If James Brown was the Godfather of Soul, then George Benson is deserving of the title 'the Godfather of R&B'. Long before countless artists made their millions from the chart-friendly blend of jazz, blues, soul and pop that passes for modern R&B, the singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh was blazing a trail.

Beginning his career as a jazz guitarist, the 1970s saw Benson crossover into the pop consciousness and never look back. He has since released 35 studio albums, collected 10 Grammys (ten!) and enjoyed hits all over the world.

His most famous tracks include 'Give Me the Night' and 'In Your Eyes', and the original version of 'The Greatest Love of All', famously covered by the late Whitney Houston and, at Whitney's sad expense, currently enjoying a resurgence all of its own.

Benson continues to record new material and tour; the American's latest release was 2011's 'Guitar Man'. He is bringing the new record and, of course, the classics back to these shores in the summer

George Benson begins his UK tour at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday 28th June, followed by shows in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Nottingham, before the final date announced so far at the Bournemouth International Centre on 4th July 2012.

We will have tickets available for all dates when they go on sale at 9am on Friday 24th February, priced from £42.50.