Jazz Foundation Honors George Benson at LA Gala
The Jazz Foundation of America presented guitarist George Benson with its 2026 Tommy LiPuma Award for Recording Excellence at a Los Angeles fundraiser.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Jazz
The Jazz Foundation of America presented George Benson with the 2026 Tommy LiPuma Award for Recording Excellence at a fundraising event at Vibrato Grill Jazz in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 1. The evening included a live auction and proceeds benefit the organization's Musicians' Emergency Fund.
Why it matters
The event raises money for the Musicians' Emergency Fund, which supports working jazz musicians through the organization's ongoing mission. Recognizing a ten-time Grammy Award winner underscores the lasting recognition of recording artistry in the genre.
An autographed Ibanez George Benson Signature Line guitar with case sold for $6,500 and signed On Broadway sheet music sold for $2,000 at the live auction. The total proceeds from the evening were not disclosed.
The players
George Benson
George Benson is a guitarist and singer and a ten-time Grammy Award winner whose 1976 album Breezin' was produced by Tommy LiPuma.
Jazz Foundation of America
The Jazz Foundation of America is a nonprofit organization that supports jazz musicians in need through its Musicians' Emergency Fund and has operated for 37 years.
Steve Jordan
Steve Jordan is a drummer and producer who served as artistic director of the event and led the band performing Benson's classics.
The details
Patrice Rushen, Azar Lawrence, Henry Franklin, and Roy McCurdy were honored as Titans of Jazz, and Eden Alpert received the Quincy Jones Love & Peace Humanitarian Award. Steve Jordan, the event's artistic director, led a band performing Benson's classics with guest vocalists including Isaiah Sharkey, Aloe Blacc, and Wyclef Jean, and Mike Stoller presented Benson's award.
Timeline
1976: Benson's album Breezin', produced by Tommy LiPuma, was released.
2024: Quincy Jones died.
November 1, 2026: The Jazz Foundation of America fundraising event and award presentation were held in Los Angeles.
Legacy Context
The award recognizes recording work tied to Benson's 1976 album Breezin', produced by Tommy LiPuma, which helped define the commercial reach of smooth jazz. The honor places Benson's career within the broader tradition of jazz records that crossed into mainstream popularity.
Fans can support the Musicians' Emergency Fund by attending future Jazz Foundation of America fundraisers. The event's auction offered signed memorabilia, showing how such gatherings provide direct access to artist-owned items.
The takeaway
Recognition events like this one help fund musicians who face financial hardship. Readers interested in jazz can follow the work of the Jazz Foundation of America to see how the organization supports the community.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in our Jazz section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Billboard.
