George Benson
to
Alys Stephens Center 1200 10th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35294 , Homewood, Alabama
It’s been four decades since the legendary George Benson has graced a Birmingham stage, just one of the many reasons his ASC performance is a must-see. “On Broadway,” “Give Me the Night,” and “This Masquerade” are also three very good reasons you should get your tickets now. » Since his career began in the 1960s, Benson has played on over 200 recordings and won 10 Grammy Awards. His debut album, The New Boss Guitar (1964), introduced the world to his juicy tone and jaunty funk. In the late ’60s he sat in on heady Miles Davis sessions, and put a personal spin on the Beatles’ Abbey Road. During the 1970s, classic albums like Beyond the Blue Horizon abounded. In 1976, Breezin’ became the first jazz record to attain platinum sales, and Benson’s soulful update of Leon Russell’s “This Masquerade” was a pop smash. Pop hits including “On Broadway” and the irresistible “Give Me the Night” followed, as did a string of platinum and gold albums in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Absolute Benson (2000) recalled Benson’s albums of the 1970s, and Irreplaceable (2003) marked a shift back to silky, sexy soul music with a contemporary urban edge. During his stellar career, Benson has earned himself an impeccable reputation as one of music’s most enterprising and engaging stars. Unfazed by the constrictions of predictability, he’s built a career on sniffing out what people enjoy hearing, and what he enjoys playing. “The easiest way to involve people is by getting ’em tapping their feet. When they’re tapping a bit, they’ll go your way. Once the audience knows I respect them, they let me be whatever I want to be,” Benson says. » George Benson’s inaugural ASC show is sure to be a full house so get your tickets now!