George Benson - Give Me The Night

Year Released: 1980
Label: Warner Bros. Records – WBS 49504
Genre: Jazz-Funk / Post-Disco / Soul
Description:

By 1980, George Benson had already established himself as a jazz virtuoso, but with “Give Me The Night”, he reached the pinnacle of crossover success. Produced by Quincy Jones and written by Rod Temperton (of Heatwave and Michael Jackson fame), the single fused sophisticated jazz guitar with infectious post-disco rhythms, silky R&B vocals, and luminous pop hooks.

Driven by Louis Johnson’s elastic basslines, John Robinson’s crisp drumming, and Greg Phillinganes’ shimmering keyboards, the song radiates effortless class and groove. Benson’s signature scat-guitar interplay adds an unmistakable touch of jazz artistry to a track designed for both the dancefloor and late-night radio.

“Give Me The Night” became the defining cut of Benson’s 1980 album of the same name — a record that showcased his transition from respected jazz guitarist to international soul-pop icon. The song’s sleek arrangement, immaculate production, and radiant optimism perfectly captured the sophisticated sound of early-’80s nightlife.

A Grammy Award winner for Best R&B Vocal Performance (Male) in 1981, “Give Me The Night” remains one of George Benson’s most enduring hits. Its breezy yet technically rich style influenced a generation of smooth jazz and modern soul artists, from Incognito to Jamiroquai.

The single has featured in several films and series — notably The Nice Guys (2016) — as shorthand for the elegance and optimism of the post-disco era. Its groove and chord structure have been sampled and reinterpreted by numerous producers in R&B and hip-hop, testifying to its timeless appeal.

Four decades on, “Give Me The Night” still epitomizes the golden age of jazz-infused funk — a perfect marriage of musicianship, melody, and mood that continues to light up dancefloors and late-night playlists alike.