George Benson
Born 1943, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
At the age of 8, he began to sing in a local nightclub. His stepfather, Thomas Collier, taught him to play the ukulele and, later, gave him a guitar. Among George's early musical influences were Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery. But as a teenager, he played in a rock 'n' roll band before he returned to jazz.
From 1962 to 1965, George was part of Jack McDuff's band which played a rocking blues. In 1964 Benson recorded his first album as a leader. The New Boss Guitar was inspired by hard bop and soul. More records, produced by John Hammond, followed in 1965 and 1966.
By 1970, George Benson played with outstanding jazz musicians such as Stanley Turrentine, Ron Carter and Freddie Hubbard. Among the classic albums he recorded with them is Beyond the Blue Horizon. Benson played hard bop with Herbie Hancock, accompanied Tony Bennett and performed together with Quincy Jones. Besides jazz, Benson also played R&B, soul and pop. His career reached its climax in 1976 with the Breezin', which won a Grammy as best album of the year. The title song was the first jazz recording to soar to #1 in the pop charts in America and established Benson as a superstar. The album's song This Masquerade, written by Leon Russell, owes its success to Benson's scat singing and guitar playing.
While the A&M and CTI albums certainly earned their keep and made Benson a guitar star in the jazz world, the mass market didn't catch on until he began to emphasize vocals The success of 'This Masquerade', led to a string of more albums in an R&B-flavored pop mode, culminating with the Quincy Jones-produced Give Me the Night.
Throughout the 1980s Benson continued to blend grooves and guitar work, proving that R&B was a natural part of his profile. During this period he won eight Grammies and played around the world thrilling many crowds with his playing.
In the mid-'90s Benson moved to the GRP label. These days Benson's interests are many. He's often spotted out at Manhattan jazz clubs, checking the action of fledgling guitarists. The most impressive of the lot are sometimes invited back to Benson HQ for jam sessions and stylistic powwows. Benson is resolute about keeping the sparkle in his playing.
Albums (1978 - 2000)
In Your Eyes (1978)
Give Me the Night (1980)
20/20 (1984)
While the City Sleeps (1986)
Did You Hear Thunder (1986)
Collaboration (1987)
Twice the Love (1988)
Tenderly (1989)
Big Boss Band (1990)
Good Habit (1992)
The Essence of George Benson (1992)
Love Remembers (1993)
Take Five (1995)
That's Right (1996)
California Dreamin' (1996)
Standing Together (1998)
Masquerade Is Over (1999)
Absolute Benson (2000)
Tracks currently playing/played on the station
This masquerade (Album: Breezin)
In your eyes (Album: In your eyes)
Feel like making love (Album: In your eyes)
Lady love me (Album: In your eyes)
Inside love (So personal) (Album: In your eyes)
Give me the night (Album: Give me the night)
Love x Love (Album: Give me the night)
20/20 (Album: 20/20)
I just want to hang around you (Album: 20/20)
Nothings gonna change my love (Album: 20/20)
Shiver (Album: While the City Sleeps)
Stephanie (Album: Twice the Love)
George Benson Album info
More info on George Benson