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A dialog with jazz icon George Benson : NPR


George Benson, dressed in a dark orange blazer jacket, sits holding his guitar in front of a music staned

George Benson says that on the peak of his industrial success within the Seventies, he confronted a backlash from the jazz group. “[If] it appealed to too many individuals … one thing’s received to be mistaken with it.”

Matt Furman © Rhino-WMG/Courtesy of the artist


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Matt Furman © Rhino-WMG/Courtesy of the artist

Few musicians have seen the success that guitarist, vocalist and cultural icon George Benson has — platinum information, a report of the 12 months Grammy, 4 high 10 hits. However from behind the gilded veil of fame, Benson’s immaculate chops shine by means of. He started engaged on the scene as a guitarist when he was an eight-year outdated again in Pittsburgh, Pa., and people chops led to gigs with jazz luminaries Brother Jack McDuff, Lou Donaldson and Lee Morgan, amongst others.

When his fame began reaching new heights within the Seventies, although, the jazz group took umbrage to his success. “Everyone I do know within the jazz world who minimize a report that was distinctive or went out in entrance of all people else… [was] criticized for doing it.” Benson says. “They stated, ‘Nicely, it’s too industrial.’ In different phrases: It appealed to too many individuals, so one thing’s received to be mistaken with it.”

George Benson sits at a table with his sheet music in front of him. He is wearing a dark blue blazer jacket with a light blue satin scarf.

George Benson launched a “misplaced” album referred to as Desires Do Come True: When George Benson Meets Robert Farnon this 12 months.

Matt Furman © Rhino-WMG/Courtesy of the artist


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Matt Furman © Rhino-WMG/Courtesy of the artist

On this very particular episode, host Christian McBride sits down with George Benson to speak about his decades-long profession within the highlight, his new “misplaced” album Desires Do Come True: When George Benson Meets Robert Farnon and his rules as an artist. “My life doesn’t depend upon what the subsequent man is doing.” says Benson. “It’s what I do.”

Set Record:

  • “Love is Blue” (Bryan Blackburn / Pierre Cour / André Popp), from the album Desires Do Come True: When George Benson Meets Robert Farnon (Rhino)
  • “A Track For You” (Leon Russell), from the album Desires Do Come True: When George Benson Meets Robert Farnon (Rhino)
  • “The Cooker” (George Benson), from the album The George Benson Cookbook (Columbia)
  • “This Masquerade” (Russell), from the album Breezin’ (Warner Bros.)
  • “Stella by Starlight” (Victor Younger), from the album Tenderly (Warner Bros.)
  • “The Biggest Love of All” (Michael Masser, Linda Creed), from The Biggest [Original Soundtrack] (Arista)
  • “Deeper Than You Suppose” (Joe Pattern), from the album Absolute Benson (GRP/Verve)

Credit:

Sarah Geledi, author and producer; Trevor Smith, consulting producer; Simon Rentner, consulting editor; Ron Scalzo, mastering; Steven A. Williams, government producer; Suraya Mohamed, government producer at NPR Music; Keith Jenkins, vice chairman of visuals and music technique at NPR; Christian McBride, host.

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