George Benson is a jazz guitarist and singer from Pittsburgh, United States, born in 1943. He begins his career playing straight-ahead instrumental jazz and gains early experience through a several-year period with organist Jack McDuff’s group.

Early recordings and quartet work

In 1964, he records his first album as a leader, The New Boss Guitar, with Brother Jack McDuff on organ. He then records It's Uptown with the George Benson Quartet, featuring Lonnie Smith on organ and Ronnie Cuber on baritone saxophone. The album highlights his ability to build swinging bebop lines at fast tempos. He follows it with The George Benson Cookbook, again with Smith and Cuber.

Style, later success and chart singles

Benson later shifts towards more commercially oriented material, a change most clearly associated with Breezin', a top-selling album that brings him a wider audience. The album includes “This Masquerade”. Other singles that reach the Billboard Hot 100 include “On Broadway” in 1978, “Love Ballad” in 1979, “Give Me The Night” in 1980 and “Turn Your Love Around” in 1982.

Further recordings and recognition

He continues to record jazz guitar work on albums such as Jimmy Smith’s Off the Top, his live album Par Excellence, and Tenderly, which features McCoy Tyner on piano. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7055 Hollywood Blvd.

Associated acts and labels

He is associated with the George Benson Quartet, the Harlem Underground Band, CTI All-Stars and Fuse One. His labels include Newborn. His work is placed within contemporary jazz, jazz, jazz pop, jazz-funk, quiet storm and smooth jazz.