George Benson: The Greatest Guitarist/Singer of All Time 

George is the greatest…total respect for the amazing man. No one has come close to him. I first saw him live at the State theater in Sydney in 1976, with his iconic Breezin’ band I was 17. I was so completely blown away I could not speak for several hours afterwards. Such a warm and gracious man too. First time I met was in Sydney. I was playing with my band at the Basement club. He called me out of the blue, I thought it was a prank by one of my band mates but it was him. He said “I heard your album Thinking Out Loud” and invited me to the Hilton downtown where he was playing the ballroom in a few nights time. We hung out for a few hours and he played my album and pointed out all the things he liked in real time. I’ll never forget that day. Then a day later he came early to my show and stayed for 2 full shows. I of course acknowledged his presence to the audience. He invited me to his show and somewhere in the middle of his show he acknowledged me to his audience. I was so surprised that he did that. He certainly didn’t have to. That just shows you the character of this kind and gracious man. I have seen him in concert many times over the years and always go backstage after to say “George, you are the greatest” because he his. ♥️♥️♥️😎🙏🙏🙏🎸🎸🎸☀️☀️☀️ Frank G

I absolutely love this man. I was an assistant engineer when I was 15 years old on George's 20/20 record, recorded at Grandslam Studios in West Orange, NJ. The experience was life changing, and I am SO happy that Rick interviewed him. Bravo George and Rick!

The man dedicated his interview to honoring every colleague who has meant something positive to him. Truly remarkable.

He tells his life story like a movie ... and one just can't stop listening

Mr. Benson was a customer of mine in the late 1980s when I managed a bank branch in Bergen County, New Jersey. He and his wife Johnnie would come into the branch and wait online like anyone else. They never asked for anything special, a rarity in a town known for its affluence and very particular residents. Very humble couple. One day I was coming back from a meeting and didn't know he was behind me walking into the branch. As soon as he started scatting, which he's known for doing on his records, I said to him "There's only one person who sounds like that." He laughed. Such a wonderful man who continues to bless us with his music.

I'm a pro musician in the Phoenix area. George drops in frequently to live music venues. Everyone has a photo with him. Great guy, very humble.

This interview should be required viewing for all people who have ever listened to music.

This has to be one of the most important, historical, interviews of an American jazz guitar player, ever. What an incredible, national treasure you’ve encapsulated in just over an hours time, Mr. Beato. Congratulations and thank you. Thank you Mr. Benson for being so gracious and receptive to sharing your life.

Rick Beato is the Alan Lomax of our age. You are getting it all on the public record for all of us. Hats off to you, Rick. These interviews are a piece of history.

George Benson is one of the best storytellers ever. Could listen to him for another 2 hours! Amazing interview Rick.

I’m 53 years old, I was introduced to his music 🎶 by my late Dad. He used to play Mr George Benson songs very late at night, there’s was no electricity then, he had a record player operating with a car battery 🪫, the battery would die . Early in the morning we had to push his car 🚗 to start 😅😂😂. Thank you for taking me down memory lane. Qedukwazi Radebe from South Africa 🇿🇦🙌🏾👌🎶🎉

I had the Honor of Looking after George for a week in Cape Town for one of his South African Tours. What a humble man. I truly think he is an amazing Person. During my Week with him i lost my Cell phone. At the end of the Tour , i was sitting with him waiting for him to board the plane , His manager was checking in there bags at the desk We were alone for about 30 Minutes. He and I had a chat about his Family and mine . He then said i believe you lost your phone. I said yes , was an unfortunate thing to happen. At the time cell phones where pretty expensive. He asked me what would they cost in my country. I said more or less $120 to $150. he SAID OK , Interesting. We chatted some more , small talk , manager arrived and the airline came to collect George and take him to the plane. We greeted each other hugging each other sating our goodbyes. George then slipped his hand into mine , and inside his hand was $200. He said go, get yourself a new phone. What a Gentleman!

"They thought I was jamming, but I was LISTENING" is probably one of the wisest things I have ever heard as a musician. What a legend.

Being called "Brother" by George Benson would be the greatest moment in anyone's life!

"I don't play, I listen" impactful insight.

I took a girl I met in High School on our first date at the Colonial Tavern, Toronto to see George Benson in February 1973 I think it was. We have been married now for 48 years. As well as many other great tunes, he played "Ode to a Kudu" What a memory. What a fine musician.

Rick has been killin it with these interviews recently!

I'm 67 years old and burst into tears watching this wonderful interview. WOW.

