Brook Benton
Brook Benton was an influential American singer and songwriter, born Benjamin Franklin Peay on September 19, 1931, in Camden, South Carolina. Recognized for his contributions to various music genres, he achieved significant acclaim in rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and pop music during the 1950s and 1960s.
Benton grew up in a musical environment, with his father serving as a bricklayer and choir director in a Methodist church. This early exposure to music led him to become a gospel singer at a young age, where he began developing his vocal talents and songwriting skills.
Professional Achievements: Benton's career took off when he began recording in the late 1940s. He gained popularity with his smooth baritone voice and emotional delivery, which resonated well with audiences. He is perhaps best known for his iconic hit songs, with "Rainy Night in Georgia" being one of his standout performances. His music often blended elements of soul and R&B, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Throughout his career, which spanned several decades, Benton left a lasting impact on the music industry. He is remembered not only for his successful chart-topping hits but also for paving the way for future generations of musicians. His work remains celebrated in various music circles, emphasizing the rich tapestry of American music history.
Brook Benton passed away on April 9, 1988, but continues to be recognized as an important figure in the evolution of soul music and American pop culture.
Brook Benton Today
Written-By – Tony Joe White 3:51
A2 My Way
Written-By – C. François, J. Rivaux, Paul Anka 5:33
A3 Life Has Its Little Ups And Downs
Written-By – Margaret Ann Rich 3:45
A4 Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Written-By – Bob Crewe, Bob Gaudio 2:44
A5 We're Gonna Make It
Written-By – Billy Davis, Carl Smith, Gene Barge, Raynard Minor 3:07
B1 A Little Bit Of Soap
Written-By – Bert Russel 3:56
B2 Baby
Written-By – Brook Benton 4:33
B3 Where Do I Go From Here ?
Written-By – Brook Benton, James Shaw 3:09
B4 Desertion
Written-By – Dorian Burton, Herman Kelly 4:30
B5 I've Gotta Be Me
Written-By – Walter Marks 3:42
Label: Cotillion – SD 9018
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Soul
Brook Benton Today, released in 1970, was a significant comeback album for Brook Benton on Atlantic Records, featuring his massive hit "Rainy Night in Georgia" and showcasing a mature, soulful sound with Arif Mardin's lush arrangements, blending pop, soul, and R&B with country touches, solidifying his relevance beyond earlier hits.
The album's centerpiece was the iconic "Rainy Night in Georgia," a huge crossover success that topped R&B charts and reached #4 on the Pop charts, revitalizing Benton's career.
Arif Mardin produced the album, guiding Benton into a richer, more sophisticated sound that moved past earlier country clichés, featuring a small combo and The Sweet Inspirations on vocals.
It masterfully mixed Southern Soul, Pop-Soul, and R&B, with covers of "My Way" and "I Gotta Be Me" gaining new depth and soul-country arrangements.
Benton's warm, world-weary vocals delivered heartfelt and existential interpretations, adding depth to both covers and his own compositions like "Baby" and "Where Do I Go From Here".
The album itself reached #27 on the US Pop charts and #4 on the R&B charts, marking a major commercial resurgence for Benton in 1970.
In essence, Brook Benton Today presented a seasoned artist delivering powerful, emotionally resonant performances that brought him back to the forefront of popular music.
This Is Brook Benton
Written-By – B. Crewe/B. Gaudio
4:20
A2 It Started All Over Again
Written-By – A. Goodman, H. Ray, W. Morris
3:51
A3 Weekend With Feathers
Written-By – B. Benjamin, S. Marcus
3:38
A4 All In Love Is Fair
Written-By – Stevie Wonder
4:15
A5 Now Is The Time
Written-By – B. Lowe, S. Lowe
4:10
B1 My Funny Valentine
Written-By – R. Rogers / L. Hart
6:08
B2 You Were Gone
Written-By – A. Goodman, H. Ray, W. Morris
4:22
B3 Nightingale In Berkeley Square
Written-By – E. Maschwitz, M. Sherwin
3:34
B4 I Had To Learn (The Hard Way)
Written-By – B. Lowe, S. Lowe
3:38
Label: All Platinum – AP-3015
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Released in 1976, This Is Brook Benton is a soulful studio album from the deep-voiced baritone’s tenure with Sylvia Robinson’s All Platinum Records. The album captures Benton during a period where he leaned into contemporary R&B and crossover soul while maintaining his signature smooth, orchestral delivery.
Reviewers frequently praise his "buttermilk croon" and "silky smooth tones," noting that his voice carries a deep, rich sound that elevates standard ballads. Unlike some of his earlier, more stripped-back singles, this era of recordings is defined by typical lush string arrangements that provide a romantic backdrop for his vocals.
The album features several classic covers and "Greatest Hits" style inclusions, though different reissues (such as those by RCA or All Platinum) may vary slightly in their tracklists.
On community platforms like Discogs, the album maintains a solid moderate rating (approx. 3.4/5), while Rate Your Music users lean slightly lower at 2.9/5, often comparing it to his more commercially explosive 1960s work.
Note: Be careful when searching for this title on streaming platforms like Spotify; several compilations share the name This Is Brook Benton but contain his earlier hits from the 1950s and 60s. The 1976 original is distinguished by its 9-track list and All Platinum/Sugar Hill labeling.