Chet Atkins & George Benson- "Help Me Make It Through The Night" (Merv Griffin Show 1984)

Guest host Martin Mull welcomes two of the greatest guitarists of all time to perform together on this special episode from March of 1984. Chet lays a solid foundation for George to dazzle the crowd with his jazzy pyrotechnics. Merv Griffin had over 5000 guests appear on his show from 1963-1986. Footage from the Merv Griffin Show is available for licensing to all forms of media through Reelin' In The Years Productions. www.reelininthe....

[@geordieboy9336]

This has got to be one of the best guitar duets on the internet. The skill, harmony and feel is obvious - but what makes this clip so special is the rapport, respect and appreciation that these two legends have for one another. It warms the heart.

[@rhodapillay9200]

Just too wonderful,the respect for each other is something great.Each oner has a unique way of playing and joined together makes Tasteful music for the past,present and Future.

[@gr8fulgeorge]

Beautifully stated! Thanks!

[@Picnuts]

These two have enormous respect for one another. They love playing together, too. Just look at the smile on their faces.

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

They didn’t duel one another. They complimented one another. Truly gifted and humble greats.

[@Acrosstheunivers33]

nice talk

[@wings241]

Don't know much about Benson aside from a few 70's pop radio tunes, but Atkins, although a guitar virtuoso, was an incredibly vain and egotistical personality; he hated to be upstaged or outdone and was known for ending sessions by throwing out someone attempting to upstage him. In spite of this I admired his playing emensly.

[@gman4860]

@@wings241 that is an absolute load of horse crap.

[@lucasgunnell9982]

@@wings241 hhaahaha where did you learn this? i don't think i've ever read anything more wrong in my life.

[@eileenscarlett9667]

@@wings241 So Chet Atkins recorded with Lenny Breau - the #1 guitarist in history according to Chet, George Benson, Les Paul, Laurianda Almedia, Boston Pops, Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh, Mark Knophler, Eric Johnson, Tommy E , Richard Smith. His image is on the cover of guitar great Johnny Smith’s album - The Man With The Blue Guitar, and became the most recorded instrumentalist in history because he was an AH! Giant load of Horse Sh**.

[@candidx7057]

Never is intelligence so beautiful as when expressed through music.

[@earlhaywood4372]

That's musically Shakespearen .

[@arcastle3548]

Great quote

[@4horizonseyegalloway69]

Here here

[@life-is-inspiring3953]

I met George in 1992 when he had 2 concerts in Argentina; he held a guitar clinic several days after the concerts, which were even better than what he played in records. He was very very humble, with solo and picking techniques that non one on earth could ever reach. BTW I got Benson’s autograph after the clinic, I was so excited that I will never forget that day

[@Picnuts]

Lucky guy!!!!

[@alejandropinchondonoso2182]

No tenia idea que benson toco en argentina

[@life-is-inspiring3953]

@@alejandropinchondonoso2182 era en gran rex teatro

[@talkingdogmusic4349]

George Benson just has soul all the way through to his fingers!

[@stefanodomeni]

Benson's tone is smoother than room temp butter

[@KennyBFunky]

Two immensely talented players with immense respect for each other's talents. It doesn't get any better than that!

[@allanrussack2844]

A whole album would be better! And 2 albums would be even better still! Love them both

[@Picnuts]

@@allanrussack2844 How about 6 albums in high res? That sounds right

[@Deagledrumzz]

Once again, this shows why music is the universal language.

[@uddielad]

George off the scale here. So so good.

[@waynejohanson1083]

Two awesome guitarists with different styles.

[@robertlee8042]

Two of the greatest most tasteful relaxed players and musicians of all time.

[@dwightalfred]

And not showy.

[@TheTrendDoctor]

George Benson's accompaniment is mesmerising. And the way he started his solo. Jesus!!!!!

[@user-ww2lf3vm2m]

Incredible. The skill, the joy, the respect, and the virtuosity.

[@cheeseheadfiddle]

The vibe I get from this was Chet saying to the world, “ladies and gentlemen, Here is George Benson, one of the greatest players you will ever hear.”

[@bospin]

Feeling exactly the same.

[@Rider-hh9it]

Agreed, that was a total handoff to George to introduce him to the TV viewer. Nice touch by Chet who didn’t need the attention.

[@kenarts11]

Before country was about the Taylors

[@lkeith88]

Two world class gentlemen and virtuoso players. Beautiful.

[@kcdurkin8498]

Chet's touch is Iconic. Every guitarist wants to play like him or With him. George as well, has a touch like Wes Montgomery. Classic Duet

[@josephgiustiniani2834]

Always the gentleman, Chet lets George run free and play whatever. And George never misses a note. Ya gotta like it...........................

