George Benson

George was in Boston to perform in the show, Rock Against Racism. A former child prodigy, Benson first came to prominence in the 1960s, playing soul jazz with Jack McDuff and others. He then launched a successful solo career, alternating between jazz, pop, R&B , and scat singing. His album Breezin' was certified triple-platinum, hitting no. 1 on the Billboard album chart in 1976. In June 2013, Benson released his fourth album for Concord Records, Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole, which featured Wynton Marsalis, Idina Menzel, Till Brönner, and Judith Hill. His concerts were well attended through the 1980s, and he still has a large following. He has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. George talks about John Hammond of CBS Records, his mentor, Charlie Byrd, his struggles and his family. He tells the story of his step-father building him his first electric guitar. He cut it out of his mother's hope chest.