Chaka Khan, Ray Charles, George Benson *This Masquerade* LIVE 1991

[@chlynn13b92]

George never sang until Tommy LiPuma sent him this song to consider. Tommy knew the great Leon Russell from Leon's days working in the studios as an arranger/producer. This was George Benson's biggest hit so let's give Leon some credit here too for composing this beautiful song.

[@ayunkesamuel8320]

paul jackson on the rhythm guitar, ray charles on the piano, george benson on the lead guitar cooolllll

[@Pointlessnothingness]

Speaking as a musician, for me, George Benson is unrivaled as a guitar/vocalist, no one in the world can even come close to this mans natural abilities.Both his voice and guitar playing are of such a high standard that its ridiculous. Benson has it all. Graham Daw, Yorkshire, UK.

[@drohegda]

Graham George grew up in a neighborhood called the Hill District in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania where if you google some of the greatest all time Jazz music players and singers came from, he is my favorite also and George had some great influences.OK my Friend.

[@Pointlessnothingness]

drohegda Thank you for that. The guy is totally brilliant...pure class.

[@johns363]

agreed close to perfect

[@johns363]

+drohegda chicken on the hill from Will ... haha peace brother

[@tillawonder]

I definitely agree with you there sir. He is truly amazing

[@mjcruiser4238]

I would never have thought to put these 3 together -absolutely magic

[@ChakaFanTV]

Chaka forgot some of the lyrics but it's cool the way she spontaneously phrases they lyrics as George whispers them to her . and Ray on the piano is brilliant It's fascinating to see 3 legends at work.

[@angeldcuba4958]

Jiji but is just find

[@victorquincanon4933]

It looked liked she expected to sing backup only. I've seen "featuring Chaka Khan" so many times I expected it as well.

[@josefinahingada3492]

benson's alertness !!!!

[@BHall-tw4ye]

No, she looked unprofessional to me. It is a standard. She should have known the playlist!

[@jeromehealy2925]

I agree that Chaka gets in the way of the groove. GB trues to help her, but her improvised singind walks all over everybody.

[@roberthenryeller]

This happened on this planet, in our time.

[@Powlee07]

Chaka was in a different city, state, country every day touring. She improv songs all the time. It didn’t matter what it sound like; that’s Chaka Khan.

[@juanitagardenhire8779]

Say that!!!!!

[@robinjackson8554]

The absolute genius of Chaka Khan!!!

[@lalocacubana]

This generation needs to know what real music should sound like. This never gets old.

[@kandikane923]

Amen to that!

[@evechecarter7587]

lalocacubana Can u say OGeeeeez !!

[@TheAour]

Yes yes yes.

[@michaelangelotaylor8th]

And just to think of how much WORSE mainstream music has gotten, 6 years later, since you wrote that comment...🥴

[@CJ-rd6yb]

This Performance was simply amazing..3 legends!!!! Only Chaka can forget the lyrics & sing her ass off as if she didn't forget the lyrics. AMAZING!!! thats the magic of CHAKA KHAN!

[@jaslyn5501]

Facts! All she got to do is holler 😂😂

[@CarlaSampson-y5e]

I'd forget to if I was next to him. 😂

[@ChiaraCapuano_chrcapuano]

But let's not forget the incredibly talented bass player Nathan East! Here's a perfect combo of four great artists

[@lalasmart6709]

Have you ever enjoyed anything more than this, three top shelves artists absolutely brilliant

[@cherylgamble2923]

Ooooooooø

[@cherylgamble2923]

Ooooooooø

[@TheTranslator100]

I'm a big Chaka Khan fan, but I would have to agree. This tune is too smooth for that kind of screaming and high notes to be effective.

[@marshallmiller1278]

This song never fails to bring tears to my eyes because of its message and emotional power as two lovers struggle to keep a dying flame alive. No one can sing and play it like George Benson.

