independent record label, Rendezvous Entertainment. As a philanthropist, he serves as Global Ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, recently completed a four-year term on the Grammy Foundation Artists Committee, has served as National Trustee for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) and is an ongoing member of the Board Of Governors for the Grammy® Foundation.
Koz is constantly touring, summer and winter, on land and by sea, with a summer tour, holiday tour, and Dave Koz-branded cruise via the Holland America Cruise Line.
With a triumphant career as an artist and radio personality, his independent record company, and the well-earned respect of the recording industry, Dave Koz’s artistry, commitment and influence continue to grow.
