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2009 NEA Jazz Master
		George Benson Born March 22, 1943, Pittsburgh, PA Vocalist and Solo Instrumentalist (Guitar) Interview >>
Photo by Tom Pich/tompich.com

"Just to be mentioned in the same breath with the most incredible musicians of our time is an honor in itself.  Many of these greats are my personal friends and inspired me to become the musician I always hoped to be.  I am truly honored to be recognized as an NEA Jazz Master as well."

Appreciated as both a musician and performer, George Benson plays the dual role of expert improviser and vibrant entertainer. Rounding out his singular approach with sly, seductive rhythm and blues, he's earned himself an impeccable reputation as one of music's most enterprising and engaging stars.

Benson began his career as a guitarist working the corner pubs of his native Pittsburgh. Wes Montgomery came across Benson early on, complimenting him and urging him to continue his already impressive work. In the early 1960s, Benson apprenticed with organist Brother Jack McDuff; he found the organist’s gritty swing a fertile ground for the sly, confident, and adventurous guitar lines, which earned him an early reputation as a master.

By the time legendary talent scout John Hammond signed Benson to Columbia, the guitarist’s name was bubbling throughout the industry. In the late 1960s he sat in on heady Miles Davis sessions, and also put a personal spin on the tunes from the Beatles’ Abbey Road. Joining the CTI label in 1970, he was united with many of jazz's finest instrumentalists, including Stanley Turrentine, Ron Carter, and Freddie Hubbard and released classic albums, such as Beyond the Blue Horizon.

Despite his success, Benson's desire to combine his singing and guitar playing was blocked until he worked with music producer Tommy LiPuma, resulting in Breezin', the first jazz record to attain platinum sales. The 1976 blockbuster, his first in a long association with Warner Bros. Records, brought the instrumental title track to jazz radio. And Benson’s soulful update of Leon Russell’s "This Masquerade," which featured the guitarist scatting along with his solo break, was a pop smash. He followed up with many pop hits, including a sultry version of "On Broadway" and the irresistible "Give Me The Night".

In the mid-1990s Benson followed LiPuma to the GRP label and in 1996 they released That's Right, featuring a modern version of contemporary jazz. Benson followed That’s Right with Standing Together, which uses elements of hip-hop and Caribbean rhythms.

2000's Absolute Benson blends jazz with R&B and blues, and only three of the album"s tunes feature any vocals, so his distinctive guitar playing takes center stage. In 2006, Benson and vocalist/songwriter Al Jarreau released Givin' It Up with Benson’s current label, Concord Music Group.

The guitarist has won ten Grammy Awards, played around the world, and thrilled many crowds with his playing.

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