George Benson: A Titan of Jazz and a Lifetime of Music

🎸George Benson's talents as a guitarist are unparalleled, with a unique style and tone that captivates audiences.

🎤Benson's expressive voice adds another layer of emotion to his performances, making him a truly versatile artist.

🎶His innovative blend of jazz, pop, and R&B has set him apart and attracted a wide range of listeners.

🏆As a 10-time Grammy Award winner, Benson's musical achievements and contributions to the industry are highly recognized and celebrated.

🎵His love for standards and his ability to interpret them with his unique style have solidified his status as a jazz legend.

Who are some of George Benson's musical influences?

—George Benson was influenced by musicians like George Shearing and Charlie Christian.

How did George Benson learn to play standards?

—Benson learned to play standards by listening to records and studying the great musicians who performed them.

What makes George Benson's guitar playing unique?

—Benson's guitar playing is unique due to his incredible tone, style, and the emotions he conveys through his instrument.

What genres does George Benson blend in his music?

—George Benson blends jazz, pop, and R&B in his music, creating a distinctive and accessible sound.

How many Grammy Awards has George Benson won?

—George Benson has won a total of 10 Grammy Awards throughout his career.

00:00George Benson, a 10-time Grammy Award winner, is a legendary jazz artist known for his masterful guitar work, expressive voice, and innovative blend of jazz, pop, and R&B.

04:47Benson shared his early experiences with music, growing up with a mother who loved music and took him to various live shows and churches.

11:39Benson recalled how his stepfather introduced him to the guitar and how he started playing the ukulele before learning to play on an actual guitar.

12:41Benson talked about his influences, including musicians like George Shearing and Charlie Christian, whose records his stepfather used to play.

13:48He discussed the vibrant music scene in Pittsburgh, where he grew up, and how he learned to play standards by listening to records and figuring out the chords.

27:52Benson emphasized the importance of entertainment to him and how it shaped his mindset to focus on the positive and not let setbacks bring him down.