Album of the Day

GIVE ME THE NIGHT further consolidated George Benson's status as a crossover star - the 1980 collection topped both the Soul and Jazz charts and reached #3 on the Pop chart. Quincy Jones handled the production chores, emphasizing Benson's vocal talents, which helped make the title track a major hit single. That's not to say that the playing is neglected; along with a pair of fine instrumentals (“Off Broadway,” “Dinorah, Dinorah”) featuring the master guitarist, such fellow virtuosos as Herbie Hancock and Lee Ritenour appear in support. The Platinum-certified GIVE ME THE NIGHT earned three Grammy Awards, and we'll give it another spin now to wish George Benson a happy 80th birthday.