ICYMI: I interviewed George Benson! He’s got a new album, Weekend in London. Out today. We talk about that plus Miles, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, McDuff, and Hathaway. Here’s a thread of some Benson tracks we touch on, and some we don’t. Here’s my piece: https://tidal.com/magazine/article/qa-george-benson/1-75400

Benson’s first time on an album is Brother Jack McDuff Live! Recorded in 1963 at the Front Room in Newark, NJ. McDuff more or less “discovered” Benson.

Benson is on one track from Songs in the Key of Life! He helps sing the wordless hook on “Another Star.” He started singing it when I brought it up

Benson is the guitar player on Dr. Lonnie Smith’s Live at Club Mozambique. Recorded in 1970. One of the best live albums ever. One of the best soul jazz albums ever.

Benson is also on Lonnie’s Afrodesia album. Alongside a 23-year old @joelovano!

Benson almost joined Miles Davis’s second great quintet! With Tony, Wayne, Ron, and Herbie. He decided not to, but he still hit the studio with them a few times in 1968. This one is amazing:

In 1976, Benson goes from being just a jazz dude to a real star. His album Breezin’ goes platinum and the title track cracks the Top 100. #63!

Two years later, he’s on @ChakaKhan ‘s first album!