UPDATE (4/26/24): Having earlier announced his return to the Warner Music Group, Grammy-winning jazz guitarist-vocalist George Benson is now revealing the release date for his long-lost album Dreams Do Come True: When George Benson Meets Robert Farnon. Available on CD, LP, and all digital and streaming platforms from Rhino on June 14 (pre-order HERE), the 11-track orchestral project features covers of American standards (“Autumn Leaves,” “At Last”) and pop classics (The Beatles’ “Yesterday,” Leon Russell’s “A Song for You”). It was Russell’s “This Masquerade” that gave Benson his first major hit and a Grammy for record of the year.
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Benson and composer-arranger Robert Farnon originally recorded Dreams Do Come True: When George Benson Meets Robert Farnon 35 years ago under the guidance of Grammy-winning engineer Al Schmitt. For the album’s newly remastered version, Benson tapped Grammy-winning pianist, composer and arranger Randy Waldman as his co-producer.
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In a statement announcing his new Dreams release, Benson commented, “After finding this long-lost treasure of music, I employed my genius friend, Randy Waldman, to help me bring it back to life. Mission accomplished.”
ORIGINAL STORY (3/26/24):
Multiple Grammy-winning jazz guitarist-vocalist George Benson is rejoining the Warner Music Group (WMG). In addition to new music arriving later this year, the legendary artist and WMG are celebrating the reunion with a previously unreleased video featuring Benson in a live performance of the track “Lady Blue” in the late ‘70s.
Benson was already a renowned jazz guitarist when he made his mainstream breakthrough in 1976 with his Warner Bros. Records debut album Breezin’. Propelled by the top 10 crossover hit “This Masquerade,” the album topped the jazz, R&B and pop charts. It’s since become one of the top-selling jazz albums of all time having been certified triple platinum.
“When I joined WB Records the first time, it caused an explosion in my career as a musician and quest to become a singer,” said Benson in a press release. “The exposure from that union has given me a life that I never imagined. Nothing but good has come from this partnership and today the inspiration continues on.”
Added Kevin Gore, president of Warner Music Global Catalog and Arts Music, “I am thrilled to welcome back the legendary George Benson to the Warner Music family. With his unparalleled guitar skills and soulful voice, Mr. Benson continues to mesmerize audiences across generations. We are privileged to be a part of his journey again and honored to work with such a gifted artist with an extraordinary musical legacy.”
Benson recorded 12 albums for Warner between 1979 and 1993. Those projects include three more platinum-certified projects: 1977’s In Flight, 1978’s live album Weekend in L.A. and 1980’s Quincy Jones-produced Give Me the Night. Benson also counts several gold albums, among them: 1979’s Livin’ Inside Your Love, 1983’s In Your Eyes and 1985’s 20/20.
Out of 25 Grammy nominations, Benson has won 10 awards. His first two came in tandem with the aforementioned Breezin’ album, which claimed best pop instrumental performance, while “This Masquerade” won record of the year.
Benson is set to perform at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 18. Watch his live performance of “Lady Blue” on the official Rhino YouTube channel.
