I always knew George Benson was a successful artist. I didn’t know that he was an even more successful “human being”. Inspired…

I’ve never left a comment on a KZfaq video before, but this seems like the appropriate video to break that streak. What a phenomenal story. We could all use more stories like this, and hats off to George for making it happen!

One of the greatest guitarists of all time. For real.

I’ve met George several times and have had the opportunity to talk music with him. Everything this guy is saying about George is the honest truth. George is one of the most down to earth musicians you’ll ever meet.

Amazing Mike, on the edge of my seat the whole time. Congratulations, it definitely went to the right guy!

Hats off to George Benson that he kept his human, friendly side after all his fame and achievements! A true legend and because of this story he is even more appreciated! Thanks for the story!

I especially appreciate this story because the very last concert of my Mom's life was George Benson @ Saratoga, NY June 29, 2019 ... after being a fan of his for over 50 years, she finally got to see him and was ecstatic about it, she would love this story about what a phenomenal guy he is, thanks Mike

Dude, I saw myself in your "testimony". Thank you so much for sharing this. I meet George in São Paulo/Brazil my home town , back in 2006, where he was introduced to Toninho Horta - big friend of mine . George fell in love with Toninho's playing and came right up with the idea of recording some stuff. So Toninho called up asking me to menage all this process (hire musicians, tech guys, studio booking, all that stuff). Long story short, we cut about 8 songs and I had the privilege of playing on "Sailing" (Chris Cross beautiful ballad - my personal hint for George). Since than, we never lost contact... I spent 4 days at his Oasis in Paradise Valley and I really know how did you feel in his company. George in one of a kind. I'm sure I'll never meet anyone like him. Thank so much, bud.

I met him once about 10 years ago when I worked at Best Buy in P.V. He’s a very nice human being. I was taking his order for a laundry set and he struck up conversation and it just felt natural. After we were done he kept talking with me for about 5 minutes after we were done. Awesome story you’re sharing.

This is one of the best videos I have EVER seen. What an awesome story. And it kept getting better. Can't really put a dollar amount on that. As much as I love the new releases, gear, and other videos, this 'human element' video rocked! I actually pulled up George on Spotify and will now listen throughout the day. Man, what a killer story. HAHA Love it!!

Cool story, thanks! At the 2007 NAMM Show in Anaheim, I was sitting on a bench in the large Gretsch room trying out a guitar. The bench was in the corner facing a wall, kind of private so I could hear the guitar properly over the din of the room. I sense that someone sits next to me on the bench. I glance over see he has a guitar, but I'm concentrating on what I'm doing. I start to hear the sweetest jazz chord melody playing. So now I look over with attention and it's freakin' George Benson! He looks over (we're like 2' apart and smiles and nods while he's playing. I stop to listen and he says, "No no! Keep playing! Don't let me disturb you." So I keep noodling, keeping an ear on George. About that time, people in the room start to notice that it's him and a crowd starts to gather. He apologized and we shook hands. He gets up, put the guitar away and greets people and gives autographs and I leave. It was a really fun moment.

George Benson is legendary ...There is no other Musician like him..PURE TALENT...what a fun time for you mike

As far as I am concerned, a hero is someone who lives a life to be emulated. Your description of George sounds like he is heroic, a man to truly be celebrated, and that seems to be a very rare trait today. Thank you for sharing.

Amazing story. I'm from Pittsburgh and, while I've never met him personally, many of my loved-ones and friends of the family have. They've all raved about his benevolence, generosity, and genuine down to earth demeanor... a gentle Giant. He's been described as a "Angel on earth" figure by many. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I sat with George on two occasions and I share your sentiments totally. He's an extraordinary human being.

1985 I was working at Alex Music on W.48th Street in NYC....in walks George Benson with a friend. They were looking at P.A. systems. It was not uncommon to see celebrities in the store but I always held a special place in my heart for George Benson for a number of reasons and we're both natives of Pittsburgh to boot. Breaking protocol I went up and asked for his autograph. Just as described in this video George was as nice as could be and signed without the slightest hesitation. A very warm and sincere guy and as smokin' as a guitar player as you will ever find in any genre.

this is amazing. the world needs more people like george with his hospitality and kindness

You need to have him over to your house Mike, for a “listening session”…..

This is the most wholesome story I've heard in a while.

Gratifying to listen to a guy like this who is a master of his craft - appreciate his knowledge and passion, but he also retains the enthusiasm of someone who fell in love with something and made it a lifelong pursuit. Respect.

