George Benson Net Worth is a topic of interest for many fans and music enthusiasts. Benson, a highly respected American jazz fusion guitarist, singer, and songwriter, boasts a net worth of approximately $5 million. Known as a former child prodigy, George Benson’s journey began early; he started his professional music career at just 19. With a natural inclination towards the jazz guitar, he gained prominence in the 1960s, playing soul jazz alongside organist Jack McDuff. This was the beginning of his successful solo career, which saw him transition seamlessly between jazz, pop, R&B, and scat singing.
Among Benson’s significant accomplishments is his triple-platinum album ‘Breezin’,’ which topped the ‘Billboard’ album chart in 1976. His performances attracted massive audiences throughout the 1980s, and his fan base remains substantial. From 1964 to 2013, George Benson released 36 albums, won 10 Grammy Awards, and even earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, underscoring his remarkable influence in the music industry.
What is George Benson net worth?
| Name | George Benson |
|---|---|
| Category: | Richest Celebrities › Rock Stars |
| Net Worth: | $5 Million |
| Birthdate: | Mar 22, 1943 (81 years old) |
| Birthplace: | Pittsburgh |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Guitarist |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born George Washington Benson on March 22, 1943, in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, he began playing the ukulele at seven and quickly moved to guitar by eight. By nine, he was already recording music. Two tracks, ‘She Makes Me Mad’ and ‘It Should Have Been Me,’ were released with RCA Victor in New York. Benson attended Schenley High School and, thanks to his collaboration with organist Jack McDuff, mastered instrumental jazz. At 21, he recorded ‘The New Boss Guitar,’ his debut album featuring McDuff, followed by releases like ‘It’s Uptown’ and ‘The George Benson Cookbook.’
In the mid-1960s, Benson collaborated with Miles Davis before joining Verve Records. Signing with Creed Taylor’s CTI Records, he recorded numerous albums with notable jazz musicians. His 1974 album, ‘Bad Benson,’ was a major success, topping the ‘Billboard’ jazz chart. Subsequent albums like ‘Good King Bad’ and ‘Benson & Farrell’ also achieved high jazz sales rankings. During this era, Benson reinterpreted The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ and covered Jefferson Airplane’s ‘White Rabbit,’ while contributing to sessions for CTI artists like Stanley Turrentine and Freddie Hubbard.
Breakthrough Years (1970s and 80s)
By the late 1970s, Benson earned a fresh audience under Warner Bros. Records. His 1976 album ‘Breezin» included the hit ‘This Masquerade,’ featuring his vocals and Jorge Dalto’s piano intro. This track became a pop hit, earning a Grammy for Record of the Year.
In 1976, Benson toured with Minnie Riperton, providing guitar and backup vocals for Stevie Wonder’s ‘Another Star.’ The following year, he recorded ‘The Greatest Love for All’ for Muhammad Ali’s biopic ‘The Greatest.’ In 1978, his live rendition of ‘On Broadway’ from his album ‘Weekend in L.A.’ also garnered a Grammy.
Benson’s pop success was solidified with the album ‘Give Me The Night,’ produced by Quincy Jones and released under Qwest. The title track hit the top ten in pop and R&B categories. He later released singles like ‘Kisses in the Moonlight,’ ‘Love All the Hurt Away,’ and ‘Turn Your Love Around.’ His vocal albums of the 1990s drew influence from artists such as Donny Hathaway, Ray Charles, and Nat King Cole.
1990s to Present
In 1990, Benson was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Berklee College of Music. In 2009, the National Endowment for the Arts named him a Jazz Master, the highest jazz honor in the US. That year, he performed at the Ohrid Summer Festival in North Macedonia and paid tribute to Nat King Cole at the Istanbul International Jazz Festival.
In late 2009, Benson recorded ‘Songs and Stories’ with producer John Burk, Marcus Miller, and musicians like Steve Lukather and David Paich. To promote the album, he appeared on shows like ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and ‘Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.’ In March 2011, he performed at the Java Jazz Festival and released ‘Guitar Man,’ revisiting his early guitar days with a 12-song collection of pop covers and jazz standards.
In June 2013, Benson released ‘Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole,’ his fourth album with Concord, featuring artists like Judith Hill, Idina Menzel, and Winton Marsalis. A few months later, he performed at Brazil’s Rock in Rio Festival, marking 35 years since his debut at the inaugural event.
In 2016, Benson served as a mentor on Sky Art’s Guitar program, searching for the top guitarist in Ireland and the UK. On July 12, 2018, he signed with Mascot Label Group. Sadly, in early 2024, George stopped international touring due to health issues, canceling his planned summer concerts in the UK.
Discography
Benson’s discography includes 36 studio albums and five live albums released through labels like A&M Records, Columbia Records, CTI Records, and more. He also has two music DVDs to his name.
Personal Life
George Benson has been married to Johnnie Lee since 1965 and practices as a Jehovah’s Witness. Together, they have seven children.
What is George Benson’s estimated net worth?
George Benson’s estimated net worth is approximately $20 million. As a renowned jazz guitarist and singer, he has had a successful career spanning over five decades, with multiple Grammy awards and hit songs. He has also earned income from touring, record sales, and endorsements. His net worth reflects his talent and longevity in the music industry
How did George Benson become so successful?
George Benson became successful through his unique blend of jazz, pop, and R&B music, his smooth vocals, and his exceptional guitar skills. He also collaborated with other successful artists and consistently released chart-topping albums. His dedication to his craft and ability to adapt to changing musical trends have solidified his place as a legendary musician in the industry
What are George Benson’s main sources of income?
George Benson’s main sources of income are his music career, including album sales, concerts, and royalties. He also earns from endorsements and sponsorships, as well as investments in real estate and other ventures. Additionally, he receives income from his role as a music educator and author
Has George Benson ever faced financial struggles?
Yes, George Benson has faced financial struggles throughout his career. Despite his success as a Grammy-winning musician, he has had to file for bankruptcy twice due to mismanagement of his finances. However, he has since recovered and continues to tour and release music. This serves as a reminder that even successful artists can face financial challenges and the importance of proper financial management
How does George Benson manage his wealth?
George Benson manages his wealth by diversifying his investments, focusing on long-term growth, and being involved in various business ventures. He also prioritizes financial education and seeks advice from trusted advisors. Additionally, he is known for his frugal lifestyle and smart spending habits, allowing him to maintain and grow his wealth over time
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