Net Worth Ranker
What Is George Benson’s Net Worth?
George Benson, a celebrated figure in jazz fusion, boasts a net worth of $5 million. This valuation reflects his successful career as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, spanning several decades. His journey from a child prodigy to a Grammy-winning artist highlights his enduring appeal and diverse talents within the music industry.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born on March 22, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, George Washington Benson’s early life laid the foundation for his future success. By age seven, he was playing the ukulele, transitioning to guitar by age eight. At just nine years old, Benson recorded tracks such as “She Makes Me Mad” and “It Should Have Been Me” with RCA Victor in New York. He attended Schenley High School, further nurturing his musical talents. His association with organist Jack McDuff significantly shaped his instrumental jazz skills. At 21, Benson released his first album, “The New Boss Guitar,” featuring McDuff. Subsequent albums like “It’s Uptown” and “The George Benson Cookbook” further solidified his presence in the jazz scene. Before signing with Verve Records, Benson worked for Miles Davis in the mid-1960s. His signing with Creed Taylor’s jazz label, CTI Records, led to numerous albums featuring popular jazz musicians. The 1974 album, “Bad Benson,” topped the “Billboard” jazz chart, demonstrating his growing popularity. Following this success, albums like “Good King Bad” and “Benson & Farrell” reached the top three in jazz sales. In 1969, George released a reinterpretation of The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” and covered Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit.” During this period, he also contributed to sessions for other CTI artists, including Stanley Turrentine and Freddie Hubbard, notably on Turrentine’s “Sugar” album. These early collaborations and solo projects were pivotal in establishing George Benson’s net worth and reputation.
Breakthrough Years: “Breezin'” and Beyond
The mid-to-late 1970s marked a significant turning point in Benson’s career as he gained a broader audience through Warner Bros. Records. His 1976 album “Breezin'” became a major hit, largely due to the track “This Masquerade,” which featured Benson’s lead vocals and Jorge Dalto’s piano intro. This song earned him a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and contributed significantly to George Benson’s net worth. “Breezin'” achieved triple-platinum certification, reaching the top spot on the “Billboard” album chart in 1976. In 1976, Benson toured with soul singer Minnie Riperton, playing guitar and providing backup vocals on Stevie Wonder’s “Another Star.” In 1978, Benson’s live performance of “On Broadway” from his album “Weekend in L.A.” earned him another Grammy. His pop breakthrough came with the album “Give Me The Night,” produced by Quincy Jones and released by Qwest. The title track entered the top ten in both the pop and R&B categories. Subsequent hit singles included “Kisses in the Moonlight,” “Love All the Hurt Away,” and “Turn Your Love Around.” These successes not only broadened his fanbase but also substantially increased George Benson’s net worth.
Later Career and Recognition
In 1990, Benson received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Berklee College of Music, underscoring his contributions to music education. In 2009, the National Endowment for the Arts honored him with the Jazz Master accolade, the highest jazz honor in the United States. That same 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 Turkey. In the fall of 2009, Benson recorded the album “Songs and Stories” with producer John Burk, Marcus Miller, and session musicians Steve Lukather and David Paich. To promote the album, Benson appeared on shows like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.” In March 2011, Benson performed at the Java Jazz Festival and released “Guitar Man” later that year, revisiting his early guitar-playing days with a 12-song collection of pop covers and jazz standards produced by John Burk. In June 2013, Benson released “Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole,” his fourth album for Concord, featuring artists like Judith Hill, Idina Menzel, and Winton Marsalis. A few months later, he returned to Brazil to perform at the Rock in Rio Festival, 35 years after his debut at the inaugural event. In 2016, Benson participated as a mentor in Sky Art’s Guitar program to find the most talented guitarist in the Republic of Ireland and the UK. On July 12, 2018, he signed with Mascot Label Group. Early in 2024, Benson ceased international touring due to ill health, canceling a series of planned summer concerts in the UK. These activities, including album releases, performances, and mentorship roles, have all contributed to George Benson’s net worth.
Discography and Musical Legacy
Benson’s discography comprises 36 original studio albums and five live albums released across various labels, including A&M Records, Columbia Records, CTI Records, Prestige Records, GRP Records, Concord Records, Warner Bros. Records, Provogue Records, and Verve Records. Additionally, he has released two music DVDs. His discography shows his consistent output and enduring impact on music, playing a pivotal role in the accumulation of George Benson’s net worth. His ten Grammy Awards further attest to his significant contributions to the music industry, enhancing his overall financial status and legacy.
Personal Life and Background
Since 1965, Benson has been married to his wife, Johnnie Lee, and they have seven children. He is a practicing Jehovah’s Witness. While his personal life remains relatively private, his long-standing marriage and family life provide a stable foundation, complementing his professional achievements. Although specific details about his real estate holdings, private aircraft, and luxury vehicles are not publicly available, his successful career and financial stability suggest a comfortable and well-managed lifestyle, which is reflected in George Benson’s net worth.