Fantastic, George has been guided in his life by a higher power and the fruits of the spirit, this is what makes him the wonderful person you met. Go meet Larry Graham next 😉 Would love to know if there are any unreleased or obscure pressings from his period working with Louie Vega and Kenny Dope Gonzalez (Masters at Work) under the name Nuyorican Soul.

What a great story. I’ve been a fan of his music since I was a kid….. listening from the back seat of my parents car. So smooth and melodic…. Puts me in a good mood every time.

I barely remember George Benson, but I totally loved watching your excitement and joy in getting to hang out with him.

Trying to imagine the ride with Benson singing at the wheel.....just for that, the whole trip was worth it. Can't wait to see what you have in those boxes.

Dude, this video is awesome! I was hanging on every word, smiling ear to ear thinking of how surreal and happy you must’ve felt. The video definitely has made me want to listen to George Benson. Thanks Mike!

It’s so nice to hear when a celebrity is nice and down to earth! So often it’s not like that . Makes me appreciate his albums even more. Thanks for sharing the experience. Looking forward to future videos!

This is the best story I’ve ever heard! I can’t wait to watch the rest of the videos in this series. Thanks for sharing!

This is such a great story - your genuine enthusiasm is palpable. Benson sounds like a super-sweet legend, and this will be one of your best memories ever. Thank you so much for sharing - you’re a good storyteller (no matter what Angel says)!

And that's why "Give Me The Night" wasn't issued as a MO_FI record ¡!!! Thanks for sharing all your experience. George Benson is huge down here in Brazil. He played at Rock in Rio in 1985 for more than 200 000 people and his performance was televised and watched by millions. That's how he became a household name here and his songs are still playing to this day on adult contemporary radios.

Wow, what a cool experience with a legend! And to find out a giant start like George Benson is super cool. Enjoyed the stories Mike. Look forward to seeing the collection!

I recently listened to George's interview on the DVD set of The Midnight Special. He was so thoughtful and respectful of all the artists and producers that I quackly realized he is a total class act... My only other GB story is taking a smokin' hot girl to his show at the Pier 84 in NYC during the summer of 1988. It was general admission, and somehow we got second row center. During the show I'm wondering how I'm going to try and seal the deal later that night. Right then and there a spotlight shines down directly on my date, and George sings to her... Lord knows I had zero game back then, but I knew I wouldn't get anywhere after that... and I was right.

Great story! What a class act! George Benson is one of the musicians where I will buy the album without ever needing to hear it. His CTI releases are my favorite.

What a story, Mike! I absolutely loved this video!! It's always great to meet really cool musicians you love, but to actually be able to spend that much time with them is really something. I give you praise for looking out for George's interest as well. It really sounds like he enjoyed spending time with you as much as you did with him! 👍👍👍👍👍

Wow! This video seriously ruled! Loved how detailed it is! Can’t wait to watch the rest in the series!

What a fantastic story! I really love to hear when an extremely gifted artist turns out to be great person as well. Can't wait to see more of this epic haul

Great story. I met Steve Lukathur briefly and had a surreal experience. Lukathur was very down to earth and very friendly.

What a top experience congratulations. I’ve always thought that George was underrated for his jazz work and now to find out what a great guy he is....wow. Can’t wait to see you do a shoot out video on one of his albums....with George there. Looking forward to the rest of this series 👏👏

This is a great story and you tell it so well. I'm so glad that you landed such a score, Mike -- with your knowledge and appreciation of jazz history, you deserve it -- and I'm glad George Benson sounds like such a worthy icon/hero and all-around good guy.

First time I have ever come across this channel, and I have to say it is a real gem. Mike's the kind of guy one hopes to meet when dealing in what's what in the music biz. But what I really hope is that GB watches this to realise the knock on effect of what being nice to another human being has. I, for one, feel uplifted having watched the pleasure Mike exudes. Being nice to others is the reward in itself.

Your video pop up on my KZfaq feed today. Thanks for sharing this and allowing us all to be “fan boys” for a day! Not only am I a fan of George Benson but I’m a fan of vinyl. I miss shopping for records and experiencing new artist just from visiting record shops like yours. I’m going to stop by when I’m in the area. Great work.

What an incredible experience this must have been for you, Mike. I was hanging on the edge of my seat during this entire video with a big smile on my face! 👍👍👍

I studied music in college and one my earliest memories (about 40 years ago) was meeting a fellow jazz guitar student who studied with George Benson who helped prepare him for music school when he was in high school. I thought this was the coolest thing in the world that someone my age had already studied with such a master musician. My recollection was my friend said George was approachable and down to earth and one the coolest cats on the planet. It was true then and your story confirms it’s true now! Great story and thanks for sharing!