[@cobaltmidnightoilamp6748]

Marshall, this song especially sung in a euphorically dreamy style from Heaven tugs @ your heartstrings 🥰🥲

[@karenr.sternberg1920]

A tribute to the Late, Great, Leon Russell who wrote both this Music & these Lyrics (each exquisite on its own).

[@bsshh]

Baby Ray GB and Chaka it doesn’t get any greater than this!!!

[@deemail100]

3 legends singing a song by a 4th.... Leon Russell's 'The Masquerade'...

[@martinschneider8780]

The amount of groove this guys had back in the day was from another world. No one can match them today

[@osvaldoe]

Even though Chaka didn't know all the words as some are criticising on here her still brilliant performance comes from her improvisational skills. She has what use to be called "swing" in her voice. And that mighty wail. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!

[@genesisplanet3186]

Thats Right, ELLA didn't Always know the words But it Sure As Hell didn't matter

[@onlygafabotwhatigafbout8495]

osvaldoe her rhythm and unique timing and phrasing is true to her and the nature of jazz

[@stanchatman632]

SHE IS SUCH AN ACCOMPLISHED AND OUTSTANDING VOCALIST SHE DOESN'T NEED ANY LYRICS. ONE OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.

[@CJ-rd6yb]

@@stanchatman632 💯💯💯

[@arame29]

@@genesisplanet3186 but Ella scatted

[@maxtheknife]

Betty Carter called Chaka a genius at vocal improvisation. This is proof in the pudding. Chaka didn't even know the song but she came out there and wiped up the floor with it! There in NO ONE in contemporary music in 2018 who can do that!

[@immaculateprince]

Just like a prolific quarterback who can fumble the ball miserably but at the same time pick it right back up and score a big touchdown play

[@immaculateprince]

That's called being a season veteran

[@donlewis3854]

Please god never take dis off line

[@kalaklah4848]

One of my all time favorite songs. And Chaka's interpretation here swept me away. Three masters

[@jaslyn5501]

❗️❗️

[@tartampion2895]

❤❤❤this song is my therapy i cannot be far of it replaces à visit to the doctor ❤❤❤

[@philsarkol6443]

Just three legends having fun jammin and sharing the love for music and performing ...great to watch!!

[@edegbe892]

George Benson was 48 years old here....A legend

[@MrGuitars8]

GEORGE BENSON IS SUCH A GIFTED SINGER AND GUITARIST , HONESTLY NO ONE COMES CLOSE AND HE IS ON STAGE WITH OTHER VOCAL LEGENDS LIKE RAY CHARLES AND CHAKA KHAN TOO . A TREAT FOR US !!!!!

[@paololongojazz9128]

Really wonderful George Benson! Supertop voice=Chaka Khan!; Charles ...a great Musician! Marvelous!

[@josephreyes3227]

Still watching in 2022...Goose bumps...wow!!..super talents out there!...so refreshing....thanks for posting this video...

[@Chopins11th]

The improv parts seemed like they just knew each other for ever. No one stepping on one another. I like how George switched it up and just sprung it on Chaka (just a quick mention to her name) and she delivered just the most appropriate improv on the spot that inspired a rise in the dynamics right there. You get something a little different each time and this one was magic. Ray's first go at it had a really nice crescendo toward the end that the others just so beautifully picked up from, bringing it up that perfect notch of energy and springing the Chaka Khan upper range....then back to Benson's guitar/vocal tonal interlude of that effortless notes of legato duet'ing but with the conviction of "Yeah, here we are...together!" What a prize to capture moments sewn together without a missing stitch on an excellent audio/video quality preserving the moments in time for keepsakes and for gifting to the next itching ears of generation(s). This is giving, this is owning, and these are the roots.

[@tinahbtdarussell7805]

That should be a once in a lifetime performance!

