This Masquerade

"This Masquerade" is a song written by American singer and musician Leon Russell. It was originally recorded in 1972 by Russell for his album Carney and as a B-side for the album's hit single "Tight Rope". The song was then covered on Helen Reddy's 1972 album, I Am Woman. It was then recorded by American vocal duo, the Carpenters, for their 1973 album Now & Then and as the B-side of the Carpenters's single "Please Mr. Postman". Three years later, "This Masquerade" was recorded by American singer and guitarist George Benson, who released it on his 1976 album, Breezin'. Benson's version, featuring Jorge Dalto on piano, was released as a single and became the first big hit of his career.

"This Masquerade"
Single by George Benson
from the album Breezin'
B-side"Lady"
ReleasedApril 1976
RecordedJanuary 1976
GenreR&B, smooth jazz
Length8:03 (Album full length)
3:17 (Single edit version)
LabelWarner Bros. Records
Songwriter(s)Leon Russell
Producer(s)Tommy LiPuma
George Benson singles chronology
"Summertime" / "2001"
(1976)		 "This Masquerade"
(1976)		 "Breezin'"
(1976)
Music video
"This Masquerade" by George Benson (1976) on YouTube

George Benson version

In 1976, "This Masquerade" was a top-ten pop and R&B hit for jazz guitarist/vocalist George Benson, who recorded it on his 1976 signature album Breezin'. It was his first single release. Benson's rendition is the only charting version of the song in the U.S. It reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Hot Soul Singles chart. On the Cash Box Top 100 it reached #12.[1] "This Masquerade" was most successful in Canada, where it reached number 8 on the Pop Singles chart as well as the Adult Contemporary chart.[2][3]

In 1977, Benson's version won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, while it was nominated for Song of the Year and for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male.

Track listing
Year Side Song Length Interpreter Writer/Composer Producer Album
1976 A-side "This Masquerade" 3:17
(Edit single)		 George Benson Leon Russell Tommy LiPuma Breezin'
1976 B-side "Lady" 5:56 George Benson Ronnie Foster Tommy LiPuma Breezin'

Music video

George Benson recorded an official music video for "This Masquerade" in 1976. In the video, the song has the same length as the song's single (3:17).

Chart history
Chart (1976–77) Peak
position
Canada RPM Adult Contemporary[4] 8
Canada RPM Top Singles[5] 8
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 3
US Adult Contemporary 6
US Billboard Hot 100[6] 10

Personnel

Trivia

References
  1. "Top 100 1976-08-28". Cashbox Magazine. Retrieved 2015-08-22.
  2. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 2016-03-14. Retrieved 2016-10-11.
  3. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 2016-10-11. Retrieved 2016-10-11.
  4. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. 1976-09-04. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  5. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. 1976-09-04. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  6. Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
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