May 11 | George Benson
May 11, 2026
Davies Symphony Hall
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The most celebrated living jazz guitarist, a 10-time GRAMMY winner, and a 2009 NEA Jazz Master, the legendary George Benson makes his SFJAZZ debut with this performance at Davies Symphony Hall.
A prodigiously gifted musician, the Pittsburgh native made his recorded debut for RCA Victor at the tender age of eleven and learned the jazz vocabulary during his formative years with soul-jazz organist Brother Jack McDuff, who brought the guitarist to worldwide attention.
Benson’s 1964 Prestige debut The New Boss Guitar of George Benson established him as a virtuoso instrumentalist and vital new voice in jazz, setting the stage for a remarkable series of releases that effortlessly bridge jazz, soul, and pop.
On the heels of his era-defining procession of masterful recordings for producer Creed Taylor’s CTI imprint, Benson’s 1976 Warner Brothers album Breezin’ was a worldwide smash, hitting #1 on Billboard’s jazz, pop, and R&B charts on the strength of Bobby Womack’s timeless title track and a cover of Leon Russell’s “This Masquerade,” which earned a GRAMMY for Record of the Year. Breezin’ was the first jazz album to attain platinum status with sales of over one million copies.
As a pop crossover giant, Benson followed up Breezin’ with a succession of hits including his wildly popular cover of “On Broadway” and the Quincy Jones-produced Give Me the Night.
His power and musicality undiminished at age 82, Benson makes his debut at SFJAZZ with a wide-ranging night of music from his incomparable career.
The most celebrated living jazz guitarist, a 10-time GRAMMY winner, and a 2009 NEA Jazz Master, the legendary George Benson makes his SFJAZZ debut with this exclusive performance at Davies Symphony Hall.
One of the greatest guitarists the jazz world has ever known
marcus miller on george benson
One of the greatest guitarists the jazz world has ever known
marcus miller on george benson
Personnel
George Benson guitar
Others TBA
Benson is a wonder of vivacious, nimble guitar work
The Guardian
Personnel
George Benson guitar
Others TBA
Benson is a wonder of vivacious, nimble guitar work
The Guardian
Watch & Listen
George Benson
Breezin'
George Benson
Give Me The Night
George Benson
Breezin'
George Benson
Give Me The Night