George is a national treasure; beyond talented, humble, hard-working and inspiring. What an incredible interview, absolutely fascinating. Every guitar luthier in Los Angeles that I met told me: ‘Listen to Benson, a musicians-musician.’

I saw George in a tiny bar in North Philly in 1971. I went with my guitar friend, Duane, a premed student from Penn. Even though we were under age the bouncers let us in. We sat in a circular booth with red sparkle vinyl seats. George, looking fine as always is his custom suit was ten feet way. He tore it up playing on standard after another. There were maybe 20 people in the audience, me the only white dude. It was magic. The whole place was a place of worship around his music. So respectful towards the artist and each other. Different time, but the music was still the glue that bound us together. Thank George Benson!! 🎉

I could watch 24 hours of this man telling old stories....what a gift to humanity!

As a long time associate and friend of George’s for 52 years since almost the beginning, (promotion manager at both CTI and Warner Bros.) this was one of the best interviews with George I’ve ever seen! You got him to express and reminisce his career with great comfort, joy and glee. I know he is as pleased with it as anyone watching.

I love this man! I was mesmerized by his music when I was 5...forgot about him and then recognized his sound when I was a teenager. I played his instrumentals on loop, constantly in my 20s. I was literally in a drug induced coma at 38 years of age; I didn't come out of it when I was supposed to. So my mother told the doctors to play him to rouse me (they asked her about my favorite music). I think it was Breezin' that woke me up. I love this man.

When he said there was only one Wes Montgomery in a lifetime, I was thinking there is only one George Benson in a lifetime. And I agree with the post below, him honoring all of the others says all you need to know about George Benson.

Almost 81 years of age - as effervescent and as bright as a button. What a testament to the youthful healing power of music. Not only a great guitarist and singer - but what a storyteller. More power to you George. You're a legend. Brilliant interview.

I was playing the Hyatt in Monterey, Ca some years ago and George came in and sat at a table by himself. When we went on break I introduced myself and told him that our stage is his stage if wanted to come up. He said he didn't think so as his voice wasn't doing so great because the night before he did an outside gig with Natalie (Cole). Well... we went back for the next set and I called Straight No Chaser. George sprang out of his chair and rushed up to the stage, grabbed the mic and scat sang the head with our guitar player, then scat sang a solo. A cherished lifetime memory for sure. Oh... and he sounded GREAT!

I thank Jesus Christ that George Benson never put the guitar down. Never stopped learning. This is a man taking care of his talent. I will even go to his singing! God bless us all, love from Sweden. From a hard rocker(what is that) that love all good music. It is simple as that. Thank you George Benson.

I'm 75 years old and I found Records of G.Benson way back and he opened my mind to what music can be, still, listening to his music today never sounds old or jaded! Great Men with a nice personality.

Rick, you are making history. In 30 years, your interview videos with legends like George Benson will be shown in the most prestigious music schools from all around the world. Thank you for the music and the education!

Rick, thank you for interviewing George Benson. We all loved his music growing up. What a big-hearted guy. He's a national treasure.

I could not stop smiling listening to this. What a talent, what a storyteller. The world has been blessed

It took me four days to watch this whole thing, but I am glad I did. What makes George so interesting to watch is he compliments everyone who trained him or gave him ideas throughout his career.

I bought George's first jazz albums and had the pleasure of meeting him at his home (I was installing carpet) I mentioned my enjoyment of his first recording and he said, "That was you who bought that!" Lol😊

He'll be 81 years old on March 22, 2024. Still looks young and full of life. I also really like how he tells stories.

George started playing at night clubs at age 7 which means he was a child prodigy. You can seat all day listening to George talk and sing. A truly cool cat.

What n honour it must have been to sit and listen to him. What an incredible memory. A true legend

Worked as a hotel shuttle driver in Sacramento in the 90's. I picked Mr. Benson up from a Chinese restaurant and took him back to the hotel, just him and I. We spent the ride back in conversation talking about "This Masquerade" and how it was my parents' wedding dance song. He couldn't have been more gracious. Wonderful man.

I agree with David, this interview brought tears to my eyes. I'm 68 years old. I really realize the greatness in not only George's talent, but his humility, generosity and kindness are equal to his mastery as a musician. You have to be around for several years on this earth to really appreciate this wonderful man that is a great example of exceptional humanity. My 20 year old self would not have the patience to set for an hour to listen to this - my 68 year old self wishes there was another hour to listen to....

This story should be made into a movie.

GEORGE BENSON personifies the philosophy that Great Music is a COLLABORATION, not a COMPETITION.

