George Benson - The Greatest Love Of All (Live Montreux 1986)

George Benson - Live Montreux 1986
The Greatest Love Of All

[@MrGeedog1968]

Love this version of this song, Whitney did a heck of a job on it, but this is still George Benson song

[@peroduplancic3460]

That's truth, original is masterpiece.

[@idolivercampos]

Yeah! original, the first...

[@jennapuhl596]

I love George!! I was only 12 when I heard this beautiful. I am 60yrs old . I used to dance with my sweet baby girl back in 1986 when she was fussy and she always was. 3 months old and I would dance and hold her close!! She always feel asleep 😴

[@DavidSaad]

All day long 😍😍😍

[@itsokitsok5020]

No he did not do a good job with this song and I love George Benson but this song never should have went to him from the beginning! He doesn't have the voice or the emotional feeling that goes with it! I seen him sing it once before decades ago before whitney and it didn't move me and I didn't want to hear it again, it wasn't until Whitney Houston sung it that not only send her to the stratosphere but it rocked the world across the globe! This song is Whitney song not George Benson! Just like "say a little prayer for you" was originally done by Dionne Warwick who is an outstanding vocalist but it was Aretha Franklin version that garnered the hearts of everyone around the world with that song and it became Aretha!

[@mdfalconer]

I grew up listening to George Benson's version and it remains my favorite. His voice is just so well suited to the message of the song.

[@giasone777]

Mine too.

[@BrekMilo]

mdfalconer i totally agree

[@sandyshoenberger2697]

Yes!!

[@sarahvm4425]

Sweet voice!

[@jenirup1566]

Whitney Houston did justice but this is my favourite version

[@user-fc4gl1vp7l]

I love Whitney's voice, but this version by George Benson can't be topped! ❤

[@robertjensen501]

"Learning how to love yourself is the greatest love of all." How true! This song is beautiful! Blessings to all.

[@marysalvi242]

@Robert Jensen the same to you and yours ~ 💖☮ 💖

[@ScottPothan]

One of the greatest voices of the 20th century - period

[@Master_Timothy]

Ever

[@andyj845]

and guitarists

[@j.legacyfambrough3966]

Best song ever. I love Whitney but, George Benson is the only version I need.

[@joepropsnyc]

I love this version sooo much. It’s intense, passionate & soulful.

[@lulitanaka]

Agree with you!!!

[@darrenreid5409]

Version?

[@yasminanas6867]

there's other singer covers too @@darrenreid5409

[@tonyareed5083]

My God! His voice is BEAUTIFUL. And, the chords WERE BRILLIANT that the orchestra/band played.🙂🙏♥

[@darenmorris4474]

I have sung this a few times and people just loved it..I was 20 then..Great times with real artist...❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheHappyNisha]

I've been crying/grieving/mourning/releasing a little more, thanks to the words of this song. I grew up with the Whitney version. The lyrics have always spoken the ultimate truth; I really see this now. The 'child' is the way - the child within that is, as well as the children around us. At this time of what we call lockdown, isolation, quarantine, we have a chance to return to the womb and make our pain/hurts/losses conscious by feeling our feelings whilst witnessing it all, with love - as if a mother to the self and each other. Great Love to all.

[@BrekMilo]

Wow, beautiful interpretation. I NEVER thought of it this way. The very end line is what gets me emotional sometimes. It's so cathartic.

[@williamnicholas6599]

Ms Nisha, your thoughts reverberate reminders within my heart (I truly rarely reply on YT). The child within is one with whom we must live and apart from the Divine the only one who is with oneself in perpetuity; with each breath of laughter, sigh, love, life and even life’s final breath. As a retired psychotherapist I often marveled at when clients discovered the power of healing when making peace with their inner child. Thanks for sharing your insights with the YT community. ......from one who loved G. Bensons release in 1978.

