Comments: 7

• Seventhmist from 7th HeavenI always liked this song and the Carpenters' cover of it was amazing -- probably the best thing they ever did.
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn July 2nd 1976, George Benson performed "This Masquerade" on the NBC-TV program 'The Midnight Special'...
  At the time the song was at #54 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; a little over seven weeks later it would peak at #10 {for 2 weeks} and it stayed on the chart for 19 weeks...
  It reached #3 on Billboard's R&B Singles chart...
  Was track two of side one from his Warner Brothers debut album, Breezin', and on July 25th, 1976 the album peaked at #1 {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart...
  Between 1976 and 1984 he had fourteen Top 100 records; four made the Top 10, his other three Top 10 records were "On Broadway" {#7 in 1978}, "Give Me the Night" {#4 in 1980}, and "Turn Your Love Around" {#5 in 1982}...
  George Benson celebrated his 72nd birthday four months ago on March 22nd {2015}.
• Guy from Woodinville, WaOK you guys, settle down! I also knew and liked Leon Russell's Carney album 5 years before George Benson ever recorded the song. However, I also like Gerge's jazzy take on it, too. I like 'em both, how 'bout that?!
• R. H. from Pauls Valley, OkHey, Rodd. Don't read too much into my comment. I have probably been listening to music long before you, kiddo! I know all about covers and an artist's particular take on a song. I wasn't trying to "discredit" Benson. George Benson is a great musician. I didn't like the the song being listed as by George Benson instead of Leon Russell. I'm sure there are quite a few people (probably even you) that have never heard the original. Russell's version has a... dreamier, almost haunting sound to it. I'd heard and loved this song many, many times before Benson's version. Just don't like Benson's version that's all. So settle down. Didn't say I didn't like George Benson or that he isn't talented. Is that enough logic for you?
• Rodd from Dallas, TxR.H. - While Leon Russel is amazing in his own right, do not discredit George Benson, just because you like Russell better. There is no logic in your statement. Many artists do cover's of other artist's music and almost all performer's are singing a song written by someone else. Benson put his personal touch on the song and people obviously liked it because it became a hit. Russell made plenty of money off of the royalties for it. I am sure that Leon Russell is VERY happy that George Benson had a hit with it. It is a testimony to the talents of both men.
• R.h. from Pauls Valley, OkSorry folks but this a Leon Russell song from the album "Carney" in 1972 and is MUCH better than Geoege Benson's version. It's not jazzy like George's cover. George Benson got famous for this song. Let's give credit where credit is due and that is to Leon Russell. Those of you that have not heard the original version are obviously too young and should NOT give so much credit to Benson.
• Lalah from Wasilla, AkDon't ever, erver listen to the Kenny Rogers version of this song. It couldn't have sounded worse than if William Shatner covered it. Who'd have thought that George,a phenominal guitarrist, could sing. If he hadn't have sung this masquerade then only those weird jazz people would know him.

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