George Benson | Questlove Supreme

George Benson examines his transition from a top Jazz guitarist into a highly respected vocalist. He shares the origin stories behind several 1970s hits like "Breezin" and "On Broadway" plus recalls working with Stevie Wonder, Bobby Womack, and Al Jarreau. George also discusses his newest release, a lost album with arranger Robert Farnon.
Dreams Do Come True: When George Benson Meets Robert Farnon is out July 19 [rhino.lnk.to/DDCT]
George Benson is hosting the Breezin' With The Stars event (January 3-6, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona) [breezinwiththestars.com]
Catch George Benson at The Hollywood Bowl on August 18 www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/...
#QuestloveSupreme #QuestloveSupremePodcast #QuestloveSupremePod #QuestloveSupremeKZbin #AhmirThompsonPodcast #AhmirThompson #iHeartPodcasts #iHeart #Podcast #Podcasttolisten #KZbinPodcast #GeorgeBenson

[@danielnuno3781]

I have so much respect for George, not just because of his talent or his hits but because of his humility. Out of all of the years he’s been doing his thing, he still seems like such a sweet gentleman… and he’s also a great story teller.

[@JJamJ]

George Benson is an absolute legend of jazz❤️

[@QLSProducer]

And other genres too.

[@issiewizzie]

It's like watching a movie about George Benson. Let's appreciate all our legends while they are alive.

[@QLSProducer]

That's our goal. Thank you.

[@ruggedtechie5867]

Favorite guitarist hands down

[@QLSProducer]

Many agree

[@TimNelson]

@@ruggedtechie5867 Mine too, since 1976.

[@annearenstein8195]

Yes!!! Part 2 gotta happen. Please!!!

[@terrenceball6439]

Thank you for this interview, one of the greatest musicians of our time.

[@QLSProducer]

The pleasure is ours...

[@CiCiKnight]

Listening to Benson speak brought a happy tear/ smile ... I've had the pleasure of attending many live shows ... Love you!

[@QLSProducer]

Wow

[@waynebo248]

For me, George is the greatest guitarist ever. Phenomenal musician!

[@QLSProducer]

Major praise

[@EmilioConesa]

In 1975 I saw GB at tiny place in San Francisco called the Keystone Korner. He played all the Bad Benson cuts. My god! Incredible chops!! At the end he sang Georgia and everyone’s head exploded. Later in life I crossed paths with him at several gigs and learned what kind beautiful man he is.

[@QLSProducer]

Great reflections... thanks.

[@bencromwell707]

George Benson In A Word #Iconic

[@QLSProducer]

WORD to that.

[@bencromwell707]

@@QLSProducer you know it

[@VinnyContiello]

In every interview I've seen of him, George Benson is the most delightful human alive.

[@dsliceable]

Spot on

[@QLSProducer]

RIGHT!?

[@umbrellazandthangz1539]

WOW!!! Dude, i am almost in tears right now. Has to be one of the best insightful interviews I’ve ever seen in my life. Just WOW.

[@QLSProducer]

HEAVY. Thank you

[@jetradaniels9528]

A treasure. Living history 💜 I had the pleasure of seeing him live in Indiana several years ago 😊

[@idontwanttousemynameyoutub7538]

I'm a guitarist in Melbourne, Australia, and George has been a hero of mine, both musically and personally, since I would estimate sometime in the late 70's when, as a kid, I would read my older brothers guitar player magazines whilst beginning to take up the guitar seriously. I vividly remember seeing George on tv singing and playing "Broadway" and it literally blew my mind. I hope George understands the impact he has had on peoples lives all around the world. Thanks George.

[@QLSProducer]

Wow, thanks for dropping that word in.

[@larryorem5561]

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. George Benson some years ago as he was promoting his then current album. He really knows how to connect with you and he has such a powerfully folksy manner that he makes you feel like you've been friends for years ... Note: I stood in a long line for that handshake and autograph and it was well worth it !!!