[@Hi.Shadow]

Beautifully said

[@TheHappyNisha]

@@BrekMilo 🙂🙏🏽🕊

[@TheHappyNisha]

@@williamnicholas6599 🙂🙏🏽💛 Thank you William, for letting me know that something I allowed myself to share resonated. It means a lot to me. Yes the child within as the divine with whom we live with and live apart - our breath of life. 🕊 I too am a therapist (Transpersonal Arts), and it’s been such a gift to be reminded of our inner child as Love. Wishing you well. 🌱

[@jennapuhl596]

This song taught me back in the 70s to respect myself when I was younger. In 1986 I played this song softly when my sweet girl was fussy and danced with her and fell asleep. That sweet girl left us Dec 23 2017. I will forever ❤ miss her

[@steffenhammerby4181]

Benson has voice that unique and unmistakable - a true world performer. I feel lucky to have watched him live a couple of times.

[@luisadanzilli65]

T invidio in senso buono ,vorrei vederlo anche io ,quando ero piccola dicevo un giorno lo sposo

[@bbordelon2]

This was the original recorded in 1977 by George Benson. Whitney followed it up as a cover, that really put it on the map. The original one was recorded for the Mohammed Ali bio-pic entitled "The Greatest".

[@ashbytilley9066]

George Benson is an icon.....amazing.....so moving....pure emotion....also the pianist is brilliant too....

[@sibusisombatha1846]

He stays in his own lane and isn't bothered by the toxic pop popularity contest

[@jrmnetto]

George Benson is a amazing singer!!

[@BlackGeoYoutube]

For the Muhammad Ali movie "The Greatest:. It was about Muhammad Ali. What a fitting song for the greatest song by one of the greatest male guitarist and song stylists.

[@sailor75565]

The Original version and the best.

[@pobbyfbi]

Love the song, but that piano intro, wow, just wow.

[@ClaraCynthiaDevi]

The first time I listened to this song, I was 6. Now I’m 26 and there are still days when I listen to it on the loop. Such a masterpiece.

[@jblip1]

We sang this in elementary school in 1977. Thanks to Miss Gonder.

[@jblip1]

@Snagz J no, PA

[@ikaikaokalanib5148]

This was the soundtrack for the movie The Greatest staring Muhammad Ali back in 1977 way before Whitney Houston. I love his version of the song when I first heard it, learned how to play it, and still play it today.

[@fawn9581]

Loved this song the first time I heard George Benson sing it-he can sing and he can play good guitar! We must also give credit to Michael Masser, who composed the music, and Linda Creed, who wrote the lyrics which I think are excellent! A perfect song for those struggling with poor self-esteem, and a good reminder for those who have good self esteem to remember that the love we share with others must start by loving ourselves first! ❤

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1977 {September 23rd} George Benson performed "The Greatest Love of All" on the NBC-TV late-night musical variety program, 'The Midnight Special', he was also that night's guest host... At the time the song was at position #27 on Billboard's Top 100 chart, two weeks later it would peak at #24 {for 1 week} and it spent fourteen weeks on the Top 100... And on September 4th, 1977 it peaked at #2 {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, the two weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for both those weeks was "Float On" by the Floaters... Between 1975 and 1998 the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native had twenty five records on the Hot R&B Singles chart, ten made the Top 10 with one* reaching #1, "Turn Your Love Around", for one week in 1982... George Benson will celebrate his 77th birthday come next March 22nd, 2020... * He just missed having two more #1 records when two of his records peaked at #2, the above "The Greatest Love of All" and his covered version of "On Broadway", it spent two weeks at #2 in 1978, the two weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for both those weeks was "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams...

[@winh998]

I don't know why Benson was considered as R&B when he was more jazz with his guitar and his song interpretations. Labels...smh.

[@y34r]

George’s voice is not the screaming showing-offish type,but he has his way of bending note, anticipating melody rhythmically ,like the way he plays guitar but with his voice. His voice tells story and story that touches people heart deeply

[@rebekahcodlinart]

Apparently George didn't think his voice was that great, it was a pass to him, good enough to do the job.....talk about high standards! He has to have one of the most beautiful male voices, so extremely musical.

