Record

CodeDS/UK/874
NameBenson; George (22 March 1943); American jazz guitarist and singer songwriter
Variations of NameGeorge Washington Benson
Dates22 March 1943
GenderMale (cisgender)
Place of Birth/OriginPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
BiographyGeorge Benson is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He began his professional career at the age of 21 as a jazz guitarist. Benson uses a rest-stroke picking technique similar to that of gypsy jazz players such as Django Reinhardt.

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. His concerts were well attended through the 1980s, and he still has a large following.

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