In Dublin for two concerts American musician, singer and composer George Benson visits the Mansion House.
The multiple Grammy award winner George Benson has had hits in the pop jazz and soul charts. When not performing, his interests range from classical music to roller skating and collecting cars. He is a trained commercial artist and also gives Bible lessons.
In Dublin to play two concerts at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) George Benson is a guest of the Lord Mayor Michael Keating in the Mansion House, where he reveals his great grandfather was Irish.
George Benson treats touring like it is a regular day job keeps the tours relatively short so that he does not get tired
That way we do not cheat anybody, or any of our audiences, out of a first rate, energetic performance.
He is the father of six sons three of them are involved in music. His mother was interested in spiritual things and because of her influence, he studied the Bible from an early age.
George Benson was shocked by the tragic death of singer Marvin Gaye. He met Gaye in Hawaii and they performed together for free in a local club.
Since arriving at Dublin Airport there has been nothing but a positive response received from the Irish people and he is looking forward to performing for them.
To meet such warm welcome it’s just incredible, it says a lot for your country, it’s great.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 5 April 1984. The reporter is Conall O Móráin.