[@electric8668]

Both are gentlemen

[@jepig3355]

40 years has been passed

[@frankoshields6643]

Oh yeah baby it dont get any better than this. My uncle had the record they did together it is absolutely incredible every song. Chet loved to play with other great players and would for the most part let them shine. He love all styles of players because he could learn from them just like they learned from him. I saw George Benson in and interview where he said he learned more playing with Chet than he would have learn in 20 years with out the opportunity. Chet could play any style and George can as well. They both had a distinct sound but could merry any style for full favor.

[@ronmounts8075]

I could listen to these guys for days on end!!!! People dont play like this anymore!!!!!!

[@mwooly1]

Yeah, that was very smooth, 2 masters in their own styles, ummmmm sounds nice

[@chrisjohnson4165]

Sweet. This is for connoisseurs. Chet is a gentleman, and lets George Benson's guitar breathe.

[@philturner6642]

I had seen this in the past and had forgotten how good it really is.they are both just so relaxed and having a nice conversation.they don't play over each other and compliment well..

[@28noble]

I cannot tell you how many times I have watched this clip. This is what pure magic and the love of music looks like. 💫

[@sepiaseraph22]

In friendly dueling competition, true Gentlemen would never draw blood. It's about showcasing the height of the art & the love of the instrument. Which they both seemingly understood.

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

Mosiah Saalin Amen. They were talking with one another. 😊

[@tomcoryell]

No dueling here. Just mutual respect.

[@MrMjp58]

A really musical guitar duet, not just the fireworks we often get. Chet's beautiful straightforward style contrasts perfectly with George's sublime bebop/r&b licks. Martin Mull was brilliant in Sabrina..

[@dwestarkansas1]

I'm reading Chet Atkins' autobiography now but I've always been amazed at his awesome guitar playing. He was truly a musical genius! Thanks for sharing this

[@treypollard8227]

Chet is clearly showcasing George as the guitar prodigy he is...George gets only a passing mention during the introduction, but Mr. Atkins graciously lets Mr. Benson have the ride and makes no special effort in overshadowing him. Everyone watching this (including myself) probably expected Chet to smoke this thing during a second lead ride and it never happens. A truly touching moment given the atmosphere of this period in time. I was moved by it. There is ear candy in every section of this performance. Wowz.

[@RicoJazz]

They are both in a superior state of mind. Music, art and the vibe comes first! Each complementing on the other's unique style, no egos in play here. And they come together during the romantic parts of the theme, meaning to tell the story together...

[@troysanders7775]

Neither Chet or any other guitarist could have "over-shadowed" George.

[@DavePentecost]

Gonna crash in here. Enjoyed this but sorry, George had some tasty licks but as always, too many notes, scale runs not phrases. And those fast runs were not clean. Talented guy but there were many great guitarists at that time. My 2 cents. Great laid back vibe however - credit for that I think goes to Chet.

[@treypollard8227]

I can see all of those points, Dave. I would give the man props, knowing that some of things you highlighted are just inherent qualities of his preferred genre. Probably hard to shake that stuff out. ;)

[@troysanders7775]

Dave Pentecost Only a ignorant person would claim that George always plays "too many notes". What rule is there that says one cannot play a combination of scales and phrases will you share it with us? Fast runs were not clean? Can we hear you play an example of a fast clean run? You are very narrow minded person when it comes to the guitar as are others that make such asinine comments regarding George's playing.

[@Liwwie]

Look at George, already a guitar beast, admiring Chet....

[@MakaiMauka]

And watching his fingers so they are perfectly together...

[@allanrussack2844]

Every guitarist admires Chet! If they don’t, they are lying or deaf!

[@tomkozic8505]

My two music heroes playing together. Doesn't get better

[@jared0111]

and having a great time doing so. such evident mutual respect.

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

They were literally having a great conversation. Two friends talking with one another. 😊

[@Picnuts]

Benson is why I started listening to jazz! He and Chet are truly something to behold!

[@tonygallo1104]

i Love the ending with the Maj 6/9 chords....sweet..

[@robertlaguirremusic7381]

A beautiful duet! So clean, so skillfully done. The level of respect for each really shows. Love the wink Benson gives Chet at the end. Loved hearing this.

[@JazzyZenBrotha]

Their "call and response" is fantastic. I love both of these legends!

[@TimNelson]

Benson is from another world all together. Chet is the granddaddy of guitar playing, because he showed people you could play it like a piano. George on the other hand, is truly one of the greatest guitar instrumentalists of all time. Most guitar players have no idea how he got that good. Many guitar players spend a lifetime trying to understand a fraction of what George knows. Humbling.

