Benson: The Autobiography
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
Flip to back
Flip to front
Benson: The Autobiography Hardcover – August 26, 2014
$18.92
FREE Shipping on orders over $35.
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Gift-wrap available.
NO_CONTENT_IN_FEATURE
Start reading Benson: The Autobiography on your Kindle in under a minute.
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?.
|
Editorial Reviews
Review
"George Benson has quite a story to tell, and I'm sure his life will be an inspiration to many. He's a formidable talent as a guitarist and singer, and the stories surrounding his rise to fame are quite intriguing."—Herbie Hancock
"For as long as I've known him—and we're talking over forty years—George Benson has demonstrated an uncanny ability to tell beautiful, exciting, interesting, musical stories with both his guitar and his singing, so it's no surprise that Benson: The Autobiography—a book that's been a long time coming—is full of beautiful, exciting, interesting, musical stories. To paraphrase George himself, this book will put you over the moon!"—Quincy Jones
"Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, entertainer: George Benson truly is a man of a thousand talents, each more wonderful than the last. And now you can add author to the list."—Al Jarreau
"The funny, colorful stories in George's wonderful memoir made me want to go and play some guitar and bass songs with him, just like in the old days."—Ron Carter
No Echo
“A perfect gift for the jazzbo in your life.”
The New York City Jazz Record, October 2014
“This is a breezy tome that reads with the elegant ease and straightforward earnestness of one of its author’s soulful guitar solos. Unsurprisingly, the jazz world’s best-known crossover artist presents his life story in an accessible, conversational manner akin to the relaxed delivery of his many Grammy Award-garnering vocalizations…insightful…entertaining….Benson: The Autobiography is fun from start to finish.”
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 9/28/14
“One might have expected Mr. Benson to focus primarily on his decades of stardom, touching only briefly on his roots. Fortunately for jazz and for Pittsburgh, it’s the other way around.”
"For as long as I've known him—and we're talking over forty years—George Benson has demonstrated an uncanny ability to tell beautiful, exciting, interesting, musical stories with both his guitar and his singing, so it's no surprise that Benson: The Autobiography—a book that's been a long time coming—is full of beautiful, exciting, interesting, musical stories. To paraphrase George himself, this book will put you over the moon!"—Quincy Jones
"Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, entertainer: George Benson truly is a man of a thousand talents, each more wonderful than the last. And now you can add author to the list."—Al Jarreau
"The funny, colorful stories in George's wonderful memoir made me want to go and play some guitar and bass songs with him, just like in the old days."—Ron Carter
No Echo
“A perfect gift for the jazzbo in your life.”
The New York City Jazz Record, October 2014
“This is a breezy tome that reads with the elegant ease and straightforward earnestness of one of its author’s soulful guitar solos. Unsurprisingly, the jazz world’s best-known crossover artist presents his life story in an accessible, conversational manner akin to the relaxed delivery of his many Grammy Award-garnering vocalizations…insightful…entertaining….Benson: The Autobiography is fun from start to finish.”
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 9/28/14
“One might have expected Mr. Benson to focus primarily on his decades of stardom, touching only briefly on his roots. Fortunately for jazz and for Pittsburgh, it’s the other way around.”
About the Author
George Benson, a ten-time Grammy Award-winner and National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master, is one of the three bestselling jazz artists of all time. He lives in Arizona with his wife, Johnnie.
www.GeorgeBenson.com
Twitter: @GBguitar
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GeorgeBenson
Alan Goldsher is a music and culture writer and the author of eleven books. His music journalism has appeared in Bass Player and Guitar Player, and his sportswriting has been featured in ESPN The Magazine, ESPN.com, NBA.com, and ChicagoBulls.com. He lives in Chicago.
www.AlanGoldsher.com
www.GeorgeBenson.com
Twitter: @GBguitar
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GeorgeBenson
Alan Goldsher is a music and culture writer and the author of eleven books. His music journalism has appeared in Bass Player and Guitar Player, and his sportswriting has been featured in ESPN The Magazine, ESPN.com, NBA.com, and ChicagoBulls.com. He lives in Chicago.
www.AlanGoldsher.com
More About the Author
Alan Goldsher is the author of ten novels, including "Paul Is Undead: The British Zombie Invasion" (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster), "A Game of Groans" (St. Martin's Press/Thomas Dunne Books, as George R.R. Washington), and "My Favorite Fangs: The Story of the von Trapp Family Vampires" (St. Martin's Press/Thomas Dunne Books). Written as A.M. Goldsher, his chicklit books "The True Naomi Story," "Reality Check," "Today's Special," and "No Ordinary Girl" were released by Little Black Dress Books in the U.K. and Marabout in France between 2008-2011. His non-fiction titles include "Hard Bop Academy: The Sidemen of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers" and "Modest Mouse: A Pretty Good Read."
