George Benson | |
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Birth name | George Washington Benson |
Born | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. | March 22, 1943
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Years active | 1964–present[1][2] |
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Website | georgebenson |
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.