[@dm-mx2we]

George tells Ray the song that they are going to do. Ray responds: "I'll follow." Their knowledge of music theory, chord progressions and of course their talent make it all flow together. What excellence !!! That's professional musicianship. They make something difficult seem easy to perform and that's why Ray humbly said "I'll follow."

[@tuxguys]

Benson, Chaka, and Brother Ray... Big. And like all the very best Jams... Sloppy, Compelling, and Wonderful.

[@josephcurreri523]

FANTASTIC !!!!!!!!!!!

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Three genius. So many musicians cover this great tune. This is the best performance.

[@kingcole6767]

Chaka has various moods, and when she's relaxed, euphoric and playin' with her mane and jammin with exquisite musicians, she gives the best impromptu performances.

[@mrmogensen]

Boss Benson's got everybodys back ;D

[@clbzone]

Yesssssssssss! Legends all over this stage.

[@tombeyer375]

Rays skill at ad libbing on ANYONES SONG is just priceless. RIP dear brother

[@crystalbrown2621]

OMG what a team!!!!! Beautiful

[@barbrahwould1455]

Crystal Brown NOT a team chemistry not there

[@patpete9199]

Being a SINGER and love all Music Man you have said A FULL MOUTH FULL ALL THOSE YEARS HE LET THE GUITAR 🎸🎸🎸 DO WE WERE BLOWN AWAY THANKS FOR SHARING IT'S JUST ME WITH A BIG SMILE 😁😁 LOVE AND PEACE ✌️

[@bagopappy]

OMG, I can't believe that I'm only now experiencing this, but pity the recording didn't include the encore. Wow ... and thanks ❤

[@josemolina959]

Even if Chaka doesn't know the lyrics, she is still great! and don't get me started on Ray and Big "bad" George! Royalty on that stage! ❤❤❤👍👍👍

[@ninajohnson2295]

Wow I've not heard this in a long time. Look at all the entertainers. A very popular song back in the day.

[@johnbamouk8002]

just can t believe that someone from planet earth can dislike this all legend performance..I mean Benson is like one in several million years ,yvette stevens her vocals are one of a kind and Ray the king Charles.

[@ishmaelandrews7523]

Yes yes yes! 3 geniuses at work! Love Ray, GB, and THE KHAN!!!

[@kandikane923]

OMG! This was so pure and pain raw talent on that stage. My favorite George Benson song. Wow Ray Charles just slayed it on the piano. Wonderful performance, i miss these type of real singers and musicians. Love it!

[@christiansanden8005]

Agree

[@barbrahwould1455]

Diva Chaka Khan all over the place! her voice like a fine-tuned instrument recognizable anywhere and everywhere... i LOVE this sistah right here don'tCha know! and then we're blessed with the phenomenal stage presence of MusicalAvitarRay Charles and MA George Benson! ~_~ the melodic beauty of it all makes one forget all about the facts: it (♡) ain't workin'. saddest of love songs had me smiling inside watching this 😊😢👏 ... Chaka infusing the the stage and song with love and passion. (Mr. Benson seemed like he needed a little space but i was thinking that maybe he's got a woman like me at home and he don't wanna get anything messed up)

[@barbrahwould1455]

...not lost i keep good time ⏰ when it comes to matters of the heart... always choosing to stay in lock-step with what's real

[@etoniacolbert9190]

Greatness never leaves. All this magic on one stage. I was taught if you forget a step just keep going. And that's what happened here and it was magical. Made my heart sing. Love it

[@onlygafabotwhatigafbout8495]

To all you Chaka haters you hear George benson say "you got it right" and ray Charles say sing it so they where impressed!!!

[@herculesmwp7983]

They were putting her over, hard.

[@moustaf59553]

3 legends singing together , Amazing performance 🔥

[@yawadrusdaniel6313]

Great talents in Fusion Jazz, Them Folks..Messrs Ray Charles, George Benson and Beauty Elegant Dame CHAKA KHAN...RIP ESQ. RAY CHARLES...MY RESPECTS FOLKS...KEEP AT THEM...FUSION MUSIC. CAPE COAST/ACCRA.

