He certainly is, and has been for 50+ years. When he came out w/Breezin’ in the 70’s he probably multiplied his income 2000 times. Before that, he was a bar-band jazz player in the “chitlin” circuit and nobody ever knew he could sing, and sing very well.
He also played on some Sinatra sessions in the early 60’s.
The really odd thing is, for me, when I watch YT videos of him playing (and I play guitar) it doesn’t at all look like his hands are playing the notes that are coming out.
“When he came out w/Breezin’ in the 70’s he probably multiplied his income 2000 times. Before that, he was a bar-band jazz player in the “chitlin” circuit and nobody ever knew he could sing, and sing very well.”
I read in Ted Templeman’s bio that he and Tommy LiPuma “discovered” Benson singing when they randomly stopped at a club outside San Francisco. I was fortunate to see him live when he was touring behind “Breezin”. I’m a life-long guitar player and I’ve seen many of the greats...his dexterity and phrasing were dazzling.