George Benson on Saturday Night with Marcus Miller and Friends

Benson is back! We're so excited to bring George Benson back to St. Louis on May 12, 2022. To celebrate we're sharing this segment from an episode of our virtual streaming show Saturday Night with Marcus Miller and Friends taped in October 2020. Watch as Marcus interviews George and then they share the stage for a few songs.
Musicians featured in this episode:
George Benson - Guitar/Vocals
Marcus Miller - Bass
Randy Waldman - Keyboards
Patrice Rushen - Keyboards
Joey DeFrancesco - Organ
Paul Jackson Jr. - Guitar
Michael O'Neill - Guitar
Alex Bailey - Drums
Munyungo Jackson - Percussion
Mike Rocha - Trumpet
Eric Marienthal - Saxophone

[@sinedloki9542]

78 years old I can’t believe it! Sounding and looking 30 years younger

[@pighater951]

Wow 😳 and still playing guitar man that's hard when you age ...your hearing changes

[@craigezell4261]

Signed Loki:So cool.

[@craigezell4261]

@@pighater951 Does it?There's a lot of old dudes out there still doing it & doing it nicely.

[@HB-yk4ut]

How old? He looks and sounds great! Love him!💝

[@lionheartroar3104]

Nah, he sounds old . Very sad to hear

[@groove40]

I like how the director took half an hour to find the first keyboard solo…😂

[@rajbroh4334]

True! Hahahah

[@nicholasjohn8946]

Not even a drum solo.. not 1.. but we talkin' bout the Ghetto.. Niiice groove tho huh!! OoOH yeah!!!! Now Brazilian Stom! Let's Go...😊

[@DavidBaronStevensPersonal]

Musicians like George Benson don't retire. They Ascend.

[@tafimutekwe2855]

You are so right. The way he transformed himself into his young "old" self the moment he was behind that mic was something to behold in awe!

[@chironjo]

Powerful words my friend, powerful words.

[@rhondahumphrey5556]

Well said ❤

[@intheshadow1200]

Abd this live footage .. is GOLD🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎

[@nidalsafi5366]

Jk(>p

[@jamesperry2322]

It's such a blessing to see George Benson still with us and kickin' it as good as ever. Always a favorite of mine for many years. May God keep him safe and healthy for many more years to come. Love you,George!

[@ManfredElsingBielefeld]

Der Zenit ist lange vorbei....gell?

[@michalslepcik1931]

Amen2That👏

[@adc2327]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@haraldelter2557]

@@ManfredElsingBielefeld Das sehe ich auch so. Nach wie vor gut, aber nicht mehr die Klasse wie in den 70er/80ern.

[@algarveTV]

Nice words...

[@babatundeojerinde]

This generation can't understand the influence George had on many of us growing up.... This man is a living myth, a legend... Words fail me on appellations I can give to him... So honoured to have grown up listening to him!!!

[@haoweiwei5717]

Good to see Benson’s back on stage. A living legend. No one can deny his achievements on jazz and later pop music

[@robertdore9592]

He's a 1/ 1 Billion talent.

[@tana5098]

This guy is classy and refined. Can listen to him all day. Seen him at the Hollywood Bowl in LA. Justify as good in person. He is one phenomemal musician. I love it! Please keep playing that guitar and giving your fans the honor of your presence. Bless you Mr. Benson. 🎶🎼💗💞

[@diggiman01]

Marcus Miller is a Bad man, and George Benson is a living legend virtuoso✊🏽💯‼️

[@sommelierramon]

Georg is one of one. Luckily Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughn and Nat also where . You understand me, I presume...? Etcetera. and also : etcetera, more greats ! yo ?

[@sommelierramon]

Marcus is top notch badder. Thanks ! He is soooo good. @@diggiman01

[@samuelgonzales3824]

Life would not be the same without musicians like George and Marcus. They make the world smile ,they make the world feel good.