[@RodCorkin]

George sounds like a bedroom guitarist compared to Chet, just running up and down the scales..

[@stevek4928]

@@RodCorkin nope thats idiotic

[@RodCorkin]

@@stevek4928 you nothing about guitar

[@stevek4928]

@@RodCorkin ten four good buddy

[@robertstone1409]

"one of the greatest guitar instrumentalists of all time" with vocal chops comparable with Stevie Wonder

[@officerlawnmower]

I’m a better person having seen this.

[@mikeheaton8424]

Two masters!

[@alphonsosoosay5884]

Delightful To See Two Of My Favourite Guitarist Together. Classically Complimented One-Another.

[@stevenhendry841]

This really is quite a remarkable performance here

[@ernieenesi6260]

Totally CLASSIC..Professionalism and Musicianship at its BEST.. Thank Gentlemen.

[@davinsims679]

Beautiful playing by two great artist.

[@charold3]

Wowza. What great playing. You could make the argument that Benson is the greatest jazz player ever (sometimes I wish he sang as often as Chet did, but that's not where the real money is!), and there is little doubt that Atkins is, all in all, the greatest country player ever. The two play very well together, even if the song is not all that exciting. Nice clip! Thanks for posting.

[@dessertman1181]

I met George Benson In 2016 had a chance to sit and talk shop he is a very nice person and a Jazz Icon

[@qjarman7753]

I came here for Chet, but was blown away by George

[@joannebeauchamp1169]

Two of the all-time GREATS...Chet and George. It doesn’t get any better than these two guys!

[@mnr146]

great music!

[@lee95757]

Benson is on a level that most guitar players only dream about. I still don't understand how he could get that good. Chet was a guitar player's guitar player. No matter what he played you had to stop and listen. I've never seen Benson play country so thanks for uploading.

[@soofitnsexy]

u still never saw Benson play country....George was smoking some amazing bluesy jazz licks...and Chet as always was justPURE GOLD

[@Jplent1]

Chet is playing country. George is playing jazz.

[@jamescarter8699]

lee95757 All Black Jazz guitarist borrowed from Grant Greene and Wes Montgomery ,George benson included. George just progreesed to the next level like the other smooth Jazz guitarist.

[@MrNewktrane]

@@jamescarter8699 GB absorbed all the great axe players before him - in addition to Wes & especially Grant. In terms of speed & technique he did indeed took things to a whole other level. And the fact that he didn't start learning to play improvised music till he was about 21 yrs old in Bro. Jack McDuff's band is even more remarkable.

[@SanMaiero]

You can’t compare bensons playing

[@theloganbachman07]

Can’t believe I didn’t find this gem until now!

[@emgee3057]

Two of the Best Guitarists EVER . And both seemingly really good guys as well. Inspiring. Chet didn't put the pedal to the metal .....and let George do his thing..Beautiful stuff.

[@kckennedy55]

I love this. Two different styles coming together. Two of the best in those styles. Appreciate it for what it is gentlemen...Excellent guitar playing. Everything is not a competition, so stop trying to make it one!

[@actionoriented]

Literal perfection - what a fabulous performance. Chet's legend speaks for itself - George deserves much more recognition than he gets, really a pleasure to see these old clips, you won't see anything remotely approaching this mastery on network TV any more.

[@gflyer45]

Great to see two of my favorite players together. It was a good blend of Chet laying down the melody, and George improvising around it.

[@CeeC.]

Benson was otherworldly 🤯

[@tuxguys]

Stupendous. This may be the single greatest musical conversation upon which I've ever been permitted to eavesdrop. And look at their faces: Look how utterly pleased they both are to get to do this. (And all of this musical brilliance on a 4-chord Kris Kristofferson tune, imagine that.)

[@4horizonseyegalloway69]

Well put sir

[@Picnuts]

I wish I could give you 50 likes. So true "look at their faces"

[@Picnuts]

I didn't even realize it was a Kriss Christopherson song. wow

[@stevefeatherston4977]

Absolutely loved this. They obviously admire and enjoy playing with each other. Chet’s understated and incredibly smooth lines allowing George to just soar …

[@johnhrock1009]

Nice tasteful melodic guitar playing, love how they played the harmonies together.

[@paulmartin5544]

The Godfather of modern jazz guitar,

[@Magoover1]

What a sweet ride.

[@TheMoose819]

This was a beautiful collaboration! 2 Excellent guitar players in their own right!

[@joe22589]

wow. My expectations were very high - but they delivered twice as much

[@rickmcrae7431]

Two of my all time favorites. Chet is so smooth and tasteful and means every note plays. George is a blues/jazz master with so much soul. Love the tune choice too.

[@ryancorbitt]

I hope this is what heaven will be like.