It's great to hear what a genuine person he is! It certainly comes though in his music. Looking forward to future follow-ups once you've gotten it all sorted out.

Such a great, vivid story. That you asked George if he was OK with you sharing the experience was cool, too. I'm a long time fan of your channel and I was finally in town and able to visit The 'In' Groove last week. Awesome place. I'll be moving to Phoenix this Fall and it'll be a pleasure to be able to frequent a brick and mortar record shop run by a true music fan and aficionado!

One of the best story's l've ever heard about a wonderful man and musician. Thanks for sharing mike!

What an absolutely incredible off-the-cuff story. Just a joy to hear you recount that experience. You must have felt like a little kid meeting one of your heroes.

Wow thanks for sharing such a cool experience. I am a huge George Benson fan and it is so sweet to hear how gracious and welcoming he is to his fans and to everyone. Thanks to George, you're able to share this Jazz legend's story and now we are all touched by it. Thanks again George!! You are a true legend.

You are a great storyteller, I haven’t visited your channel often but this was in my feed and I was hooked through the end.

The feel good story I needed with all that's going on in the world. And discovered another interesting channel. Thanks Mike!

Amazing experience! I was visiting from L.A. and was in the store on Friday when you were with him. I asked for you and was told that you were out, buying a collection. I was disappointed that I didn’t get to meet you, but now that I know where you were…wow! Can’t wait to see you reveal some of the gems that you acquired.

What a great event you have shared with us. Thanks for being you, a kind humble real human being. Couldn’t ask for more. One could go a lifetime and not have such an experience. Glad you enjoyed all of it! This chapter of your videos was so good that I’ve watched it twice.

Your passion, the story, your love for music... First time I reach your channel, and let me tell you this was amazing, phenomenal!

What a super cool experience. George seems like a real class act and a fantastic musician. I love Turn Your Love Around by him. Very cool Mike! Thanks for sharing.

That's the best " I met a celebrity story" I've ever heard. Sounds like a real class act & nice to know. Might have to throw on White Rabbit today! Cheers.

I really enjoyed this video! What an awesome story about George Benson! I’m sure his collection has some gems. Looking forward to future videos about what is in the collection. I’m super glad you had an awesome experience being with him.

Back again, been thinking about this video. This is one of the coolest stories I have ever heard. Thanks so much for sharing.

Incredible story. Not entirely shocked by how nice George is. It fits with everything else I’ve heard about him. Can’t wait to see what’s in the collection.

Incredible story and it was a great idea to record it. In 20 years, you will still have every detail documented. We all imagine how we would act of we were in this situation. 🤗❤️

So awesome to hear how incredibly nice George was to you. Looking forward to your sharing his collection in future videos.

Wow, that is amazing. Awesome to see your enthusiasm and sincere appreciation of the opportunity shine through. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Great story. Congrats meeting a guitar legend. It’s great when our hero’s are as nice as we’d hope they’d be. ✌️❤️🇨🇦

So happy to hear that George is a good dude. Love his music! What a treat.

This is FANTASTIC. I was gripped the whole way through. It wasn't only the subject matter, it was how you described your own feelings about being in such a surreal situation. The best half and hour I've ever spent on KZfaq. Greetings from England.

Thanks for the video Mike; it always amazes me that the most humble musicians are the great ones, not all the time of course but a lot of the time. You don’t have to be big headed just because you think you are great; if you have the talent, that will speak for itself and George is a great example of this with his humility; I’ve been a huge fan of his for many a years too with many of his albums. Looks like you have a goldmine there

Absolutely phenomenal story. Great that you captured the memory so close to the actual events. I am a George Benson fan after hearing “Body Talk” on “Body Talk”. I am a drummer mainly, but picked up guitar all over again from scratch, inspired by George. If ever I am in Phoenix I will check out your store and maybe run into George.

This was brilliant. Thank you for such a heart warming story. I love George

Riviting - what an experience - I couldn't stop watching. Really looking forward to the following installments. And I need to listen to more George too.

I’m reminded of the saying it’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice - George really lives it

I played a recording session one time in his home studio in NJ, a lovely man!

The story fills me with joy. Thank you for sharing

This is the coolest video I’ve seen in a long time. I have so many great memories to Benson albums.

Man, this has been an amazing pleasure to watch this video and to hear about your day with George Benson. Thanks for sharing.