[@paulblank6161]

George is a legend

[@KOartisan]

INCREDIBLE! ALL THE MUSCIANS KILLED IT! PROPS TO THE GUY ON THE PIANO! GREAT IMPROV!

[@viniciusflarj6708]

Extraordinary lesson of self-steem and self-respect in song's format! Spectacular George Benson perform and Whitney's lyrics.

[@gregfoles5480]

"Whitney's lyrics"? Whitney was 14 years old in 1977 when George recorded this song.

[@tsvs31]

The greatest piano intro 🎼♥️♥️♥️

[@rakistangpinoy4745]

beautiful! this romantic song written by composers Michael Masser and Linda Creed and originally recorded in 1977 by George Benson.

[@Hasnanembong]

A tribute to Muhammad Ali.

[@angieoconnor7400]

This was not written for Ali. Listen to the words carefully.

[@NowsNu]

Though diagnosed with breast cancer at 26, Creed kept on working, teaming with composer Michael Masser and writing the lyrics to the song "The Greatest Love of All", the main theme of the film "The Greatest", a biopic of the great boxer Muhammad Ali, launched in 1977. The song was originally recorded by George Benson and released as a single in 1977, becoming a big hit, peaked at #2 on the R&B chart. The lyrics of the song were written in the midst of her struggle with breast cancer. The words describe her feelings about coping with great challenges that one must face in life, being strong during those challenges whether you succeed or fail, and passing that strength on to children to carry with them into their adult lives. In December of 1984, the song was recorded by Whitney Houston for her 1985 self-titled debut album and it would top the charts in May of 1986. Weeks before Houston reached number one, Creed died of breast cancer on April 10, 1986, at the age of 37. She was survived by her husband, Stephen "Eppy" Epstein, a longtime music promoter around Philadelphia, and their two daughters, Roni Lee and Dana Creed.[3] The following year, her family and friends established the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation. In 1992 she was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

[@willa9791]

@@angieoconnor7400 this was written for Muhammad Ali bio in 1977... silly... go look it up... it is on the soundtrack....

[@winh998]

@@angieoconnor7400 it was written for the movie "The Greatest" which was about Muhammed Ali. It's original intent was not as a romantic song.

[@richiebear1969]

Happy 80th birthday to Lonesome George. Sorry Whitney fans, this is still the best version. These things are called tears BTW.

[@vincealbertmusic]

The greatest vocal take of all!

[@valjavier1696]

Just recently came across with his version. Fell in love on the spot. I love it! Still listening every once in a while. It's therapheutic!

[@tariqsiddick720]

George Benson Finds his greatest love in talent personified. Indeed he needs no backup , his voice is the music...mesmerizing , resonating with the feel of music that he seems to lead on quite effortlessly in rising it to a crescendo and laying it down to its almost delicate end..G.B.'s "Greatest Love" is a song.. demonstrative of his sheer Genius.

[@wayneherrod8903]

Daw Benson perform this live 4 times inPittsburgh, his hometown originally. Tremendous performance!!!!!!!!

[@lilliandeguzman4484]

When it comes to soul music ,I'd go to George Benson ......he's one of a kind !

[@stephenmackler9937]

Great song no matter who sings it, he did a great job

[@geraldahlstrom]

My girlfriend and I sang this together .... very long ago, she is many years away but is in my memory forever!

[@PHlophe]

very sad, my condolences

[@geraldahlstrom]

@@PHlophe Thanks buddy!

