George Benson- Breezin ((top)) Full Album Zip Jun 2026

This Leon Russell cover changed everything. Here, Benson sings for the first time on the album. His smooth, understated tenor tells a story of fading love. The song won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1977. Interestingly, Benson initially did not want to include vocals, fearing it would alienate his jazz fans. Instead, it became his signature song.

Released in 1976, "Breezin'" marked a pivotal moment in George Benson's career. This album was his breakthrough, catapulting him to international stardom and cementing his status as a guitar legend. Recorded with a stellar ensemble, including pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Bennie McRae, and drummer Jack DeJohnette, "Breezin'" boasts an unforgettable blend of jazz, R&B, and pop.

: It earned multiple honors at the 19th Annual Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for "This Masquerade" and Best Pop Instrumental Performance .

But legacy carries a price. Smooth jazz would eventually calcify into formula—saxophonists playing vapid melodies over programmed drums. Benson himself spent years distancing his later output from the Breezin’ template, returning to organ-trio grit on albums like Tenderly (1989) and Guitar Man (2011). In a 2015 interview, he admitted, “I didn’t want to be known only as the ‘Breezin’’ guy.” Yet time has been kind. Today, the album sounds less like a sellout than a master class in timbre and taste—a guitarist so confident in his voice that he could play half-notes and conquer the world. George Benson- Breezin Full Album Zip

George Benson 's 1976 album, Breezin' , is a landmark, multi-Platinum masterpiece that redefined jazz fusion by blending technical proficiency with accessible pop and R&B sensibilities. It features the iconic Grammy-winning track "This Masquerade" and cemented Benson's status as both a virtuoso guitarist and a soul-stirring vocalist. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Share public link

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"Breezin'" features an iconic, breezy guitar hook. This Leon Russell cover changed everything

Co-written by Benson and Ronnie Foster, Lady closes the album on a high note. It is another instrumental that balances sophistication with funk. The bass line by Stanley Banks is deceptively simple but locks the pocket perfectly.

didn't just top the charts—it redefined them. This triple-platinum masterpiece was an unprecedented crossover success, becoming the first album to hit #1 on the Billboard Jazz, Pop, and R&B charts simultaneously. bestofjazz.org

Experience the timeless jazz legacy of George Benson with Breezin' , an album that continues to breathe new life into the music world. The song won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1977

Before 1976, George Benson was primarily known as a formidable jazz guitarist in the vein of Wes Montgomery. Breezin’ marked his debut on and signaled a shift toward a more polished, accessible sound produced by the legendary Tommy LiPuma . The album’s impact was historic:

"Breezin'" is George Benson's 12th studio album and one of his most popular works. The album features a mix of jazz, R&B, and soul, showcasing Benson's virtuosic guitar playing and smooth vocals. The album was a commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and #11 on the Billboard 200 chart.