George Benson was the first LP i've EVER bought ! and i've been to about 7 live performances by him ( a mix of jazz and hits ) since the 1980s ! I'm Jelous ! 😂👍👍👍👍👍👍💪

I was offered the record collection of the second lead singer of the 70's band Heatwave. I refused because I didn't have the storage space! But back to George, I have his LP titled "The shape of things to come", which is a Gem.

Amazing story! So wonderful when someone you admire lives up to your expectations-let alone goes above and beyond. Can’t wait to see more about the collection itself.

This just showed up on my YT home page. What a great story to share with the world. Love it! Subbed! I love George Benson. My father told me a story that he jumped a fence (without a ticket) way back in the day to see George Benson play.

This is one of the best stories I've heard. Can't wait for the rest of the series.

Thank you so much for sharing this cool and interesting story! What a great experience 👍🏻

This was a great video and reminds me of my collecting of old racing bikes. I can totaly understand the excitement you felt meeting him and hearing him talk to you. I am a huge jazz fan so realize his place in the history of the music and how excited i would have been too.

Great share! My wife and I love his music. After this share, we love it even more. We need more kind souls in this world.

For us whose life revolves around music, that's truly an awsome experience! Wow!

What a great story. I’m so pleased you got to have that experience but I’m also pleased that George turned out to be as nice a guy as I’ve always suspected him to be.

Just dropped into your shop. Bought the Booker Little album with Scott LaFaro. You told me it was from George Benson's record collection. Brought the record to my buddies' jazz listening night in San Francisco and played Bee Tee's Minor Plea. Such a clean recording! Most popular play of the night. Bunch of collectors. Turns out one had actually already seen this video. Appreciate the story, and your shop, and your sharing all the background!

What a great visit and new friend you made! Interestingly, I was just listening to George this morning doing the lawn and just smiling at how fun “Give Me The Night” is, just a great song, and how he was able to scat his entire guitar solo (he did that on every solo). Then I saw this video later in the evening, just magic. Great find- congratulations!

Epic story. Congratulations, Mike!

Incredible story - I talked to him once at Ronnie Scott’s in 73/74. I remember how unexpectedly friendly he was.

Absolutely amazing story. It’s not very often, maybe almost never really, that you hear stories about those you idolize that are just excellent human beings. You got some quality time with a legend and a story to share forever… and perhaps more in the future. I’m really looking forward to seeing some of the treasures you acquired.

Fantastic story and thank you so much for posting. So pleased to hear that occasionally it does work out when you meet someone that surpasses your expectations. You can tell a great story and i love to hear your enthusiasm for what you do and i could really tell that music is such an important part of your life.

Thank you for doing this, showing how humble George Benson is.

That is great! What a story. Can’t wait to see what LPs were in that collection!

Totally love this story Mike! Thanks for sharing it with us. Had this on while at work today, got absolutely nothing done for the 28:32 it was running... tried to but you kept me engaged.

Saw George Benson in the early 90s, at the Old Town Hall in Wellington, New Zealand. One of the best concerts that I've been to.

Where to begin? Just so overwhelmingly warming for the music loving soul to hear the genuine human connection of artist to music proprietor/fan. I've worked in the music business for over 25 years, I have my stories(mostly good, too) on this sort of take/encounter but Mike's journey here made me feel like I had there with him sharing it(and asking the questions music collectors and serious fans would want to ask)...SO AWESOME! (and looking forward to the breakdown and your personal takes on the pieces in the collection...)

Great story Mike, what a great experience, two gentlemen hitting it off over a common interest, Music!

Thanks so much for sharing this story. So heartening to hear that George is a true gentleman. Looking forward to more instalments.

Wow…! Great watch. Thanks Mike for making this video and sharing the experience. I really enjoyed listening to your story.

Honestly, I've never met a jazz musician that wasn't nice, personable, willing to sit with you, answer questions, and act like you're a person too. I've met a ton of jazz musicians, and not one was a Miles Davis.

Benson is the Da' MAN!! Great story my friend!!! Glad to see he is doing well.

Great Story Mike! Really Enjoy this channel, you have note steered me wrong on a record purchase yet, love the shoot outs, love learning what's what as someone relatively new to the hobby. Keep it up!

What a great experience! Thank you so much for sharing this. I got goosebumps listening and imagining what transpired through your words and recollections with the great and legendary George Benson. You must be pinching yourself still. What you said about how you live and breath through music everyday sums it up and put a smile on my face. Good things happen to good people for a reason. I hope to visit your store someday and ask about this special occasion. I’m ready to drop that needle on my George Benson record now.