Knew he was an amazing musician, but I never knew George was such a great storyteller. What a superb interview!

He was right when he said he has no jealous bone in him. He spend most of the interview time honouring others than himself.

Oh man! I can`t express how greatful I am for this interview and all the other interviews that have been out of my ”comfort zone” as a metal guitarist who dipped his pinkie in jazz for a split second during the 00´s. Three weeks ago I had no idea who George Benson was - I think I found the missing link in my own musical vocabulary here and geeeeeeez what a player AND singer George is. His album ”Breezi`n” has been on constant repeat in my car, in my listening room, in my headphones. Simply put. Without this channel Rick, my reality and world would haven been less colorful and intriguing without you. Much love to you Rick for setting the perfect conversation AND getting all the juicy bits without beeing pushy.

Legend has it that Rick is still trying to get George to tell him how he learned to play over changes.

Wow, what timing! I was helping my parents LAST NIGHT clean up an old stereo in the garage and found a George Benson record. My dad said you have to keep this, he’s one of my heroes. My dad and a partner Palin built custom arch top guitars that George owns.

What a treasure George Benson is. The humility with which he speaks, given his phenomenal talent, is extraordinary. Please preserve this interview for all time- a movie, documentary. Mr. Benson admires and elevates other musicians when he himself is a trailblazer. I stopped my Sunday chores and just sat down and listened to Mr Benson speak about his life. Mr Beato is masterful as an interviewer-gaining the trust of great people which allows them to open up and share their experiences. I first heard George Benson sing and play “ Masquerade “ and it literally stopped me in my tracks as I walked through Tower Records one day back in the day. I didn’t know that he had the magnificent singing voice as well as being a virtuoso on guitar. Then I fell in love with his versions of “ Stardust” and “ You Don’t Know What Love Is”. I think Mr. Benson did for jazz and guitar what Pavarotti did for opera, he brought it to the masses, he made it accessible for ordinary people. Hearing this interview, makes me admire him even more. Mr Benson, you so deserve all of your accolades; thank you for being and gracing us with your gifts. MBT 4/14/24

HAPPY 81st BIRTHDAY, GEORGE!!! You've carried the jazz torch with dignity and earned the world's respect while expanding our popular understanding of the genre. Future generations will know your name and fingerprints on the contours of our human musical story.

He started this interview the way he played his music, he jumped right in. Thank you, George

When I was a 13 year old girl I won 2 tickets to see George @ Western Springs Stadium Auckland in the 80's. I'll never forget it as it was mine (and my mother's) first ever concert. Thank you George for one of the happiest memories of my life! My mother passed away at the age of 54 in 1997. She never understood my obsession with George's music until she chaperoned me that day & for years later she would rave about how handsome & talented he was!

As a Young Boy I Remember listening to my dad's album Weekend in LA by George Benson and I was Mesmerized as I listen to the song "On Broadway" I'll never forget the way that music made me feel ...thank you ..... Mr. George Benson you're simply the Greatest!🎸

Words can not express how much I love this man. His is some of my favorite music of the 70's and 80's. To this day when I hear 'Give Me The Night' I get a feeling that is beyond words.

Rick Beato interviews give me hope for humanity.

Crazy to think that he was already performing for clubs at 7 years old. Truly a genius.

Whoa Rick!!! You got George Benson. He's the most impressive guest you've had. 👍👍👍 Dude is beyond legendary.

MAN. It doesn't get any better than this. Tracking a player from childhood roots to playing with the baddest cats around, and doing it all from a place of plain melody, singing what you hear, and plain old ENTERTAINING. Absolute legend. THANK YOU Rick.

I'm watching this with a huge smile on my face. Thank you Rick for sharing this moment with George Benson. Thank you Mr. Benson for making me smile today.

When I was six, the 'Breezin' album was on constant rotation in my house. So much so, that I wrote a fan letter complete with a drawing, which my mother dutifully put in the mail at my behest. I don't know where she sent it to, but after some many weeks a large envelope showed up addressed to me. Inside was a signed 8x10 of GB (which I still have). He's a gentleman and a scholar, and nobody has as much fun making music as he does. Thank you, Rick, for all you do.

I was a 13 year old girl when Breezin’ came out and it turned out to be my very first jazz album. I then bought several other George Benson LPs and eventually CDs….such an incredibly talented musician and just as much a lovely and down to earth gentleman!

He’s beautiful! I’m an African American author and understand the magic of sharing your words and music. I listen to George’s music everyday and love how his talent and spirit was gifted to humanity to give us true joy. Thank you my brother

I love how he scats vocals with his guitar.

