This Day in Black History: April 22, 1978
The song “On Broadway” was composed in the early 1960s by Marry Mann and Cynthia Weil. But it wasn’t until George Benson released his recording of the song on April 22, 1978, that it received substantial radio play. Benson’s version won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance.
The song appeared in the films Big Business and American Beauty. George Benson's performance of the song was used during the opening credits of the 1979 film All That Jazz, which featured dancers on stage auditioning for a musical similar to Chicago. Benson also performed "On Broadway" with Clifford and the Rhythm Rats for the 1994 Muppet album, Kermit Unpigged.
Benson is a 10-time Grammy Award-winning musician and singer-songwriter in addition to being a celebrated jazz guitarist. Benson came to prominence in the 1960s playing with various musicians before launching his solo career.
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