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| Society of Singers Presents the Satchmo Award to George Benson Society of Singers has chosen guitarist, singer and music legend George Benson to receive the Satchmo Award, an honor created by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. SOS is a non-profit organization that offers comprehensive services to meet the emergency financial needs of professional singers worldwide. The Satchmo award pays tribute to the life and legacy of Louis Armstrong, whose passion for music was matched only by his joyous love of life and people. It goes to artists who are generous with both their talent and their time, artists who reflect the spirit of Louis Armstrong and the inspiring belief in the power each of us has to improve the world around us. The announcement was made by Jerry F. Sharell, the president and CEO of SOS, and Charles Wallert, president of Chapter East SOS. Benson will be the first recipient of the Satchmo Award. SOS has been presenting the Ella Award for fifteen years. The Satchmo Award will be presented to Benson during his concert at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey on Friday, April 27, 2007. A VIP reception will follow the concert at Solaia, adjacent to the center. Over the course of a 40-year career, Benson has enjoyed success in the jazz, rhythm and blues, adult contemporary and pop arenas; he is known as a brilliant musician and improviser, and also a consummate entertainer. He made "Breezin'", the first jazz album to attain platinum status. He has reached the Top 10 on the pop charts four times, with "This Masquerade", "On Broadway", "Give Me the Night" and "Turn Your Love Around." His most recent album is the Grammy-winning (two Grammy awards) "Givin' It Up", an album of duets with vocalist Al Jarreau. Benson also appeared on "Beach Music, Super Collaboration", an album by the Embers produced by veteran composer, producer and recording executive Charles Wallert, the new East Coast president of SOS. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |