During Black History Month, we share the history of a Pittsburgh original who shaped the music of jazz and pop music for a generation. We harken back to a visit with had with Master Benson last summer, on the release of a 1989 project with arranger and conductor Robert Farnon and the London Symphony Orchestra - a project that was lost for 30 years and brought back to George after a serendipitous discovery and a semi-tractor trailer. There’s a quite a Story to all that - and also, a connection with a young Jon Bon Jovi!
We also talked with George about his time in the Hill, his experiences at Connelley Vocational High School - on Bedford Avenue, was just across the street from his house. And, George repeats his love for Pittsburgh and how important the City and his friends and connections in the Burgh were so important to him in his life, to this day. He also corrected the record of his academic record - there are documents that say he went to Schenley High, but it was Connelley - and it was 27 years after leaving that he finally got his diploma!
The Scene - an hourlong radio show - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM
Scott Hanley and George Benson, 1996, credit Robert Bowman
George Benson’s first release as a leader, 1964
Rick Beato has created a wildly successful YouTube channel which has brought a fresh look to pop music in the modern world - and also exposed many people to the important of jazz as a part of the American musical experience. He’s a fine guitarist and teacher, and an especially good interviewer of people in music - with some great visits with Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny and - George Benson!