[@QLSProducer]

That's really cool

[@DojoOfCool]

Hearing people thought Donny Hathaway did Masquerade not George brought back a fun memory for me. I used to work for a Black church in the media and church had a bookstore and many time towards the end of the work day a bunch of us would hang out and the bookstore and shoot the sh1t. This day a bunch of us are then and the Rev's brother a hardcore Jazz fan comes in to hang. A Jazz radio station is playing on the sound system and George Benson's A Day In A Life records comes on. The Rev's brother is getting into it and says.... I think that is the best song Benson has ever written. Everyone; heads swivel around and just stare at him. Rev brother says what you don't think it's his best??? Someone tells him that's a Beatles song. Rev's brother is in shock. One of others hanging another hardcore Jazz fans says even I knew the Beatles wrote the dam song. We all started laughing and giving Rev;s brother a bad time. It's one of my favorite memories.

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you for sharing that...

[@alanblakeguitarist]

One of the nicest guys and greatest guitarist ever. Ever!!!He played my Strat and sounded exactly like himself.

[@QLSProducer]

wow...

[@gtizzle7606]

absolutely needs to be a part 2. This was soooo good. George havin to get Chaka and Aretha to chill was hilarious. Talent surrounded by more talent that spans decades. Also that beginning flute on Breezin was Bennie Maupin who doesn't appear in the album credits for some reason. So you get two Headhunters alumnus on that Breezin song with Harvey Mason and Benny. Oh and George's Quincy impressions had me on the floor rollin!!!! bwahhhaa

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you... such a great Q impersonation. Love how you highlighted your fav nuggets. That's great. We live for that with QLS episodes...

[@XcellTheArtist-1of1]

I’m astonished-why have I never seen an interview of the GREAT George Benson before ??? 🤔 His stories are so good

[@QLSProducer]

So honored we could be your first.

[@davidgoodlettmusic]

George Benson story: once upon time we were in NYC and went into the blue note to check out Elvin Jones. Suddenly I felt this mighty energy behind me. George Benson had entered the room and his aura had just lit 🔥 up the space! Much respect Mr Benson. Thank you for all of your music. Thank you for doing so much for music and guitar and for being a true steward of Music with a capital M. May the Most High and the Ancestors continue to bless you.

[@FelaKuti8000]

I stumbled on George Benson via the Nuyorican Soul project. The song was called "You can do it baby". If you haven't heard it, do yourself a favor. I like to turn it up when I am driving. It's that kind of vibe.

[@QLSProducer]

Wow. That's how you first heard George?

[@patienceISavirtue75]

Yessss! Love Mr. Benson. As a kid the 20/20 album was a favorite and I had to hear New Day on repeat!!! ❤

[@QLSProducer]

Laiya asks a really thoughtful question about that album... and song

[@KAMOYA17]

I’m watching from Johannesburg, South Africa. I got so excited when I saw this episode pop up

[@QLSProducer]

Worldwide... thanks.

[@USAAF]

Great interview can't wait for part two. Love George "Clinton" Benson 😃 Thank you guys 🙏🏼🙇🏻‍♂😊

[@QLSProducer]

When a messup yields info

[@FusionHowie]

This channel is amazing! THANK YOU QL ! Peace from Detroit MI.

[@GregSchroederJr]

wow, GREAT interview with one of the GREATEST musicians. and i bet you there were PLENTY arguments over who actually sang Masquerade lol

[@nino369]

Great interview!! George is a master musician and a consummate human being. He was living in Maui in the ‘80 and we bumped to each other few times. He would sit in in the local jazz dives and hotel gigs that we local musicians performed at. Amazing player!!! Wonderful gentleman!!

[@jamesharper8372]

Omg yall have to do a part 2 I'm a super fan of George Benson I've been listening to his music since I was 14 one of my favorite tunes is SO THIS IS LOVE? it's off the breezin album track 6

[@merlin5420]

OMG I loved Rick Beato’s interview of Mr Benson and this has topped it off! 🙏🏽

[@umbrellazandthangz1539]

Quest, I’m a musician and a geek for music as you cats are. Just wanted to say, thanks, love what you do and what you’re doing. Don’t stop bro.