[@furry.wolf17]

I know you've probably heard it a million times, but i am so sorry for your loss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@furry.wolf17]

my dad put this song on when we were in the car......he made me rethink what i did in our fight, he made me see that he actually cared about me, then we just sat there and cried silently till we got home

[@geraldahlstrom]

​@@furry.wolf17I remember that feeling 😢❤

[@shawnmcvey7789]

It's almost unfair that someone could be such a great singer *and* have even 1/10th of George Benson's guitar chops. In the end it's fair because we all get to marvel at his incredible music.

[@MarquesJo71]

One hell.of a drummer too

[@dallisb1047]

Talent, Talent, Talent and Talent! I still have the 45 that my friend Mary gave me all of those decades ago. Friends for 41 years. We never got married, but I will always love her. FF.

[@tperera7391]

Absolutely brilliant performance by the pianist.

[@bongpelobello3578]

THE GREAT GEORGE BENSON. I LOVE YOUR VOICE AND YOUR SONGS.

[@aldoa.a.a.6703]

If it not broken don't fix it. Beautiful no need for anyone else to sing this beautiful song. The master of soul have it done and no one will ever come close.🇨🇮

[@johnb4314]

Beautiful, not overwrought interpretation of a piece that was written to be overwrought. Talented. Miss him.

[@joablima6067]

I'm crying in seeing this video, I love this song and Geoge is a great singer.😥

[@sweetpeepauline]

One of the song that stole my heart when I was a little girl.

[@user-yg2jf8kq4b]

This song resonates always...a lonely place to be, so I have learned to depend on me

[@michaelconway8352]

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. RIP Champ 🥊

[@kindell1]

Mr. Benson sounds wonderful as usual. Just like the record. I wanna talk about the accompanying musicians though! That pianist is playing like he has something to prove

[@rebeccarushton7756]

Rip wayne brookes This song he used to sing to me all the time when we was together ,ill always hold this close to my heart and I believe we will meet again one day. Love u always and forever your first love Rebecca ♥ xxx

[@Blindstick1]

Every Time I listen to that song, I feel like I'm going back to my roots.

[@aeromundos]

Pure music perfection by the legenday Mr. George Benson with such a beautiful message that will resonate even as time passes by. Is been a while since it's original release back in 1977 , a true classic.

[@benjaminperez7339]

The Real Soul Man !!!!!

[@hellynnwheels6819]

My graduating class’ “Class song.” Bishop Borgess, Detroit, MI, 1983. ❤️ I still love this song!

[@ronnibertolli5509]

=❤️..❤️=

[@alfeleh]

Class of 83. Armada High School. Would've went to Bishop Gallagher if we didn't move to the sticks. Great class song!

[@luisadanzilli65]

Più l ascolto e più mi covingo che è la migliore versione

[@uranne]

wonderful performance by George Benson and the band

[@AleksandarStanojkovic]

Dude.. he was like 40 in 1986.. cant believe it

[@jadajam]

Yes this version will forever remain a special song, great memories!

[@MrOnlooker13]

I love the way he sings this song and Whitney Houston two great performance

[@ISABVELSKJ133]

when i was young this is the song of 70 ies i was happy

[@manebee5186]

First time hearing this version and I'm saying this is SOOOO GOOD. The original indeed hits different. The feels in the way Benzon sang every single word is incomparable. The original deserves to be known by many in today's and future generation!

[@ballinnickyc]

As a baritone I can also appreciate this song cause it does fit inside my register if just barely. Though, it is somewhat more Tenor/Soprano friendly, George and Whitney werent going to have a problem in any case ;)

[@Millenial_Aries]

l heard his version once in the radio.. and I have been amazed....thinking it is just a revival in the year 2000.... so touching.

[@marcoscamargo7763]

Very sad, authentic and emotional song. That's how it should be forever for us to be able to remember how we were all children and learn that our life is finite and we really need to give love and affection to everyone we love. 👉🏻♥️👈🏻

[@paradise3156]

His was the original version and I really like it! Brings back memories of yester years!!!🎶🎼🎤🎵💗23.9.19

[@sexua1choco1ate]

*sigh* so beautiful it almost breaks my heart. the montreux jazz festival......love, love, love, love, love xxx

[@ismetsaputra2319]

love this version

[@NothingHumanisAlientoMe]

Songs like this feel like a Christmas warmth

[@madcrabber1113]

Our music teacher used to play this in 1981 for us. Liked it as soon as I heard it.

