Q & A With George Benson

Singer/guitarist George Benson is the subject of a two-CD Rhino collection. Spanning this versatile artist's entire career, The George Benson Anthology includes such hits as "Breezin'," "This Masquerade," "On Broadway," and "Turn Your Love Around." George played L.A.'s Greek Theater recently, and we had the opportunity to pose a few questions to him. Here's what the man had to say...

Rhino's Question: Let's talk pop culture. Tell us what album you insist that all your friends get.

George Benson's Answer: Just Friends by Charlie Parker.

Q: What's your favorite "Saturday-afternoon" record?

A: Anything by the violinist Fritz Kriesler.

Q: What was the last record you listened to and what did you think of it?

A: Vincent Amigo's. Being in more tune than ever with flamenco guitar, this recording is a fresh new work for my collection.

Q: Who are some of your musical heroes?

A: Nat King Cole, Charlie Parker, Django Reinhardt, John Coltrane, Grant Greene, and Wes Montgomery.

Q: Tell us about life in the entertainment biz...

A: The music business is always exciting -- never boring. It keeps me on my musical toes. It gives me much joy in meeting new friends and challenges me to bring them as an audience to their feet every night.

Q: Do you use your work to escape yourself or explore yourself?

A: Definitely to explore myself.

Q: What has been the most thrilling moment of your career so far?

A: The 1976 GRAMMY Awards where I received Record Of The Year.

Q: What was the first thing you bought when you got your first check from playing music?

A: A cap pistol -- that's how young I was!

Q: Tell us about your life in general. Who did you want to be when you grew up?

A: Nat King Cole.

Q: What accomplishment are you proudest of?

A: Introducing new artists to the music business such as Earl Klugh, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Mark Whitfield.

Q: If you had a time machine, where (or more acurately "when") would you go to first, and what would you hope to see there?

A: To the 1940's where I could try to catch up with Art Tatum.

Q: What is your greatest joy in life?

A: Being a baptised minister which enables me to show others Biblical truths.