George Benson is one of the most dangerous guitar players that ever lived, you just don't realize it at first because he's smooth AF.

This was fantastic! Georgie B, as he's known in Pittsburgh, is one of the greatest! I was lucky enough to see him in Pittsburgh when I was a teenager. Just amazing!

I saw George in a little jazz club on State St in Madison, WI before Breezin' came out. I sat right in front of the stage & had never heard of him before that evening but loved watching him play & sing. What a great way to experience the great George Benson!

Wow! George Benson is the best storyteller I have ever heard, and Rick shows once again his high class and perfect preparation for interviewing a giant like him. Now, I would like to watch a biopic on Benson. What a life!

There is just something very satisfying about watching an interview of an amazing artist when its conducted by someone as knowledgeable as Rick. He asks great questions, and most importantly he lets them do most of the talking. I love the fact that Rick is obviously just as excited to talk to these great artists as I am to listen. What a treat this George Benson interview was!

I'm 43 and have been listening to George Benson albums since the early 80s. Never once heard him speak until watching this interview. He is a wonderful storyteller and very humble.

This wasn't simply an interview. This was a CLASS. This was a SEMINAR. It is ESSENTIAL to have a veteran, pre-1980 musician (Rick Beato) interview a legendary musician (George Benson). The appreciation, musical interludes....equipment references ....legendary musician references....and nuanced questions cannot be matched by a young, hack "reporter". Mr. Beato...your contribution to this RU-vid sphere is INVALUABLE. George Benson ....Steve Lukather....Michael McDonald....Sting...etc. As a 1976 Gen-Xer, I always have to remind late 1980's---2000 babies when they say "Oh, every generation says theirs was the best, or complains about new art". But the 1980s---1993 (approximately) was truly the last period where ALL generations (babies from the early 1900's to 1980) intersected. Living legends were still among us. As a 4 year-old (in 1980) Black-American boy....in Harlem, NYC....I was exposed to: soul music, disco, gospel, light rock, some salsa from the neighborhood....The JACKSONS ...STEVIE WONDER....AND GEORGE BENSON. THAT is why I'm arrogant about our era. "Give Me The Night" and "Love x Love" was in heavy rotation. We were the last generation where this music (and old movies/television) wasn't "discovered" via scouring the internet. It WAS the ZEITGEIST. FIND STEVIE WONDER!! [ PLEASE....🤗]

No one can do interviews with these guy like you, Rick. You've got the producer cred, the musician cred, you know all the players, all the music theory, and you get out of the way of the interviewees. Plus you give them the proper respect and admiration. Well done, Buddy.

HE GOT BENSON!

Unreal quality. Lucky are we to enjoy this 5 star interview of a legend. What a treat, Mr B, thank you.

I love George’s reverence for the greats that influenced and paved the way for him. It’s beautiful. He was such a monster player and singer. I can’t think of anyone quite like him. Great interview

God I love how Rick has the wonderful sense to never interrupt an artist in the flow. Another wonderful interview, thank you so much Rick.

In these times of 10 second clips and 280 character messages, can't begin to express how refreshing and soothing it is, to listen to two wonderful human beings talk to each other respectfully for over an hour. Thank you both.

George is an old man now. I remember when he was young and full of energy. He is still one of the best jazz musicians of all time.

Why aren't you in the millions now!!! Gotta be this year. I see exponential growth! The greatest love of all.

George is a great person. So humble and authentic. And a wonderful musician.

Rick, these interviews you're making are more important than most people understand. In 10,20 or 30 years these musical legends are gone and you give future generations a chance to explore the history of what we now call contemporary music. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making this.

I heard GB for the first time in 1977, and that sound, man, was so impressive, warm, articulated and I just have been his fan since then!!!

Had no Jealousy, just admiration for those in his life . Great lesson for all.

What do you get when you combine a musical legend who is a consummate gentleman and storyteller with a well-informed, super-prepared and respectful interviewer with the perfect amount of knowledge and conversational grace? These two gentlemen. I was spellbound by this masterful interview. Thank you both! Rick, you are doing the world such an immense service!

A few years ago I played keys for a show at a venue in Phoenix. The promoter is a close friend of Benson's, and George attended with (the late, sadly) Joni Sledge of Sister Sledge. We covered a couple of his songs. Afterwards I was speaking with George and I somewhat jokingly apologized for not being able to cover all of the orchestration on his recording. He laughed. "Hell...we don't do everything on the record in our concerts either!" Zero pretentiousness with him. Gotta love it.

