photo credit: Carl Hyde
(February 5, 2024) Over the past five decades, legendary guitarist and singer George Benson has been a road warrior, performing his magical jazz and soul music around the world. But that time on the road may be coming to a close, as Benson, age 80, announced on social media his cancellation of a planned Summer 2024 tour of the UK in the following way:
On the advice of George Benson's medical team, we must cancel his upcoming UK tour. Unfortunately, it's now the end of a lifetime of bringing his unique music and exciting performances internationally. With a heavy heart and much consideration, George has accepted that the strain of long distance travel is too difficult to endure at this point in his life. We are all terribly sorry to disappoint all his fans, especially those holding tickets in the UK.
(February 5, 2024) Over the past five decades, legendary guitarist and singer George Benson has been a road warrior, performing his magical jazz and soul music around the world. But that time on the road may be coming to a close, as Benson, age 80, announced on social media his cancellation of a planned Summer 2024 tour of the UK in the following way:
On the advice of George Benson's medical team, we must cancel his upcoming UK tour. Unfortunately, it's now the end of a lifetime of bringing his unique music and exciting performances internationally. With a heavy heart and much consideration, George has accepted that the strain of long distance travel is too difficult to endure at this point in his life. We are all terribly sorry to disappoint all his fans, especially those holding tickets in the UK.
In a recording career that has spanned two generations, the seemingly ageless Benson has proven himself one of the most influential and versatile performers in popular music. Discovered at an early age by jazz great (and strong influence) Wes Montgomery, Benson became a jazz star performing first on Columbia, and then on Creed Taylor's CTI label in the early 70s. But it was his signing with Warner Brothers in 1976 and teaming with producer Tommy LiPuma that led to his watershed album, Breezin, a terrific blend of Soul and Jazz that took off like a rocket, fueled by Benson’s smooth cover of Leon Russell's "This Masquerade" (which won the 1976 Grammy for Record of the Year).
Breezin' was a multi-million selling smash (unheard of for a jazz record), and introduced the world to a fusion of R&B and jazz that countless artists would eventually incorporate. In fact, the entire Smooth Jazz and Contemporary Jazz formats, now popular around the world, owe more to Breezin' than to any other album.
That began a string of soulful jazz albums and an intense musical love affair between Benson and audiences around the world that continues to this day. And over these five decades, George Benson has been one of the most influential artists, universally loved. Here’s hoping for continued good health and music for Mr. Benson.
By Chris Rizik
Many thanks to Gary Van den Bussche of Disco Soul Gold for letting us know