George Benson – This Masquerade
The great Leon Russell wrote a recorded the song for his ‘Carney’ album in 1972 and it was released as the B-side to his hit, “Tightrope”
Soon after, it was covered by The Carpenters, Helen Reddy and George Benson.
“This Masquerade” was Benson’s first single ever released and came from his iconic ‘Breezin’ album from 1976. The album version clocks in at 8:03 but the single times out at 3:17.
This was the only version to chart in the U.S. and even went Top 10 as well as peaking at #3 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. He also won a Grammy Award for Record Of The Year at the award ceremony in 1977.
