George Benson
George Benson is an acclaimed American jazz guitarist, singer, and songwriter born on March 22, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A former child prodigy, he began performing professionally as a young musician and rose to fame blending jazz, pop, R&B, and scat singing.
Benson grew up in Pittsburgh's Hill District, starting as a singer in nightclubs at age eight and later playing ukulele and guitar. By his teens, he formed a rock band and drew inspiration from jazz icons like Wes Montgomery and Charlie Parker, transitioning to jazz guitar.
In 1961, at age 19, Benson joined organist Jack McDuff's quartet, recording and touring until 1965. He then led his own groups, signed with Columbia Records through talent scout John Hammond, and collaborated with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and others on soul jazz and hard bop albums.
Signed to Warner Bros. in 1976, Benson's album Breezin' topped the Billboard 200, went triple-platinum, and featured the hit "This Masquerade," earning his first Grammy. He sustained success through the 1980s with pop-jazz crossovers, selling out concerts worldwide.
Benson has won 10 Grammy Awards, received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and was named a 2009 NEA Jazz Master. He continues performing, known for his rest-stroke picking technique and versatile style.
Married to Johnnie Lee since 1965, Benson has six children and resides in Arizona. His career spans over six decades, influencing jazz fusion and beyond.
20-20
Producer – Russ Titelman
Written-By – Clif Magness, Mark Mueller, Tom Keane
3:55
A2 Please Don't Walk Away
Producer – Russ Titelman
Written-By – James Newton Howard, Steve Lukather
3:51
A3 I Just Wanna Hang Around You
Producer – Russ Titelman
Written-By – Cruz Sembello, Daniel Sembello, Jon Sembello, Michael Sembello
4:41
A4 Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You
Producer – Michael Masser
Written-By – Gerry Goffin, Michael Masser
4:04
A5 Beyond The Sea (La Mer)
Lyrics By [English] – Jack Lawrence
Producer – Russ Titelman
Written-By – Charles Trenet
4:10
B1 20 / 20
Producer – Russ Titelman
Written-By – Randy Goodrum, Steve Kipner
4:07
B2 New Day
Producer – Russ Titelman
Written-By – Cecil & Linda Womack
4:27
B3 Hold Me
Co-producer – Danny Sembello, Michael Sembello
Producer – Russ Titelman
Written-By – Daniel Sembello, Michael Sembello
4:02
B4 Stand Up
Producer – Russ Titelman
Written-By – Neil Larsen
5:07
B5 You Are The Love Of My Life
Harmony Vocals – Roberta Flack
Producer – Michael Masser
Written-By – Linda Creed, Michael Masser
2:50
Label: Warner Bros. Records
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Jazz, Soul, Pop
Style: Contemporary R&B, Smooth Jazz
George Benson's 20/20 (1985) is a polished, pop-leaning smooth jazz/R&B album known for its strong production, catchy melodies, and inclusion of hits like "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You" (later a hit for Glenn Medeiros), "You Are the Love of My Life" (duet with Roberta Flack), and the upbeat "New Day," though it divided some critics who preferred his jazz roots, while fans embraced its accessible, romantic vibe and quintessential 80s sound.
The standout tracks for critics are often the high-tech title track "20/20" and an "outstanding" big-band arrangement of "Beyond the Sea," which features jazz luminaries and is praised for its "velvet" arrangement.
Styles: Crossover Jazz, Pop Soul, Quiet Storm, Adult Contemporary R&B, featuring lush keyboards, synthesizers, and warm arrangements, primarily produced by Russ Titelman and recorded in many different studios, is often described as having a distinctly dated, "cheesy" 80s synth sound.
Many fans love it as a classic 80s record, praising its production, romantic appeal, and variety, even if it moved far from pure jazz. Some critics found it overly pop and emotionally empty, while others appreciated its escapist value and Benson's smooth vocals and guitar work.
It showcases Benson's ability to adapt to contemporary sounds, fitting into his diverse discography. Critics generally view 20/20 as a full embrace of a commercial pop sound, a move that alienated some long-time jazz fans.
In Summary, 20/20 is a definitive 80s pop-soul album from George Benson, offering romantic ballads and upbeat tracks that were commercially successful and beloved by fans, even if it alienated some jazz purists.