[@BerreBar]

They make the world go round🎶🌞

[@jhpvids]

George Benson & Marcus Miller...what more is there to say 👍🏿💓💓🎵🎶🎼🎸

[@meukoh]

yes! dope collab

[@karloarsch1579]

Who else is left? 😥

[@gregoryj5874]

Exactly. They are to Jazz what Stevie Wonder and The Isleys are to Soul---the standard.

[@gust5992]

Mr George Benson, Mr Dave Grusin, Mr Lee Ritenour, Mr Ivan Lins, Mr Joao Bosco, Mr Sadao Watanabe,......when these guys jam,....time stands still.

[@Uptown59]

And Harvey Mason.

[@fifovelazquez]

And Eric Marienthal on sax

[@kjonezey43]

Paul Jackson Jr

[@SteveAdamsChannel]

AND Marcus Miller!

[@adriaanstam4953]

Angry.....

[@cabofalcone]

0:32 The Ghetto 5:50 Brazilian Stomp 11:27 Give Me The Night 17:05 Interview 36:41 On Broadway

[@GlnnJhn]

Thanks for the PlayList, Cabo.

[@christianebert8086]

Unbelievable - as a 16 year old boy I freaked out listening to "Gimme the Night", then discovered the Music-Universe of George Benson - and now it is 41 years later and he is still at the top

[@danielstevens18]

The first time I saw and listened to Mr. Georgie Benson I was 19 years old at the Hurricane Club in Pittsburgh. He was Fabulous then and it is still exciting thrilling and awesome to hear his brilliant talent today.

[@craigcrosby1656]

The cut Heatwave keyboardist, Rod Temperton, offered to Jonnie Wilder.... and he turned it down. Smells all of Heatwave with that George stank on it... Love it.

[@mthobelinathanheshu8423]

I remember that "Give me the night" album on vinyl which I bought in 1980. I remember it because I was a fan of the master for years by then & was on my first salary & my first job.

[@manoeldaluz7654]

@@mthobelinathanheshu8423 I started listening to george when I was 14, through my brother, in Brazil and managed to influence nephews and friends. George Benson is all the best!...

[@salvadorhernandez9174]

Music is beautiful with mr George Benson ❤️ and all the musicians ❤

[@drum6332]

George Benson is a gift. The passing time does not affect his playing, better than that, it gets better like a fine wine over the years.

[@minniesanford8088]

?

[@Investinyourselfdarling]

Very nice!!

[@hundredcaws]

so true🔥

[@tomcoryell]

I will never forget the first time I heard George Benson on the radio. Time slowed down and my surroundings disappeared.....Even my hard rock/ heavy metal guitar playing friends agree he’s among the greatest guitar players ever.

[@katsafone]

Great to see Michael O'Neill still working playing rhythm guitar behind George after many years in his backing band. A consummate musician in his own right.

[@AliciaExploresLife]

Thank you for honoring Mr Benson, ❤️ it!

[@cbro777]

I love hearing Marcus talking about music. His wealth of knowledge is amazing.

[@nickyfarrell3024]

My favorite guitar player. I’ve been a fan since the 1970’s. Brother George can sing as a well as he plays. Thank you Mr Benson for the music. Never stop singing and playing. I wish you good health much love and many blessings.🎸

[@NavCom209]

The incredible George Benson.... nothing bad ever was said about him...he is a Great Man!

[@dougrobison1156]

I am SO pissed off! George Benson was in front of me in line when god was handing out talent. Singing, playing and good looking, he got it all and then there was none left for me!

[@franscara]

You got good taste in music ; )

[@scottwhite2757]

Lol, well we like the same music :)

[@meukoh]

lol

[@SanMaiero]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅 great

[@vm3813]

God positioned you and the rest of us to WITNESS HIS magnificence thru Brotha George 🙏🏽🎼🎼🎼🎼

[@arielista]

Seeing Paul Jackson Jr in the background is a special treat

[@jordanfrancisco27]

I stole so much from PJs playing I should be arrested. Love ya PJ! 👊👊👊

[@7777Lace]

A very incredible guitarist/musician!!! One of the quintessential go to session guitarists throughout the late 80’s, 90’s & early 2000’s!