As a ghostwriter, Alan has collaborated on projects with numerous celebrities and public figures, including actor/comedian Kevin Pollak ("A Few Good Men," "The Usual Suspects"), film director Tobe Hooper ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"), Chef Stephanie Izard, and jazz guitarist/vocalist George Benson.
His music journalism has appeared in Bass Player and Guitar Player, and his sportswriting has been seen in ESPN The Magazine, ESPN.com, NBA.com, and ChicagoBulls.com. He also reviews books for Kirkus.
During his 10-plus years as a professional bassist, Goldsher recorded with Janet Jackson, Cypress Hill, and Naughty by Nature; toured the world with Digable Planets; and performed at the 1994 Grammy Awards.
Alan lives and writes in Chicago. Visit him at http://www.AlanGoldsher.com.
As a ghostwriter, Alan has collaborated on projects with numerous celebrities and public figures, including actor/comedian Kevin Pollak ("A Few Good Men," "The Usual Suspects"), film director Tobe Hooper ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"), Chef Stephanie Izard, and jazz guitarist/vocalist George Benson.
His music journalism has appeared in Bass Player and Guitar Player, and his sportswriting has been seen in ESPN The Magazine, ESPN.com, NBA.com, and ChicagoBulls.com. He also reviews books for Kirkus.
During his 10-plus years as a professional bassist, Goldsher recorded with Janet Jackson, Cypress Hill, and Naughty by Nature; toured the world with Digable Planets; and performed at the 1994 Grammy Awards.
Alan lives and writes in Chicago. Visit him at http://www.AlanGoldsher.com.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By
Fred68
on August 20, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Verified Purchase
Comment
Sending feedback...
I eagerly awaited the release of George's autobiography, and it was an enjoyable read. Why only three stars? At just over two hundred pages (with fairly large type), it is simply too brief. George is a good storyteller, and sixty percent of the narrative concerns his career from 1963 through 1979, the part of his story that I was most interested in learning more about. He could have easily doubled the number of pages devoted to it. So while I recommend this book, I do have to say that I went away wanting much more.
Also, this is the story of George Benson's musical life, not his personal one. If you want to read about many of the baaaaad cats he has played with, you will find it here. If you are more interested in his family life, etcetera, you won't.
Also, this is the story of George Benson's musical life, not his personal one. If you want to read about many of the baaaaad cats he has played with, you will find it here. If you are more interested in his family life, etcetera, you won't.
Thank you for your feedback.
If this review is inappropriate, please let us know.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By
mistermaxxx08
HALL OF FAME on August 24, 2014
Format: Hardcover
2 Comments
Sending feedback...
it was slightly better than average however it didn't begin to touch on so much of his life. and it mainly went into the part of his life when he after so many albums. truly crossed over. back in the day for a jazz act to also cut Pop records and hit was something else. long before Kenny G,George Benson danced that tight rope of being an accessible Instrumentalist artist. the book i feel is missing some snap,crackle and pop beyond a time period.
Thank you for your feedback.
If this review is inappropriate, please let us know.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
By
Stuart Jefferson
TOP 100 REVIEWER on September 18, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Comment
Sending feedback...
This is the first real look at Benson and jazz and it's a good start as far as it goes. It reads like you're having a relaxed conversation with Benson as he reminisces about various musicians, gigs, and other things he's seen and heard across his life in music. But to often he stops short of really talking in-depth about a particular subject (musician, music, gig, etc,) and begins another train of thought. This book could've been twice the number of pages with Benson relating stories and observations about jazz in general from his many years in music, and would've been that much better.
''This is a (mostly) chronological look at Benson, his music, and other jazz musicians. And those three areas deserve much more depth than what's here. And while the book is an enjoyable, interesting, and (sometimes) informative read, too often you're left wishing Benson would continue talking about this musician, this particular tune, or that gig. He touches on all these areas but (at least for me, a jazz/Benson guitar fan) I was continually frustrated that he didn't go further. It's obvious he has seen and heard, and played a great deal throughout his many years of gigging around the world--from small clubs to large stages--and as jazz fans we deserve more of his insights and observations. Included is a section of b&w photos that help add some depth to the text which is a plus.
If you're a Benson/jazz fan-- read this book--it's worthwhile. Just don't expect an in-depth, insightful look at both Benson and jazz. This is more like a "teaser". It whets your appetite for more, but Benson keeps much to much to himself about his career and jazz in general. Someone needs to write a definitive book on Benson, his music, the many musicians he's come in contact with, and the era. A musician of Benson's stature surely deserves it.
