Entertainment · Music · 4 hrs ago
George Benson receives Jazz Foundation award at Los Angeles fundraiser
At a Jazz Foundation of America fundraiser in Los Angeles on Nov.
1, Benson received the 2026 Tommy LiPuma Award for Recording Excellence.
The event also honored pianist Patrice Rushen, saxophonist Azar Lawrence, bassist Henry Franklin and drummer Roy McCurdy as its Titans of Jazz.
Wyclef Jean and other performers played Benson’s classics, including “On Broadway,” “Breezin’” and “Give Me the Night.”
The award is named for producer Tommy LiPuma, who worked on Benson’s 1976 album “Breezin’.”
Money raised will benefit the foundation’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund, which helps musicians with housing, healthcare, disaster relief and work opportunities.
The evening also included a live auction, with proceeds supporting that assistance.
George Benson received the 2026 Tommy LiPuma Award for Recording Excellence at a Jazz Foundation of America fundraiser in Los Angeles.
The award was presented at Vibrato Grill Jazz on Sunday, Nov. 1.
Patrice Rushen, Azar Lawrence, Henry “The Skipper” Franklin and Roy McCurdy were honored together as Titans of Jazz.
The event also honored philanthropist Eden Alpert with the Quincy Jones Love & Peace Humanitarian Award.
Proceeds benefit the foundation’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund, which supports musicians with housing assistance, healthcare, disaster relief and employment opportunities.
- Who
- George Benson received the award. Other honorees included Patrice Rushen, Azar Lawrence, Henry “The Skipper” Franklin, Roy McCurdy and Eden Alpert.
- What
- The Jazz Foundation of America presented Benson with the Tommy LiPuma Award for Recording Excellence at a fundraiser.
- When
- Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.
- Where
- Vibrato Grill Jazz in Los Angeles.
- Why
- The event raised money for the foundation’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund, which supports musicians. Benson said the evening was a way to give back to people who had provided music audiences enjoyed for many years.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Jazz Foundation of America held its fundraising event at Vibrato Grill Jazz in Los Angeles, where George Benson received the Tommy LiPuma Award for Recording Excellence.
Performers paid tribute to Benson with a set of his classics, and the evening concluded with a live auction.
- Award
- 2026 Tommy LiPuma Award for Recording Excellence
- Recipient
- George Benson
- Venue
- Vibrato Grill Jazz, Los Angeles
- Titans of Jazz honorees
- Patrice Rushen, Azar Lawrence, Henry “The Skipper” Franklin and Roy McCurdy
- Fund beneficiary
- Jazz Foundation of America’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund
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What people are saying
This is just one way to give some of that back.
[This award] is so deserved.
Through her philanthropic work and leadership, Eden has provided opportunities for veteran and emerging musicians alike while contributing to the vitality of the live music community in Los Angeles.