Classic Rock 'n' TV History

By Jason C. Klose Happy Birthday to legendary jazz and pop vocalist/guitarist George Benson, who turns 78 today!  In the Spring of 2009, I wrote a biographical profile on George Benson during my internship for The Pennsylvania Center for the Book at the Penn State University Libraries. For my internship, I did research, wrote, and edited biographical profiles on cultural figures with a connection to the state of Pennsylvania. A native of Pittsburgh, Benson has always been one of my favorite jazz artists. Benson  is known as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all-time. After beginning his recording career at the age of 21, Benson played with a number of renowned jazz artists during the 1960s, including Jack McDuff and Miles Davis. His breakthrough success came in the 1970s with his 1976 release Breezin’ , which included the title track and “This Masquerade.” Other hit albums followed, including Give Me the Night in 1980, and a hit single, “Turn Your Love Around” in 1981. He has rec

By Jason C. Klose Five years ago, I had the honor of interviewing the legendary Barry Manilow for the Centre Daily Times (State College, PA)   for a preview of his concert at the Bryce Jordan Center on the campus of Penn State University.  Manilow was on his "One Last Time!" tour, which began on February 11, 2015 at the CenturyLink Center Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska, with stops at most major North American venues.  Other destinations included Chicago at the United Center, Los Angeles at the Staples Center, and Brooklyn at the Barclay's Center for the tour finale on June 17, where Manilow celebrated his 72nd birthday during his Barclays Center debut. Manilow visited Penn State on March 12, 2016, performing many of his signature songs including "Mandy," "I Write the Songs," "Looks Like We Made It," and "Copacabana (At the Copa)."  On February 14, 2020, Manilow released Night Songs II , which debuted at No. 32 on the Billboard 200, markin