[@QLSProducer]

We will pass along the message. Thank you.

[@anthonyk5496]

Part II Soooooooon!! 🙏🎵❤

[@rodrickhudson6537]

Please a Part 2!

[@alioscopy-glasses-free-3D]

A great interview… and a legendary artist. Beautiful stories - I won't be happy until you've made at least 6 episodes with Mr. George 'Bad' Benson!!

[@QLSProducer]

Haha... thank you!

[@christylumpa4357]

Living legend!!!!

[@befromnova7144]

Big fan of Questlove. Big fan of George Benson. This made my day.

[@QLSProducer]

We try...

[@LauraMichelleSmith]

I need a Part 2 and Part 3! An amazing discussion with a Living Legend👏🏾👑❤️

[@QLSProducer]

We are pulling for it...

[@TyHarrellShow]

Great interview with the Legendary George Benson.

[@QLSProducer]

Thank YOU.

[@marvinbell7007]

Great interview! I've seen him in other interviews and George Benson always does such a great job. You have to read Al Schmidt's autobiography; he speaks glowingly about George Benson.

[@QLSProducer]

Great recommendation

[@DANBONDDRUMS]

Absolutely NEEEEED a part 2 (and maybe 3 haha) of George!! Pleaseeeee! And thank you so much for this QLS team - so great to hear of these golden moments and keep up the great guests! 🙏🏼

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you!

[@Praizion]

Thanks for this QL & team! Can't get enough GB interviews!

[@QLSProducer]

Thank YOU

[@ernovas11]

Thank you very much for this video! Absolutely amazing!

[@QLSProducer]

You are most welcome

[@jonmathis]

Thank you for posting this!

[@QLSProducer]

Absolutely. Please make sure you are subscribed.

[@davidlopez-white3185]

WOW Q

[@QLSProducer]

THANK YOU.

[@dariusvbryant.]

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@keynind2905]

Salute!

[@Garnettackeelover]

Totally engaging man. Superb guitarist. Great stories and hope part 2 gets here soon.

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you!!

[@cherissesumner9018]

This interview is awesome beyond words!!!

[@QLSProducer]

Wow, thank you.

[@fgmmusic]

Loved it. Love George Benson and all the thoughtful questions.

[@QLSProducer]

Wow, that's great to hear. We appreciate you.

[@vspaulding1]

This Was Wonderful:) Thank You

[@QLSProducer]

Thank YOU.

[@markjohnson9485]

Great interview. As a Pittsburgh resident, I love the "Yinzer" reference

[@QLSProducer]

We try... other Pittsburgh-related guests of recent include Paradise Gray, Joan Jett, and an upcoming one...

[@markjohnson9485]

@QLSProducer once again, it is certainly appreciated by me. Great job!

[@nickhughes4800]

Really wanted to hear about recording Give me the Night!?!

[@QLSProducer]

Gotta get that Part 2... time was tight

[@nickhughes4800]

@@QLSProducer Fair enough! I'll look forward to it. Keep up the great work!

[@QLSProducer]

@@nickhughes4800 YOU make that work feel easier. Thank you. Without you, there is no QLS.

[@phinestro]

Amazing conversation. Love this!! 54:53

[@erickford1624]

LEGEND 🎉

[@fero5978]

Wow amazing interview so much history! This needs to be archived with the Smithsonian 🥹 Was the other musician that Mr Quincy Jones suggested Jacob Collier? I would just 😭 if you worked with Jacob Collier Br. Benson! Jacob Collier is one of the most amazing genius musicians of this generation. Best wishes and thank you for all you have contributed to music over your career! And also, is the next episode able to be recorded in 1080p 🙏 🥲 Thank you Questlove and your entire team for putting this together! Just wonderful! 💐 🥰

[@QLSProducer]

Thank YOU. We are working on archives like that...

[@christyamorwells9919]

Thank you so much for this. A true legend ❤❤❤❤❤

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you for tuning in

[@dmgsoultogetherness6667]

this is an album in the making

[@QLSProducer]

Haaa...