''This is a (mostly) chronological look at Benson, his music, and other jazz musicians. And those three areas deserve much more depth than what's here. And while the book is an enjoyable, interesting, and (sometimes) informative read, too often you're left wishing Benson would continue talking about this musician, this particular tune, or that gig. He touches on all these areas but (at least for me, a jazz/Benson guitar fan) I was continually frustrated that he didn't go further. It's obvious he has seen and heard, and played a great deal throughout his many years of gigging around the world--from small clubs to large stages--and as jazz fans we deserve more of his insights and observations. Included is a section of b&w photos that help add some depth to the text which is a plus.
If you're a Benson/jazz fan-- read this book--it's worthwhile. Just don't expect an in-depth, insightful look at both Benson and jazz. This is more like a "teaser". It whets your appetite for more, but Benson keeps much to much to himself about his career and jazz in general. Someone needs to write a definitive book on Benson, his music, the many musicians he's come in contact with, and the era. A musician of Benson's stature surely deserves it.
Thank you for your feedback.
If this review is inappropriate, please let us know.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By
SLG
on August 26, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Comment
Sending feedback...
I've been a rabid fan of this amazing musician since I was a kid. I frequently attend his concerts, but didn't know a lot about his life as a kid. I enjoyed learning more about this mysterious master of guitar.
Thank you for your feedback.
If this review is inappropriate, please let us know.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By
Clyde Davis
on August 18, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Verified Purchase
Comment
Sending feedback...
I find this book to be a superb offering and extremely well done. Since George and I are from the same hometown and area in Pittsburgh, Pa., I also find many very good memories in "BENSON".
Thank you for your feedback.
If this review is inappropriate, please let us know.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
By
Vincent V. Kowski
on September 16, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Verified Purchase
Comment
Sending feedback...
A friend of mine turned me on to George Benson when I was 18 the year his White Rabbit album came out. That record completely blew my mind. That day I walked away from Rock & Roll. George Benson is the reason I am a jazz guitarist to this day. I have spent my whole life trying to be half the guitar player that George is. Been to countless GB concerts and always walk away completely blown away. George is a super hero to me. I loved his book. I read it in 2 days. I could not put it down. I wish it was 2,000 pages instead of 200 but still a fantastic read. George is one of the last walking history books on jazz artists of the past. He tells his musical story in that wonderful 60's jazz lingo that makes it a joy to read. George worked with some pretty nasty cats in his career but always finds a way to say something positive about them. George is a very Godly man and I have found that all the greatest musicians have a close walk with the Lord. I meet Barney Kessel once and asked him how I could get better playing guitar and he told me to get close to God. The Lord certainly gave the world a great gift by the name of George Benson. If you are a George Benson fan (who isn't) get this book !!!! It is a real fun read. Thank you so much Mr.Benson.
Thank you for your feedback.
If this review is inappropriate, please let us know.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By
Jackson65
on August 26, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Verified Purchase
Comment
Sending feedback...
Such an inspiring story/life. His bro Reggie and Malik Din gotta be lovin this. Not only a great musician, but a fabulous family. Man. I'm so proud to have met him.
Thank you for your feedback.
If this review is inappropriate, please let us know.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
By
troy model
on September 20, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Comment
Sending feedback...
When I took my first guitar lesson as a teen my teacher told me to go out and buy some jazz, George Benson and Weather Report stood out in his suggestions. I went out to the record store and bought 'Beyond the Blue Horizon'. The album was and is one of my all time favorites. Benson became and remained my favorite Jazz musician. I loved every word of the book. My favorite story was when Miles called him up and asked him what he thought about when he was soloing. Great question, been wondering that myself for a long time. This book gave a whole other perspective on GB and the experiences that led him to be the great guitar player and musician that he is.
This book reminds me when I was a kid and I went to see George many many times between release of the Breezin album and 'Weekend in LA'; I never wanted the concerts to end and now I wish I was still reading the book. Easily GB could have added more stories about music, music analysis, improvising examples, family and personal life as others have mentioned. That being said don't miss this book it's wonderful.. I also recommend Quincy Jones book if you like this!
This book reminds me when I was a kid and I went to see George many many times between release of the Breezin album and 'Weekend in LA'; I never wanted the concerts to end and now I wish I was still reading the book. Easily GB could have added more stories about music, music analysis, improvising examples, family and personal life as others have mentioned. That being said don't miss this book it's wonderful.. I also recommend Quincy Jones book if you like this!
Thank you for your feedback.
If this review is inappropriate, please let us know.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Most Recent Customer Reviews
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