[@markjohnson9485]

So many world class musicians on that stage Wowwwww!!!

[@carltondean3675]

Thanks Marcus for having this for us to see! Love George Benson!

[@fibboobbif]

Thank you Marcus for being so respectful to the man who also kept Donny Hathaways spirit alive. No other song like "The Ghetto" ever touched me like that.

[@lmsrox2]

George has been an absolute gift to the world.

[@davidaboothy3949]

for sure

[@lastdaysguitar]

George has a very wonderful guitar style, I still remember being floored after picking up the vinyl of "Breezin'" all those years ago - and he's still GREAT!

[@differentdrummer6162]

For sure - Breezin' was a game-changer

[@mussieg3799]

To see George benson and paul jackson junior on 1 stage is like uff. George benson, Paul. J and frank gambale are to me the world for most guitarists. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@gregoryaimable3990]

one of my favorites, Mr. George Benson may god keep him here with us for a long time.

[@nicolalaezza7545]

GEORGE BENSON : THE OLD SILK that never gets old, always sparkling and fresh

[@cvvv6166]

The Master Mr. George Benson ! 😎👍 I've watched him play live more than Any other Artist starting back in the mid 1980s (7 live shows ! ), & never gets old 👌😉🎸

[@bassistovgilberto]

These are my heroes marcus miller and George benson.

[@dorfinger]

When your favorite guitar player's favorite guitar player meets your favorite bass player's favorite bass player.

[@matto9734]

Sometimes you GOT to love YT! What a treat to share these legends with us and to see GB with that funky jazzy playing and singin´ still shaking the venue - priceless.

[@petiqueba]

Mr. George Benson was so on top of the hits on the ‘80s, that he was part of a Rock Festival list, playing on two nights. That’s the Rock in Rio Festival, the very first one on January of 1985. He played on 01/12 (Saturday) and 01/14 (Monday). I was there and I remember that his concerts were like two big parties, where he called on stage to play with him Mr. Ivan Lin’s. The audience for both night were over 200,000 people. Just two unforgettable concerts for all those people, and so for himself, I believe.

[@Mjohannb]

All star cast, Patrice baby fingers Rushen I love you with all my ears, and heart

[@sloburnjo]

Thought so! 👍

[@facepotato5288]

Me too !! Don't forget My nots😉😎

[@MrThairacer]

THIS IS MUSIC !! back in the days I was listening GB on my boombox , he is amazing ! LEGEND.

[@xavierrodriguez576]

Stand up for the living legend George Benson, and the bass gutar prodigy Marcus Miller. All my respect from Barcelona

[@rising4winds794]

Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, George Benson... A dynasty of guitar genius.. btw.. I couldn't forget Jimi Hendrix. All personal favorites!!!

[@JonDKush]

I remember cutting high school to go back to my house with a group of friends (both parents working), just to listen to Earth wind and fire and George Benson and break it down as much as we could at 15 years old, thus I was so happy to hear in the post below that George is not only still with us, But still making the rounds. Bless you George* Benson, this news alone made my day.

[@fekkyb]

George or Marcus or both. Brought everyone they could to the gig. 😁 Gigging these days is a treat by it self. Very fortunate. GOOD FOR THEM‼️And us enjoying them. 😉👍🏽

[@tb2328]

Love George Benson. Have so many of his cd's. I think I see my man Eric Marienthal back there. Yes, top billing musicians.

[@northernbohemianrealist1412]

We are blessed to have George Benson still with us. I can't believe thirty years have passed since Marcus Miller's work with Miles Davis.

[@lindaadmans4089]

A teen in the 70's....now 66, thIs is like heaven to me, seeing you again Mr Benson. ❤🙏

[@SanMaiero]

Great 👍🏻

[@zdogg8]

You're off by a lot, he was in his thirties in the Seventies, he's seventy eight now.

