author
George Benson
A dazzling guitarist and singer, this jazz great helped bring the sound of improvisation to a huge popular audience. His career stretches from gritty soul-jazz beginnings to chart-topping hits, with the same warmth and effortless swing running through it all.
1 Audiobook
York
by George Benson
About the author
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1943, George Benson started performing as a child and developed into one of the most recognizable voices in jazz and popular music. He first earned notice in the 1960s as a gifted jazz guitarist, playing with organist Jack McDuff before building a solo career of his own.
What makes his work so distinctive is the way his guitar playing and singing seem to mirror each other. Over the years he moved easily between straight-ahead jazz, R&B, and pop, reaching a wide audience while keeping his improviser's touch. Albums such as Breezin' helped make him a major crossover star, and his long career has brought him multiple Grammy Awards and recognition as an NEA Jazz Master.
For listeners coming to him through audio, Benson's story is especially appealing because it is really a story about feel: precision without stiffness, virtuosity without showing off, and a sound that stays inviting whether he is playing a tender ballad or something bright and rhythmic.