George Benson, On Broadway | COVERS

In the 12^th edition of COVERS (2023), George Benson delivers a compelling rendition of “On Broadway,” originally performed by The Drifters.

“‘C“‘Cause I can play this here guitar / And I won’t quit ‘til I’m a star on Broadway.” Woo! Ah, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS separates itself from a related column, Head 2 Head 🗣️ only highlighting the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer. COVERS is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 12^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 George Benson delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “On Broadway”, originally performed by 🎙 The Drifters.

via GIPHY

“They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway / They say there’s always magic in the air.” Indeed, 🎙 George Benson, indeed.  The gifted jazz/R&B guitarist/singer shines on the 1978, no. 7 Billboard Hot 100 hit, 🎵 “On Broadway” (💿 Weekend in L.A.).  He continues singing, “But when you’re walking down that street / And you ain’t had enough to eat / The glitter rubs right off and you’re nowhere.”  Well, George, that’s sort of buzzkill, even if it is an accurate read on attaining superstardom.  That said, Benson CANNOT be credited to penning the lyrics.  He also can’t be credited to composing the music…  While “On Broadway” became HIS song and won him a 🏆 Grammy, it was NOT even originally performed by him 🤯. Let that sink in!

First things first! “On Broadway” was written by a talented team of writers: 🎼 ✍ Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller.  That is musical royalty, PERIOD.  Also, musical royalty are the original performers, 🎙 The Drifters.  Recorded in 1963, The Drifters’ version preceded Benson’s version by 15 years 🤯! Even so, Benson made “On Broadway” his own, so much so that it serves as the definitive take.  This includes magnificent production (🎛 Tommy LiPuma), balancing R&B, pop, and jazz. Among the jazziest features of “On Broadway” is the scatting, which sounds incredibly cool. Benson’s vocals are also expressive beyond the improvisation as he wows with his tone and nuance.  Also, alongside the scatting, Benson impresses with his guitar soloing, which is lit 🔥. Truly unbelievable that 🎵 “On Broadway” in the hands of Mr. Benson is a cover and not an original. Again, mind blowing 🤯!

🎙 George Benson • 💿 Weekend in L.A. • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 1978

George Benson, “On Broadway”: Covers No. 12 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Warner; Paul Brennan from Pixabay;  Sdf Rahbar on Unsplash]