[@SanMaiero]

@@zdogg8 he meant he was a teen in the 70s not benson

[@zdogg8]

@@SanMaiero Yes, you're most likely correct. Thanks for the correction.

[@SanMaiero]

@@zdogg8 benson Forever 😅

[@colinbradford2671]

Marcus: Do you remember ‘Brazilian Stomp’ George: I think so George: Kills it!

[@allwheeldrive]

If you haven't yet, go back to George's early days playing seriously cooking jazz. Look up the George Benson Cookbook and Big Boss Guitar albums (1964-ish, when he was like 21 years old). He always had a deep lyrical talent, but he was also one of the fastest guitar players on earth. An incredible, total talent. We are so lucky to have him.

[@ibeetellingya5683]

Just clicking around and dropped into heaven. God, it feels good. Shots of joy to my soul. Thanks.

[@dulistanheman]

George Benson is the GOAT ✌🏼🎆

[@peterpaul6741]

Thanks for sharing. Good to see two of my heroes: George and Marcus.

[@soulovelee_2433]

Wow, he’s still around? I had no idea, amazing.. George Benson, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder had that special tone

[@rebeccajohnson8579]

I so APPRECIATE these young artist's bringing out the GREATS! Being an ELDER, I SO APPRECIATE IT! THANK YOU MARCUS & FRIENDS! I bet you put 20 YOUNGER YEARS BACK into George Benson's life, being able to get out to PERFORM ONCE AGAIN!

[@DTheProducer]

I hope that you can live FOREVER George! 🎵😊

[@tottsworld]

He will definitely 😊

[@sevinatenine4444]

GEORGE BENSON WOULD HAVE BEEN 79 YEARS OLD ON THIS NIGHT,MAY 12TH,2022.GEORGE BENSON IS NOW 80 YEARS OLD AS OF TONIGHT,1-27,2024.AS A FELLOW AAPR MAN,I'M PROUD AND VERY HAPPY HE'S STILL ALIVE AND PLAYING MUSIC JUST AS GOOD AS EVER.

[@jtay6306]

George Benson still sounding and looking great a true legend. So great to see him perform live again.

[@DyamondJAZZ]

Thank you Marcus Miller for this wonderful collaboration. I am excited to see that you all are safe throughout this pandemic. Having the GOAT Mr. George Benson perform was an honor to see. I am smiling and can't wait to see you all soon. Stay safe 🙏 ❤

[@Kassiusday]

The time where true musicians were playing real music !!!!

[@sighteternal497]

A living guitar and song writing legend! Love you George, sooooo glad to see you still performing!

[@louisemory1001]

My wife and I saw his performance in the 90s in Santa Rosa Calif. We are Jehovah's Witnesses and were happy to meet him after the concert. My wife (who has since died) asked him how he was doing spiritually, George said it was hard to keep his spiritual life clean as a well known musician (or words to that effect). But he keeps trying.

[@marvinhagler4721]

GEORGE BENSON......IF YOU DONT KNOW ...THIS IS JUST A TASTE..THE LEGENDARY MAN HIMSELF!!!!!!!!!!!

[@alexandreribeiro1449]

The first music is "brazilian stomp" ... it's sensational mixing jazz and samba Welcome to Brazil!!!

[@jemaaelfna]

George and Markus ,two genius . Love how Markus handled the conversation!!!!!! He did the same once with Miles Davis ,before they played "Mr Pastorius ". Love you guys !!!!! GOD BLESS YOU !!!!!!!

[@paulojazz9654]

The day I get to meet Mr George Benson will be the amazing day ever of my life.

[@larrybrown4874]

I had the pleasure of having breakfast with him years ago in Jefferson SC with his sister in law.....loved it and enjoyed every minute of our conversation ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@paulojazz9654]

@@larrybrown4874 You are blessed Sr

[@Arael4]

I'm loving the comments in here. May all of you be celebrated and supported the same way you support this great icon.

[@ramongeraci]

The eighties haven' t lost their charme...absolutely fabulous I say...

