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Saxophonist George Benson, who is one of the unsung heroes of Detroit jazz, will be honored on May 28, 2009 by the Southeastern Michigan Jazz Association for his contributions to jazz in Detroit. Benson will recevie the Ron Brooks Award.
George Benson's saxophone style was influenced by alto saxophonists Johnny Hodges and Benny Carter and tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins. Benson added bebop style along the likes of alto saxophonist Charlie Parker. He had a fondness for Sonny Stitt, who like Benson played both alto and tenor.
While many of his peers were heading to New York City, Benson stayed in Detroit rather than move to New York. In addition to his almost nightly gigs, he worked during day, both on the assembly line with Massey Ferguson building tractors, and then as a mail carrier.
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