Kenny G adds sax appeal to Delta’s 2017 jet drag
After an impromptu performance on a Delta Air Lines jet last month, saxophonist Kenny G provided a musical accompaniment Friday to the Atlanta carrier’s annual “jet drag” for charity.
The event features 20-person teams of employees pulling a 167,000 pound Boeing 757 for 20 feet at Delta’s TechOps maintenance center at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
VIDEO: THE 2015 DELTA JET DRAG
The teams solicit donations and compete for the fastest time. Delta aims to raise $2.25 million for the American Cancer Society from the annual jet drag and other events.
About 100 teams competed this year, most composed of Delta employees, including a team of executives. Also competing were a team of Atlanta airport firefighters, a team of diamond-level elite Delta frequent fliers and others.
“Who has not been affected by cancer?” said Kelley Moore, a Delta airport customer service director.
Kenny G, known for hits such as 1992's "Forever In Love" and 1986's "Songbird," last month was aboard a Delta flight on which flight attendant Jane Mitchell was discussing raising money for the Cancer Society. He was inspired to help her, and after passengers contributed about $2,000 he walked up and down the aisle playing his sax. A video went viral.
Mitchell’s daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 32, underwent treatment and died in 2015.
“I was surprised that she shared such a candid story with me,” said Kenny G.
The performer was invited to Friday’s jet drag, where he reunited with Mitchell. He performed at a Relay for Life event where employees remember cancer victims, then joined a team pulling a jet.
Upon arriving at Delta’s maintenance center, he described the experience as “a backstage pass to see what happens at a major airline.”
AJC Business reporter Kelly Yamanouchi keeps you updated on the latest news about Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Delta Air Lines and the airline industry in metro Atlanta and beyond. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:
- Atlanta airport: 'Smart lanes' ready for summer crowds
- Delta buying jets from... Alabama?
- Rough air tests Delta CEO in first year
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About the Author
As business team lead, Kelly Yamanouchi edits and writes business stories. She graduated from Harvard and has a master's degree from Northwestern.
