Born Benjamin Franklin Peay in 1931, Brook Benton was an American singer and songwriter who was popular with rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and pop music audiences during the late 1950s and early ’60s, when he scored such hits as “It’s Just A Matter Of Time” and “Endlessly,” both of which he co-wrote with Clyde Otis. Both songs were originally offered to Nat King Cole, but when Otis became an A&R official at Mercury, he convinced Benton to sign with the label and record them himself, while asking Cole not to record the songs as planned. He followed this success with a series of hits, many of which are included in “The Best Of Brook Benton.” Brook was in a league talent-wise with the great Nat Cole, though not as successful.

Brook got an interesting start in music. While still a child, he became a gospel singer. He’d deliver milk in the morning before school, and perform after school and on weekends with the Jubilee Singers. Benton also enjoyed writing songs, and in 1948, at the age of 17, journeyed to New York City to try to sell some of them. But he drifted in and out of gospel music, finally joining an R&B group called “The Sandmen.”

Benton found steady studio work making hundreds of demo records for publishers to pitch to famous singers. As you will discover on this fine collection of some of his best songs, Brook had a satin-smooth baritone and easygoing delivery. He became one of the few black crooners of the 1950s to successfully cross over into the pop-rock realm. He most effectively put his deep, rich voice to work on lushly orchestrated R&B songs. The arrangements were the perfect showcase for Benton’s intimate vocal style, and he scored an impressive 21 gold records in five years. He then teamed with Dinah Washington (also featured on GOOD MUSIC), for a string of duets that were also hits. He made a comeback in 1970 with the ballad “Rainy Night In Georgia.” Benton scored over 50 Billboard chart hits, and also wrote hits for other performers.

“The Boll Weevil Song,” included on this CD, got heavy radio airplay. The music was slick and commercial, but the soul just dripped from the man's voice. Brook was the ultimate cool cat. When he hits the deep low notes followed by the highs, it will give you goosebumps.

“Thank You, Pretty Baby” has a great beat to it, and Brook conveys all the affection he feels for his woman. Yet it possesses a masculine strength. Other fine songs on this compilation are “Fools Rush In” and “Lie To Me,” which Benton sings with the Merry Melody Sisters on back-up vocals.

The CD ends with the well-known “Rainy Night In Georgia,” performed by Brook with Cold Grits. This memorable ballad features Brook's voice from his more seasoned years and the melody is beautiful as well.

There just simply aren’t male singers around nowadays who can  sing like Brook Benton. His understated, casual style was tension-free. He overwhelmed you with his musicality, not his dramatics.

The liner notes have both color and black-and-white photos of Brook; and you get an excellent picture of him and Dinah Washington rehearsing together. Stu Hackel contributes an informative essay on Benton’s life and career.

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!