Brook Benton was a magnificent singer who could handle anything from blues, jazz and soul to country, pop and standards. His version of Tony Joe White's 'Rainy Night in Georgia' -- an international smash in 1970 -- remains a timeless classic. The biography by Herwig Gradischnig is based on an album of newspaper cuttings personally compiled by Benton. These contain his views on a wide variety of topics, as well as reviews of his work. Personal interviews conducted in the USA with members of Brook's family have also been included. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to detailed discussion of his recordings and analysis of his distinctive vocal style. The exhaustive discography compiled by Hans Maitner identifies over 660 known recordings by Brook Benton. In this, it far surpasses all others published to date, which generally account for only around 300. The book also contains many rare photographs made available to the authors by the late singer's family. The entire work was authorised by Brook's widow, Mary, and daughter Vanessa, both of whom were keen to see it published.
This is an impressively researched and constructed book which will afford endless pleasure to those who admire this artist. It will almost certainly send you, as it did me, to examine your collection of Benton's records, to play some Brook Benton music not heard for a long time and to check what you have and have not got from his discography. Searching the internet proved rather frustrating - those post 1962 Mercury albums are elusive, his Cotillion recordings are not all available and bits and pieces of his later work are poorly represented. And it turns out, I think I have a remake, not the original of A RAINY NIGHT IN GEORGIA! It would be nice to think that this book will lead to an upsurge of interest in a singer who now seems sadly neglected. Whether or not it does, his fans will no doubt be delighted with this impressive and fact-filled volume, packed with photos, memorabilia and easy to follow information. Well recommended. - In Tune International, July 2015
this serious work of affection goes a long way to arguing that his vocal prowess and way with a tune means he should now be seen on the same par as the greats - like say Sam Cooke
American columnist Dick Kleiner said of Brook Benton's deep affecting tone - "...He has a rich soft voice and a way of using it that makes a sound like a breeze though a field of cello strings..." After reading this wonderful book I'm inclined to think he was so much more. An absolute must own for fans and a great read for the curious. Well done to all involved... - Mark Barry, "Sounds Good, Looks Good" and "Mark Barry's Books On Music".
an entirely new viewpoint on this vanguard of vocal excellence. 'There Goes That Song Again: Brook Benton' comes highly recommended. Stuart Colman, Now Dig This, Aug 2015
