George Benson

George Benson
Benson performing
Background information
Birth name	George Washington Benson
Born	(1943-03-22) March 22, 1943 (age 81) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres	Jazz jazz fusion smooth jazz soul jazz adult contemporary urban contemporary
Occupation(s)	Singer musician songwriter
Instrument(s)	Vocals guitar
Years active	1964–present[1][2]
Labels	Prestige Columbia Verve A&M CTI Warner Bros. GRP Concord Mascot
Website	georgebenson.com

External videos
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.