George Benson

Biography

George Benson, born March 22, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, emerged from humble beginnings as a child prodigy in the Hill District. Raised by a single mother, he began performing publicly at age seven, playing ukulele in local drugstores and later guitar in nightclubs. By age ten, he had recorded his first single with RCA Victor under the name 'Little George.'

Benson's early career was shaped by his work with organist Jack McDuff, where he honed his jazz guitar skills and developed a reputation for his dynamic sense of swing and technical agility. Influenced by jazz greats such as Wes Montgomery, Benson soon launched a solo career, blending jazz, pop, R&B, and scat singing. His 1976 album 'Breezin'' became a triple-platinum hit, and his vocal performance on 'This Masquerade' earned him the Grammy for Record of the Year. Over the decades, Benson has won ten Grammy Awards and is celebrated for his unique ability to play and sing melodic lines in unison, as well as for his rest-stroke picking technique reminiscent of gypsy jazz.

Benson's legacy extends beyond his chart-topping albums and sold-out concerts. He is recognized as one of the greatest jazz guitarists, bridging genres and influencing generations of musicians. His innovative style and crossover appeal have made him a major figure in both jazz and popular music, earning him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the title of NEA Jazz Master.

Fun Facts

• Benson is known for his ability to sing and play guitar in unison, a technique showcased on hits like 'This Masquerade.'
• His first electric guitar was homemade, constructed from his mother's hope chest and a used tape recorder as an amplifier.
• He recorded his first single at age ten under the name 'Little George.'
• Benson's 1976 album 'Breezin'' was the first jazz album to go triple platinum.

Associated Acts

• The George Benson Quartet - eponymous, original (1965–1967)
• Harlem Underground Band
• CTI All-Stars
• Fuse One

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jack McDuff - Benson apprenticed with organist Jack McDuff in the early 1960s, performing and touring together, which helped shape his jazz style. (The New Boss Guitar (1964)) [early 1960s]
• Wes Montgomery - Montgomery was a major stylistic influence and personally encouraged Benson early in his career. (Influence evident in Benson's guitar technique and phrasing) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Miles Davis - Benson played guitar on Davis's album 'Miles in the Sky.' (Miles in the Sky (1968)) [late 1960s]
• Freddie Hubbard - Frequent collaborator during Benson's CTI Records period. (Beyond the Blue Horizon (1971), other CTI sessions) [1970s]
• Stanley Turrentine - Recorded together during the CTI years. (Collaborative CTI albums) [1970s]
• Quincy Jones - Worked together as producer and arranger. (Give Me the Night (1980)) [1980]

Artists Influenced

• Norman Brown - Brown has cited Benson as a primary influence on his jazz guitar style. (After the Storm (1994), other smooth jazz albums) [1990s–present]
• Lee Ritenour - Ritenour has acknowledged Benson's impact on his approach to jazz and fusion guitar. (Wes Bound (1993), other solo works) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You (20/20)
2. Give Me the Night
3. Give Me the Night (Give Me the Night)
4. In Your Eyes (In Your Eyes)
5. Humility (feat. George Benson) (The Now Now)
6. Breezin' (Breezin')
7. Turn Your Love Around
8. You Are the Love of My Life (20/20)
9. Give Me the Night - Edit
10. Love X Love (Give Me the Night)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #american, #contemporary-jazz