[@gust5992]

This is something else.....loved it!

[@TyjaluvsChaka]

So what she forgot the lyrics....Ella did too on a "Tisket a Tasket" & her improv genius gave us scatting!!! It amazes me how the musical ignoratti can latch on to the most benign and innocuous aspect of a performance and go ham,but totally ignore the virtuosity and genius of how she quickly recovered and slayed that song as if it was hers!!!

[@robmorrison1043]

I love Chaka, but to put her in the same Stratosphere as Ella is an insult to Ella and anyone with ears, and musical sense.

[@robmorrison1043]

@@johnn2518 , yep, she touched every bad note and off key run you could imagine! Lol Your issue is that you can't see fault in someone you like as a performer. Everyone has off nights, THIS WAS ONE OF HERS! Benson was trying to save her!

[@jeremydowell1406]

rob morrison...let's hear your version

[@jeremydowell1406]

she is definitely in Ella's company

[@channel-nv9xc]

This was a spontaneous improv session. Chaka clearly never did a bunch of rehearsals with them. Comparing this to polished performances by Ella Fitzgerald is silly. Also, Chaka Khan is every bit Ella's equal. At a minimum. And this is coming from someone who plays jazz.

[@Geotubest]

Geeze.. blown away.

[@candiceward8345]

Still watching. Just Wow. 3 absolute greats

[@josephdorazio1531]

Too much talent on one stage. Good Lord!

[@zekialan1796]

one of the best taste of soul funk jazz, unforgettable musicians

[@Lotusblossom2again]

What a gem... a treasure. Close your eyes and listen to Ray Charles piano. Amazing - all of them. What words Chaka sings (and she sings brothers & sisters) is nothing less than delightful. This is a wonderful performance. Thanks for posting it.

[@georgewatson2994]

This is absolutely incredible. There's nothing that could measure up to how great this is.

[@joanzeuser2745]

love this rendition get lost in it

[@TheHrandolph]

This recording is put Fire 🔥 Master Improvisational Instrumentalist!! one voice 5 sounds in one!! who needs words when u got MuzaK!! ChakA! GO!!! 😍😍😍

[@dannyreina8415]

this is a great treat for the world to hear

[@sbf54]

George Benson....his voice is soooo smoooth. Love him!

[@kamanama3671]

One of the best songs ever written and sung and played.

[@ursulakeller5712]

Music speaks louder than words fantastic interpreter

[@championcole]

This was excellent! The art of jamming..... Of course so the kids don't know nothing about that.

[@Mrfabby1972]

Legit live masterpiece.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

I rarely get the chills like this, but hearing George sing with Ray Charles playing sweet ass licks on the piano, then you have Chaka Kahn going at it. This is heaven!!!!!! Thanks for posting.

[@ahmedaden6604]

Tony Marinelli khan

[@bicycle697]

What an amazing talent GB has!!!

[@blazekdb1]

LORD,LORD,LORD!! GOTTA LOVE IT!! WOW!!!

[@TotalTennisGeek]

Chaka had some voice! It was a strong, tuneful brass instrument that could be equal parts powerful and sensual.

[@geralddyng]

This is so special, words cannot describe what I am witnessing listen to the great people. Maybe an epiphany.

[@gershonhoffman8228]

Missing here the late GREAT Leon Russell whom wrote the song -- 100.

[@ugocdf7706]

Never heard this before, and the three all did..... brilliantly!

[@christiansanden8005]

Awesome tune from Russel superb performed!

[@M1SSB3LL18]

I see nothing but talent on that stage. If I was there I would have missed the show because I would be on the floor passed out

[@jaslyn5501]

Gone you hear me 😂

[@sharoncrawford7996]

Soul explosion...🎤🎼🎵❤

[@bymyself9487]

Hell!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah Ray Chaka and George DAMN SO AWESOME Thank you 💙

[@dannyreina8415]

I love chaka khan and Tena Marie

[@lgndnhswnmnd]

3 of the Greatest Musicians!

