George Benson

Guitarist and singer George Benson has achieved success both as a jazz musician and a pop vocalist. Benson's style make him one of the leading jazz guitarists of his time. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Benson organized his own rock band at 17. During the 1960's, he performed in a jazz quartet led by organist Jack McDuff and played with his own quartet beginning in '65. He also recorded with jazz stars like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan during that time. The '70s saw Benson recording a slew of love songs, producing his first hit with "This Masquerade" from his '76 album, Breezin'. His other vocal hits include "The Greatest Love of All," "On Broadway," "Love Ballad," "Love X Love" and "20/20." Benson also maintained his jazz roots in the '80s and '90s by recording with Count Basie's band, jazz guitarist Earl Klugh and others.