January 11

Out in the World of Jazz
Dave Koz, Saxophonist

In a 2004 interview in “The Advocate” magazine, Koz came out publicly as a gay man at age 40. Initially wary of the impact coming out would have on his story-book career, he sold more records and concert tickets than ever and has never looked back. He has become a generous and hard working advocate for gay issues.

From a live concert in Tel Aviv, Israel, openly gay (and model handsome) jazz saxophonist Dave Koz plays “Over the Rainbow.” There is a long spoken introduction, so jump ahead to where the music begins at the 1:38 mark.



A virtual polymath, in addition to being an award-winning saxophonist, Dave Koz is a vintner, jazz cruise host, radio personality, TV host, founder of Rendezvous Records and global ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. He was a featured performer at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration. Koz was named by “People” magazine as one of their “50 Hottest Bachelors” in their June, 2004 issue (Dave’s response: “You know, I didn’t get one date out of that thing. The biggest gyp in the world!”). In 2009 Koz received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Now back to the tan lines.