What an unbelievable interview! I was lost in Mr.Benson’s storytelling!

Pure genius. Time for this trumpet player to dig deep into George’s discography. His phrasing, time, ears, rhythmic clarity, and endless musical ideas are truly out of this world.

First of all I could listen to this man talk all day. He reminds me of my Dad and grandfather. On top of him speaking my language the man has awesome music have most of his LPs. Thank you so much of being in my life!!! Go

About 15 years ago, I was in a tiny jazz club in Fullerton, CA. George Benson was there, hanging around with a friend of his who was headlining. Around midnight, George climbed on the stage with a guitar borrowed from a local musician. He proceeded to blow us away. I truly learned that night why he's such a huge star. He had skill, talent, and all the intangibles one needs to have people rise to their feet in thunderous applause. I learned that night there are people with loads of talent, but when someone has star power, it's natural and it's obvious. Thank you, George Benson, for the memory I'll never forget.

His life story needs to be turned into a movie. It would be a blockbuster hit. Everyone loves George Benson. ❤👍🏼🙏🏼

Great interview Rick ...I always admired George as a guitarist and now even more...❤

Thank you so much! I absolutely loved the interview with George Benson! The history is so special. I have all the vinyls of the musicians that George Benson spoke of, Ron Carter, Wes Montgomery, CTI, etc. The CTI Jazz Festival in Berkley, incredible! I love the history. I appreciate the history that George spoke of back in the day. I am moved by "scats". George is a "scats" master. My friends thought that I was a "nut" for liking Jazz. I used to go to Keystone Korner in San Francisco in the 1970's. I got so spoiled to see Jazz musicians in a small venue. Are thoses days over? I imagine so! What a bummer! I so remember, George Benson, Joao Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz and more at Keystone Korner. Wowsers! I loved the small venue. Did George Benson write a song on "Breezin'", or were they all other artists songs? Again, I so appreciate your interview!!! Sincerely, Carey!

One of the greatest guitarists of all time!

George's memory is UNCANNY! Thank you Rick, for capturing these stories, before they were lost in time. 🫡

I am LOVING this interview! I love George Benson and his talent. Back in 1977 I photographed him in Portland, Oregon. I was so impressed with his stage presence and his set up! He had these palm trees on either side of the stage and a beautiful Persian Rug that he stood on and played to the crowd. I was right in front shooting for a music magazine in Portland. Those were the days I had my Nikon FM film camera and was shooting slides. What great memories the 70's were. I even shot Paul McCartney and Wings in San Francisco in the same year, for the same magazine. Great memories. Thank you SO MUCH for this interview with George Benson. What a brilliant man! No one like him ever.

George is one of the kindest humans. I've met him a couple of times now and he's even seen me play locally here and only has kind things to say. I've seen him get up on the band stand cold and completely annihilate rhythm changes like nobodies business. Never repeating ideas, just a flow of streaming conscience. Great interview Rick, and thank you for everything you are doing!

"Thank you for coming to my house and brightening up my day". I can imagine what this interview meant to you Rick, and it was great to see him reward you with so many rare, insightful stories, and especially his kindness in appreciating you.

In 1980 at age 13 my next door neighbor’s older brother took us to see George Benson at the Circle Star in Redwood City. It was my first concert. It ruined many future concerts for me, because it was probably the best concert of my life. The energy and authentic playing was epic. God bless George Benson.

What a JOY to listen to George talk about his influences and inspirations, his amazing musical and life experiences, and get a sense of what a genuine and gracious musician and man he is! THANK you for this, gentlemen!

One of the best interviews I've ever seen. I could listen to George all day

There are many people who probably don't know just how talented this man is. A faultless vocalist and guitar player as well as being humble. A great combination and it's great to see him on such good form, looking healthy and speaking so enthusiastically about his music. Thank you for interviewing a man who can only be described as music royalty.

Never listened to a second of this man's music. But this was such a good video, with such good storytelling, I enjoyed every minute of it. And now I am lucky to get to discover George Benson's music for the first time. Rick, what an amazingly precious thing you have created here! Thank you.

This is an interview that I will treasure for the rest of my days. I don't know where to start. I know there are people like me that never learned how to read music. What a gracious, thoughtful, kind, and talented human being. I just remembered how he made me groove when I was listening to his music. I don't know if it gets any better than this, Rick. Thank you, for showing me, and those of us who never met this man of amazing talent, wisdom, and character, how he came to be. 💯🙏❤️🎸

Nice Job Rick! 🎶👏👏What a treat to hear my brother being interviewed.