Average White Band and Ben E. King
Average White Band and Ben E. King collaborated on a notable album titled "Bennie And Us," which was released in 1977. This album features a collection of songs that showcase the unique blend of the Average White Band's funk and soul style with King's renowned vocal talent. Among the tracks included in this project is the single "Get It Up for Love," which was also released during that time .
The collaboration highlights both artists' efforts to merge their musical influences, and it has been appreciated by fans for its energetic sound and heartfelt lyrics . The partnership between Average White Band and Ben E. King is recognized as a significant contribution to the R&B and soul music scene of the late 1970s.
Overall, "Bennie And Us" represents an important moment in music history, capturing the synergy between these two influential acts. Information is missing on their individual discographies and later collaborations.
Benny And Us
Congas, Percussion – Nicky Marrero
Written-By – Ned Doheny 4:33
A2 Fool For You Anyway
Soloist, Guitar – Jim Mullen
Written-By – Mick Jones 5:38
A3 A Star In The Ghetto
Arranged By [Strings, Horns] – Arif Mardin
Congas – Ray Barretto
Written-By – Phillip Mitchell 7:01
A4 The Message
Recorded By – Bobby Warner
Written-By – White, King 5:17
B1 What Is Soul
Written-By – Ben E. King, Bob Gallo 4:34
B2 Someday We'll All Be Free
Arranged By [Strings] – Cengiz Yaltkaya
Recorded By – Bobby Warner
Written-By – Donny Hathaway, Edward Howard 5:13
B3 Imagine
Arranged By [Strings] – Arif Mardin, Cengiz Yaltkaya
Written-By – John Lennon 4:56
B4 Keepin' It To Myself
Congas, Percussion – Nicky Marrero
Written-By – A. Gorrie 4:30
Label: Atlantic – SD 19105
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Benny and Us, a 1977 collaboration between Scotland's funk masters Average White Band (AWB) and soul legend Ben E. King, is a critically well-received, funky soul album showcasing King's smooth vocals over AWB's tight grooves, featuring hits like "Get It Up For Love" and "A Star In The Ghetto," though some critics note it leans heavily on covers, functioning as great bonus material for AWB fans but less original for King.
It successfully merged Ben E. King's iconic, smooth vocals with AWB's signature tight funk rhythms, creating a rich, soulful sound.
The album produced popular tracks like "Get It Up For Love" (a funkier take on Ned Doheny's original) and the soulful "A Star In The Ghetto" (later a hit for Tata Vega).
A significant portion of the album consists of covers, including Foreigner's "Fool For You Anyway," which AWB transformed into a heavy R&B ballad, highlighting King's vocal power.
While not always seen as a peak original work for both artists, it's praised for its strong performances, excellent production (by Arif Mardin), and as a great addition to both discographies, especially for fans of 70s funk and soul.
The album performed well, reaching #33 on the Pop charts and #14 on the R&B charts in the US. Fans consistently praise the music quality and the production, often noting that "every track is a winner".
Benny and Us is considered a quality fusion, offering a delightful mix of funky instrumentals and soulful ballads, making it a beloved record for fans of both AWB's groove and Ben E. King's timeless voice.