A virtuosic guitarist and soulful singer, blending jazz, pop, and R&B to create a unique sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. Known for his smooth, melodic voice and mastery of the guitar.
George Benson is a titan in the world of jazz fusion, renowned for his unparalleled guitar virtuosity, soulful vocals, and genre-bending style that seamlessly blends jazz, pop, R&B, and scat singing. With a career spanning over six decades, Benson has established himself as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of our time.
Born on March 22, 1943, in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Benson's musical journey began at the tender age of seven, playing the ukulele in a local drugstore. By eight, he was performing in an unlicensed nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights, and by nine, he was recording his first singles.
Benson's professional career took off at 19, playing soul jazz with the legendary organist Jack McDuff and others. His debut album, The New Boss Guitar, was released in 1964, featuring McDuff and showcasing Benson's mastery of straight-ahead instrumental jazz.
The 1970s marked a significant turning point in Benson's career, with the release of his album Breezin', which certified triple-platinum and reached number one on the Billboard album chart in 1976. This phenomenal success catapulted Benson to international stardom, solidifying his position as a pioneer of jazz fusion.
Benson's impressive list of accolades includes ten Grammy Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and numerous inductions into music halls of fame. His impact on modern jazz has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, which awarded him a Jazz Masters Fellowship in 2009.
Benson's remarkable journey from a young prodigy to a global superstar serves as an inspiration to musicians and music enthusiasts alike. His unwavering dedication to his craft, coupled with an unrelenting passion for innovation, has enabled him to transcend genre boundaries and leave an indelible mark on the music world.
Benson's music embodies his core philosophy of embracing the beauty of diversity and celebrating the universal language of music. Through his work, he has consistently promoted unity, love, and self-expression, inspiring generations of musicians to follow in his footsteps.
George Benson's contributions to jazz and music as a whole are immeasurable. His innovative approach has influenced a wide range of genres, from jazz and funk to rock and pop. As a testament to his enduring legacy, Benson continues to perform and record, inspiring new generations of musicians and music enthusiasts alike.
71 Years Old
A Grammy-winning jazz guitarist and composer, known for his smooth, melodic style and hits like "Living Inside Your Love" and "Wishful Thinking".
70 Years Old
A virtuosic guitarist and composer, blending jazz with elements of rock, folk, and classical music to create a distinctive, genre-bending sound. Known for his versatility and innovative style.
Born in 1923
A virtuosic jazz guitarist and composer, renowned for his unique, octave-based playing style and iconic recordings that blended bebop, blues, and soul.
73 Years Old
A renowned guitarist, composer, and producer who has collaborated with numerous famous artists and has won multiple Grammy Awards for his work in jazz and pop music.
70 Years Old
A virtuosic guitarist and composer, blending jazz, rock, and world music to create a distinctive sound, known for lightning-fast solos and genre-bending albums.
73 Years Old
A highly influential and versatile guitarist, known for blending jazz, rock, and folk to create a unique sound that has inspired a wide range of musicians.