[@Tripleggg1959]

"Find your strength in love"

[@derekaccount9183]

I love myself all my successes and failures and i still love myself! Never let anyone or anything get you down, ignore news and negativity and love yourself.

[@jacquieedwards8218]

What a beautiful man singing a beautiful, meaningful song. I can't get over how appealingly goodlooking he is. ( before plastic surgery ) Oh by the way talented too. George you got, you got me good. Jesus is Love

[@versavice5293]

If i met him when young,I must have fallen with him.i have never seen such a singer like him

[@MichaelB-gv4ey]

One of the greatest vocalist with great range and he us known for his guitar he is the greatest.....

[@viagedern121]

I heard this when I bought the Breezin' album in the 70's. It's always been my favorite version.

[@pure92766]

I see a few Whitney haters here lol I'm old enough to have heard his version when released....I loved it, a beautiful song....BUT when Whitney released her recording of it, it became my absolute favorite song and then she blew it into the stratosphere singing it live.... on many occasions. I literally listen to her versions almost daily it helps me have faith and love in myself. I can't get that from this version yes it is sung nicely by him but it does not touch the soul. Hands down to Whitney 💖💖💯💯

[@furry.wolf17]

I be cryin every night to that version >-

[@gregfoles5480]

A lot of people aren't hating on Whitney, they're just informing those who only know Whitney's version that George did it many years earlier. Many people tend to assume the first version they heard is the original.

[@sorayasoraya803]

MONSIEUR BENSON vous êtes FANTASTIQUE merci 👍🥰

[@chantrestephaneshekina7448]

Svp c'est pour lui la chanson?

[@neilbarnard735]

Perfectly structured Tune 👍

[@yasirbashari]

by far, the greatest. he is in his own different league. god bless you GB

[@Darthymerej]

Its already a masterpiece before Whitney put her own style on the Song.

[@christophermendez2027]

The one and only Mr. George Benson the consummate musician

[@nolocomez5089]

Magnifique 💖🎹🎸🎵🎶💖 titre : the greatest love of all.... Dédicace pour mes proches et ami qui me manquent 😢 😢🙏💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@jeffreydonovan9445]

The Greatest Love Of All e Make Me Feel Brand New, duas preciosidades da Linda Creed.

[@jennapuhl596]

God bless Linda!!

[@Realrcprofile]

only a black man can sing like this! as a white musician myself i'm jealous of the soul they have!

[@rpcrocha]

Uma bela performace. Inesquecível interpretação desse talentoso músico (guitarrista), compositor e intérprete.

[@oatef2010]

Beautiful song at all times.

[@richiebear1969]

Happy birthday George 🎉🎂🥳

[@user-ot6tm7wn8r]

Ah such a classic . You are missed❤

[@HotRockinAngie]

Thank you so much, dear Angels.

[@seriousstuff50]

Beautiful performance George

[@nclslwl]

I always love this version!!!!!!

[@lulitanaka]

This is the version I love must! It must be sangue softly and not yelling like Whitney. .

[@motlatsijosephhlelesi7160]

Don't fall upon Whitney Jealous racist...back off

[@ericksonjacobnavarro7052]

pianist ..is on fire....

[@bensantos8246]

Wow! Even better live. I'm a big fan of George

[@gado2199]

amazing talent 👏👏👏

[@handysolutions6101]

wow great song..

[@user-wz8ld3jl1t]

beautiful music

[@jonshannon7096]

The crowd when they recognize the song 😊

[@pa369]

PS: watch&listen to this clip of GB in his element and I rest my case!

[@bmwero]

Simply Greatest