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

They are having a great conversation. 😊

[@MR.HandyANDY]

That was great. Thanks.

[@SpaceGhost67]

Masterclass in session.

[@PFB1994]

and they make it look effortless. Amazing.

[@jthepickle7]

How the Master let the young man shine!

[@f.lemafa9968]

Beautiful.

[@larrylawson2912]

I began to learn to play guitar about six months after I first saw the Beatles on Ed's show. I was into rock and roll, but I was very cognizant of the many brilliant jazz and country guitar players and I watched them on tv whenever I could to learn from them. Chet Atkins was an extraordinarily gifted player. He was mesmerizing to watch. I went with my parents to a couple of concerts he was featured in and left amazed at what I'd just seen. RIP, Mr. Atkins. You were a one of a kind master or your instrument.

[@berryj.greene7090]

Supernatural guitar ability. Another privilege to see and admire. I was born into the right time. Always there Chet's hand on it somewhere making it happen so good. My I miss him. Well played indeed Mr Benson.

[@robinjames29]

so much respect and love

[@86lanzo]

This put a smile on my face from start to finish

[@hawkmoon4]

two greats together! Doesn't get much better than this!

[@1998XBOX]

this is very calm and sweet music right here.

[@dman2188]

Even non guitarists must recognize this as brilliance

[@rondy702]

WOW now that put a smile on my face....neither one stepping on the other or trying to "OUTDO" the other!

[@sizwendlanzi8181]

This has to be thee beautiful conversation I've ever heard!

[@glengilbert5665]

Hard to believe there were quite a few 'purist' country folks out there who didn't like Chet's affection for jazz.

[@ronpaulrevered]

Lame. Chet should have played more jazz.

[@ficheye00]

@@ronpaulrevered - Exactly. I recently started a focus on Jerry Reed and he would also play some jazz things in his tunes.

[@shellybellysf3911]

Exactly and that is a shame.

[@mademepickaname]

Guitarmanship at its finest.

[@gtrmain]

The incredible George Benson can turn any piece of music into a great blues. Chet, masterful and influential in his own right, is gracious as usual and enjoying the moment.

[@ChristianBazundama2]

Even beside the Masters of Country, Uncle Benson excels. Very courteous and beautiful duo 👏 👏 👍

[@076657]

Christian Bazundama a duo with also a drummer a bassist and keyboards lol

[@ChristianBazundama2]

@@076657 Right

[@vanguard4065]

George is so musical

[@joshweigel1131]

What a performance. A master class in so many ways

[@joshweigel1131]

haha was about to post this again

[@JackTheSkunk]

I heard that Chet and George recorded an album's worth of tunes but their record labels could not come to an agreement so it was shelved. I wonder if the master tapes even exist. Two masters in their respective fields.

[@mykeadaptiv5828]

Two greats and fantastically versatile players!

[@VeechMobil]

The mutual adoration is incredible. Love this duo!

[@sstann56]

two masters of their instruments !! beautifully done !! bravo

[@hazensweeney5633]

THESE TWO ARE GREAT TOGETHER !

[@josemolina959]

No matter how many times I watch this video, I always find something new by these two giants of the guitar!

[@bobsaturday4273]

I'm a jazz lover of many years but sometimes theres just a bit too much noodling and the melody gets lost leaving many listeners out of the performance . Chet was great at keeping it grounded and making sure it didn't get too jazzy for most folks . We can hear how his arrangement spotlights the best of George as his pop career is unfolding , highlighting his technical skills yet keeping it palatable for the general public

[@davidr3789]

George Benson's tone is beautiful.

[@RicardoSiah]

Smooth as Butter 👌

[@ronpaulrevered]

This is going into my favorites for sure.

[@mrbelton1871]

I wish this music never ends...

[@johnwattdotca]

I spent time backstage with Mr. George Benson after he had won Downbeat Magazines' Jazz Guitarist of the Year, five years in a row. George is so nice, stopping to let Chet take himself into the verse, laying back as he carries the melody. I'm glad I saw Mr. George Benson live back then, because he had a comedy routine he carries into his music that I might not understand, just listening to the albums. When I talked about having a Strat and Marshall with effects, this being 1970, Mr. Benson knew all about feedback and volume techniques, and I'm still surprised he's never done that himself. Oh yeah! He stood up and started singing songs and became a global superstar! I didn't see that coming.

[@sstann56]

brilliant !!

[@albertomacanim4661]

A very clean to hear

[@RickMcCargar]

Oh, that was absolutely lovely.

[@michaelstone7514]

These guys can play!!

[@dilpher]

Beautiful music from those two

[@nestresidence4522]

OMG . . . . Is this heaven on earth ? Are those two the angels ?