Biography of George Benson

George Benson ranks among the most talented jazz guitarists and vocalists currently active, although he has enjoyed his greatest commercial success making his least (artistically) impressive music. His initial recognition was as a vocalist, making some recordings at 11 for a tiny R&B label. He began studying guitar shortly after and, as a teen, joined Jack McDuff's group, staying with him from 1962-1965. Benson led his own band with organist Lonnie Smith, then won fame for his participation in a 1967 Spirituals To Swing anniversary concert. He began to move into lighter, pop-influenced crossover material in the late '60s on A&M, which enjoyed success with Wes Montgomery in a similiar vein. He hit the big time in 1976 with Breezin' (a Top Ten hit), a collection of easy-listening, orchestrated numbers centered around a vocal rendition of Leon Russell's "Masquerade." After a string of hit albums all patterned on the same formula, Benson returned to jazz in 1990, cutting a date with the Count Basie orchestra. His fluidity, relaxed yet dynamic vocal presence, and overall skills make almost anything Benson records at least interesting, and he periodically flashes his real skills in either live performance or special recording sessions. Benson's most recent entry, 1993's Love Remembers, hasn't come close to equalling his past fusion/pop smashes like Breezin'. ~ Ron Wynn