[@lgndnhswnmnd]

Chaka Khan Moves my Soul!

[@ArnaudSiemons]

If you like banshees...

[@msl5253]

Nothing but LOVE, ADMIRATION and RESPECT on that stage! You can see it, from vocalist; musicians, and fans alike. It's all around!

[@rtanidean4931]

WOW. Mastery in Motion from incredible artists, creating. 🙏🪄🙌🏻🎵💚

[@bigmamabogeygolf]

This one goes to a whole new level!! This song has always been special to me & to have Chaka & Ray with George & the chemistry is out of this world!!! The spirit & power is Amazing!!!

[@kandikane923]

It really is awesome

[@SalsaBlancaCuba]

You just can't get that groove from a box, sorry kids, this is real funky bossa.

[@lydiamcdaniel66]

so true

[@mabblers]

Just Beautiful! Brought tears to my eyes.

[@portaln24]

Ray Charlesおとーさん、横でゆったり笑いながらコーラス入れているし、George Benson一人汗かいたんだろうなぁ(笑)大好き！

[@petermichalica5674]

Great, thank you Chaka Khan, my beloved Ray, and George, deep respect, unbelievable performance, thank you for that music, it is that what I like most.

[@secondedeux8327]

J'aurais tellement voulu etre là ouh! j'en ais des frissons quelle performance merci à vous grands Grands du Jazz Péki

[@TheHrandolph]

Beyond Brilliant 2 see hear and feel these 3 master musicians 2gether!!! I’m on the Focking Floor watching KZbin!! 🎉❤

[@begotten59]

Shout out to Ray Charles! Rest in Jesus Christ 🎹🎹🎹🎼🎼🎼❤️❤️❤️

[@Tara7uk]

This is INCREDIBLE! Major goose bumps!! I loved watching George prompting Chaka with the lyrics. Thank you for posting.

[@T82ravdaman]

My God!. What a performance!!! 👏👏👏 r.i.p. RayCharles

[@tommychen1184]

Watch Willie, Ray and Leon’s performance on the latter’s A SONG FOR YOU. Thanks, Leon - for leaving us such beautiful melodies!

[@MrFranzicu]

QUESTI SONO DEI GIGANTI DELLA MUSICA. CHE SENTIMENTO IN QUESTA CANZONE.

[@chipashamoyo6435]

Beat performance I've heard all my life

[@RHnNC]

I am SOOOO glad I came across this! This trio was & is fabulous. I have always been a Benson fan, but to watch him leading & enjoying singing with Chaka brought such a smile to my face. It is awesome to see starts who just enjoy each others' time together. Thanks for posting this -

[@tinahbtdarussell7805]

Magnificent, a once in a lifetime perchance, I loved it. There are some negative comments, but those are people that don't truly understand music. Two greats George Benson and Chaka Khan, coming together with a master Ray Charles, from different styles,groovin together and making music and magic. AWESOME, WOW!!!!WELL DONE!!!!

[@angelherrero7519]

So much talent!!! What a joy!!! what an assemble of voices and superb musicians!!!

[@michaelangelotaylor8th]

Today's "mainstream musicians", could never 🤭.... sigh 😞

[@blaCMud]

Omg this is phenomenal, legendary, just outta sight!!!

[@liliortiz981]

Un Clásico con Ray,George y Chaka kan... adorables !! Yes !!!!

[@lietteauger9839]

thank you so much for sharing this Unique performance 🙏

[@samadamsdark]

What an amazing collection of talent on stage that night. It's like, I shoulda known Steve Ferrone was on drums!

[@TheGuille5959]

3 ANGELS FROM HEAVEN....THEY ARE NOT HUMANS.