[@machtigekijker]

Wow beautiful story

[@QLSProducer]

Thanks

[@jewelofaries]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this interview and GIVING HIM HIS FLOWERS. He is more than deserving. This man is one of my favorite artists of all time. I became hooked on his artistry at age 7 or 8 when he did that duet with Ms. Ree "Love All The Hurt Away." I couldn't remember my Easter speech one year because I couldn't get that song out of my head. He is one person, along with the late Betty Wright, who I regret never having a personal conversation with. I just saw him last week on "Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer" and he sang the song 20/20. There has to be a part 2 & 3. Three segments may not even cover this man's path of GENIUS !! This entire new generation needs to be hipped to this man and what he has accomplished. Loved this !!!😊❤

[@QLSProducer]

That's our aim. THANK YOU.

[@annearenstein8195]

I'll never forget seeing seeing the Fosse film All That Jazz that opens with a dance audition sequence. And what's the music? "On Broadway" with George Benson. Check it out--perfection.

[@QLSProducer]

Great connection.

[@bigorod]

So much insight on one of the most legendary artist

[@QLSProducer]

RIGHT!!???

[@JamesBrown-nk6mu]

GB: Live at Montreux, 1986 . . . you're welcome!

[@QLSProducer]

Hey hey hey

[@thecaregivereducator124]

I'm telling you, these interviews are the best ever!!

[@QLSProducer]

THANK YOU.

[@EmilioConesa]

Part 2 🙏🏽

[@QLSProducer]

Here's hoping.

[@leslieabivins5951]

Can't wait for #2!!!❤

[@Angela-pi6zc]

Gosh! These episodes are GOLD❤️

[@QLSProducer]

We appreciate you.

[@kayo-music]

I'm really dying to watch a part II up to part ???? Thanks for this one, all the bass-t from kayo

[@QLSProducer]

We're trying!

[@TimNelson]

Living legend. It’s ridiculous he’s not yet been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Obviously he’s more than deserving. Somebody, for God’s sake, get it done.

[@QLSProducer]

#manifest

[@mrjames851]

Thank you for this interview though. Hill District Pittsburgh mega legend and there's no definitive interview out there. The young musicians in the city need to know the pedigree.

[@TonyRijos]

GOAT🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@pastense]

I needa get patient and wait for these YT vids instead of checking my Spotify smh lol

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you for saying that. We know sometimes they take longer. We are aiming for same time. We do tight turnarounds with 50 episodes per year...

[@phinestro]

George Clinton/ George benson that felt good! 55:12

[@QLSProducer]

Haha... right!? A slip yielded a really cool exclusive.

[@BlaqRon85]

I always said George was a mix of Donny and Stevie

[@QLSProducer]

Interesting...

[@DavidNerattini]

Sorry to contradict Mr. Benson (one of my all time favorites) but the song 20/20 was written by Randy Goodrum (and Steve Kipner), not by Randy Waldman. Great interview, we want part two asap!

[@mtorrega]

He didn't say that Waldman wrote the song. Waldman did the arrangements for the recording.

[@rayid2003]

🤯🤯🤯

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

🌞🫶🏼🤸🏽‍♂️❤

[@NDHDStudios]

The mic Mr. Benson is referring too is the Electro-Voice 666 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone. I hate that his angelic voice had to be projected through those mark of the beast numbers.

[@QLSProducer]

Great footnote. Thank you.

[@kashanteche]

Sew much jewelry in this particular episode.

[@QLSProducer]

So much jewelry, you gotta ask an associate to open the case...

[@kashanteche]

Real mustard.

[@NahMyself]

All time summer favorite from Thursdays in Santa Barbara, CA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHqpaKqBf8dln7c

[@QLSProducer]

Incredible video too.

[@mrjames851]

Black people don't say yinz

[@brucekriskovich4975]

Y'all need to study the history of Israel. Read "From Time Immemorial" by Joan Peters. The problem is not the state of Israel and the Jewish people.

[@nicokanakaris]

Hey @questlove can we do an interview in belgium