[@jack1208]

Collaboration to me is the best smooth jazz album ever produced. Every song is unique and it’s hard pressing to vote for a favorite 👍🏿

[@staspro3587]

Thanks for sharing! George Benson, Marcus Miller, Paul Jackson Jr.!!! Amazing team - already classics of modern jazz!

[@ricardomorlarios4830]

"Good Music keeps the Musicians Young"...Thank You for sharing the gift of your devotion to Music...

[@williamnelson8578]

The equally great Patrice Rushen on keyboards. I was lucky enough in 1971 to turn up on a stormy night at a Tuesday night jazz club gig in Boston, George Benson and earl Klugh. for the early show we were the only ones in the club and George and Earl played us a private concert. Wow.

[@markbachicha3190]

We Love you brother George!

[@trondog1755]

Yes George is still doing it , so hard to believe the great George Benson is 81 years young I been fortunate to have heard about him on his 1972 release of the Body Talk Album , man what a great record, and blessed Musician he is! Thank you George!

[@gabrielcuervo3348]

GB is just a legendary talent. Many have been inspired and derived their style with his flavor, but he's the original and one and only 🔥🔥👍👍👍🔥🔥

[@edmilsonsantos4490]

😊

[@jaidillon1790]

Just a buncha legends, kickin it, playing some tunes... Beautiful!

[@charlesliberacemurphy5087]

This masquerade is an all time classic! George Benson and Wes Montgomery know how to jam!

[@FullAssurance]

Legendary musicians. Marcus Miller has forever been a run-away bass heavyweight.

[@theressamurphy2996]

Oh my goodness...George has the smoothest voice....the music from Marcus Miller guitar ..what else could you ask for....thank you

[@emjdedios]

I remember having coffee with my mom, dad & sisters in the hotel near the venue where we had just watched a GB concert. We wondered if he was staying in that hotel and lo and behold, coming up the escalator looking as smooth as can be was the man himself! He was happy to chat for a bit & sign autographs. No pics cause there weren't any cellphones yet haha

[@jennygibbons1258]

Sweet memory 👍🏾

[@marktrentecosta]

Love me some Joey at the end, I met him in Italy when he was playing with Pat Martino...too bad the sound man was asleep again on these shows. Benson rules at his age

[@hafhou8688]

❤❤❤❤❤ Mr GEORGES BENSON, A LIVING LEGEND ! THANKS BOTH GEORGES BENSON and MARCUS MILLER FOR THIS MOMENT OF MAGIC !! GOSH !!

[@RogerBiwandu]

Patrice Rushen is there too !!! Paul Jackson Jr and Michael O'Neil on guitar ? Eric Marienthal on sax, Randy Waldman on keyboards, who else ? Joey DiFrancesco on organ ?

[@unknownbone174]

Mike Rocha on trumpet

[@markusberndgeorg2385]

bill summers perc ?

[@jeffreyweiser2667]

I don't see Joey DiFrancesco there....but this is a great performance. Thanks for posting!

[@MrDcsilvap]

Yes. Paul Jackson Jr. and Michel O'Neil (longtime on GB's crew) on stage

[@Tonylovesjazz]

@@jeffreyweiser2667 I didn't catch Joey until the end. I saw him play in a small tavern in Columbus, Ohio. Killed it. Look up Bobby Floyd, a native to Columbus ears. Best Regards.

[@nevref6898]

The His Story George shared with us. There are no words can express my appreciation! Marcus, 1LOVE My Brother! George, Marcus, RayP Jr, and ALL the cat's on this gig. Thank you very much!!! Chazz

[@user-cs9fq1bq4d]

George Benson was one of my dad's favorite artist and jazz guitarist. I love him myself.

[@user-eq4jy2po6o]

George Benson is just an awesome guitar player

[@georgegeorgio1751]

And even better Singer.

[@vaughnchauncy8360]

I really enjoyed this two of absolute all universe artists,I was hoping that Patrice Rushen sitting coolly back there incognito style would have been acknowledged too she is tremendous!

