George Benson

This article is about the American singer and songwriter. For other people, see George Benson (disambiguation).
George Benson
Benson performing
Benson performing
Background information
Birth nameGeorge Washington Benson
Born (1943-03-22) March 22, 1943 (age 81)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • musician
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active1964–present[1][2]
Labels
Websitegeorgebenson.com
External videos
video icon Oral History, George Benson reflects on his friendship with Bob Cavenaugh and the influence it had on his career. Interview date January 24, 2015, NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Oral History Library

George Washington Benson (born March 22, 1943)[3] is an American jazz fusion guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He began his professional career at the age of 19 as a jazz guitarist.

A former child prodigy, Benson first came to prominence in the 1960s, playing soul jazz with Jack McDuff and others. He then launched a successful solo career, alternating between jazz, pop, R&B singing, and scat singing. His album Breezin' was certified triple-platinum, hitting no. 1 on the Billboard album chart in 1976.[4] His concerts were well attended through the 1980s, and he still has a large following.[4] Benson has won ten Grammy Awards and has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  1. ^ Australian ABCTV Flashez interview January 1, 1977.
  2. ^ "45 discography for Groove Records". Globaldogproductions.info. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  3. ^ Richard S. Ginell. "George Benson: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  4. ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 54. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.