prodigy, Benson first
came to prominence in the 196os, playing soul jazz with
Jack McDuff and others. He then launched a successful
solo career, alternating between jazz ... straight-ahead instrumental jazz during a relationship performing for several
years with organist Jack McDuff. One of his many early guitar heroes was country-jazz
guitarist Hank Garland ... recorded his first album as leader, The New
Boss Guitar, featuring McDuff. Benson's next recording was It's Uptown with the George
Benson Quartet, including Lonnie Smith on organ