[@davidzigfred5735]

Definitely!!

[@richardgagliano1618]

George Benson, Paul Jackson, Marcus Miller, how do you fit that much G-d given musicality and Groove on one bandstand. This made my day.

[@howiecampbellmusic]

Glad this came across my feed. George Benson, one of the greats - especially his personality. He's for real whenever I see him interviewed. I had to take a break from work to watch and listen. Oh yes.

[@bartmulder6995]

What a magical song! Mr Benson still looks and sounds impressive!

[@alvarofalcon7136]

Great to see George Benson still playing and singing and sounding as good as ever! And what a great band!

[@DaveyL1954]

I've been watching young bands coming through and enjoying them, thinking that the jazz thing is in good hands. Then George comes along and blasts them all aside with such smooth jazz, and I'm back in the 70's where I belong again. Great stuff George. May you live to play forever.

[@robertmeyer5981]

Awesome Mr Benson you are loved here in South Africa. God bless. Thank you for the great music

[@kdm313]

Two Giant’s and Masters of their instruments. Love it. Thank You George. And Thank You Marcus.

[@BenjiNgimbi-xe8yu]

Ok, but Prince Rogers Nelson was Emperor of all instruments, all music and all musicians..The Masters and Emperor.

[@michalslepcik1931]

An Absolute (A) Class performance by *All of Them*

[@user-ms9kr7pb1m]

That brought me back a ways in time. Me and George Benson were undefeated during my college days.

[@wesboundmusic]

What a great tribute to a living legend - WITH that legend in stage doesn't get better! Needless to say he's been one of my formative heroes as weil, kudos to this great a career! (and man, what a lineup of cats! In fact, there's an other hero of mine on that stage: Paul Jackson Jr., master of groove!)

[@DreamsongsProductions]

Amazing guitar player plus awesome singer. Love George Benson!

[@Sylas9347]

Para ficar melhor só falta o BENSON, vir apresentar-se no BRASIL. SHowwwww🎼🎵🎶🎙🎸🎺🎹🎤

[@katyarnold6757]

I am a big fan of George Benson jazz music. Very talented brother. Many blessing!!! of health, happiness, love, peace, and financial blessings to Mr. Benson.

[@Whateverworksism]

This swings so hard. Love Benson and Marcus. Thanks ya'll.

[@kashraoufi]

Not even one word of Clause Ogerman!!!! The man how sealed Mr. Benson's grammy two years in a row for the album Breezin. So Sad, RIP Claus....

[@curimaguero]

Tenía 16 años de edad en Venezuela cuando escuche a benson, hoy en Chile, con 65 años, lo veo y lo siento igual, un fuera de serie!

[@howiecampbellmusic]

Man, that was inspiring. Love George Benson. ... and a another Philly meister: the late, great Joey D! Marcus did a fab interview.

[@yourhomeonmaui]

Great music from a Great man. I was standing behine Mr Benson in line at a store...a young mom with 2 kids were infront of him. One child ask his mom if she could buy him a toy...she very kindly said they could not afford it at the time...but maybe later. Mr Benson ask her if it would be alright for him to buy the toy for the child. She was a little taken back...coming from a stranger ...she said Thank you....but I cant let you do this. He was very gracious and said.. Its would be my pleasure. She smiled...then accepted the offer. She did not know who he was....But I did. Class act of kindness...from a very Classy Man...!!!

[@SanMaiero]

Amazing story great and did you get a selfie with him Or talk to him ? I met him 2007 great person tell me more :) Greets from Germany.

[@yourhomeonmaui]

@@SanMaiero We were both living on Maui back in the day...would say Hi from time to time at his gigs at Longues Place. He never knew I was behind him...it was not for show...just from his Heart...!!!

[@marcomuggironi2552]

It's a pure joy to see these Legendary Artists performing!!!💓💓💓🎼🎼🎼🎶🎶🎶

[@raypalompo3720]

Great interview! Superb music. Thanks for mentioning Earl.