Jazz's Mad Men [George Benson/George Duke]

George Benson / George Duke / Billy Cobham / Norman Connors / Tom Browne / Bernard Wright / Don Blackman / Lenny White / Marcus Miller / Weldon Irvine / Phil Cohran

Rise George Benson entered the music business as a child singer. Never considering himself just a guitar player, he nonetheless honed his jazz chops playing with organist Jack McDuff and Lonnie Smith in the 1960s. His solo and side work with Columbia, Verve, and CTI helped Benson develop the most distinguished guitar tone in the jazz world. But that was never enough. In 1975, Benson signed with Warner Brothers and became a bona fide singer and pop star—incidentally helping to father smooth jazz along the way.

The Royal Road Keyboardist George Duke had his ecclectic beginnings playing with Frank Zappa’s band. Then he conquered the funky jazz scene on Germany’s MPS label. After a now-legendary short stint with drummer Billy Cobham, Duke forged a new path and ruled the R&B charts with eccentric funk.

Pick Up Sticks Billy Cobham was the most technical and disciplined drummer to ever stay in the pocket. His precise rhythms would not only usher in the era of jazz fusion but would help the genre stay grounded and funky. Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, George Duke, and even Souls of Mischief all have Cobham and his masterful stickwork to thank.