"This Masquerade"
Single byGeorge Benson
from the albumBreezin'
A-side	"The World is a Ghetto" (Netherlands)
B-side	"Lady" "Six to Four" (UK) "Breezin'" (Japan)
Released	April 1976
Recorded	January 1976
Studio	Capitol (Hollywood)
Genre	Soul[1]
Length	8:03 (Album full length) 3:17 (Single edit version)
Label	Warner Bros. Records
Songwriter	Leon Russell
Producer	Tommy LiPuma
George Benson singles chronology
"Summertime" / "2001" (1976) "This Masquerade" (1976) "Breezin'" (1976)
Music video
"This Masquerade" by George Benson (1976) onYouTube

"This Masquerade"

George Benson's "This Masquerade" fromBreezin'

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"This Masquerade" is a song written by American singer and musicianLeon Russell. It was originally recorded in 1972 by Russell for his albumCarney and as aB-side for the album's hit single "Tight Rope". The song was then covered onHelen Reddy's 1972 album,I Am Woman. It was then recorded by American vocal duo,the Carpenters, for their 1973 albumNow & Then and as theB-side of the Carpenters's single "Please Mr. Postman". Three years later, "This Masquerade" was recorded by American singer and guitaristGeorge Benson, who released it on his 1976 album,Breezin'. Benson's version, featuringJorge Dalto on piano, was released as a single and became the first big hit of his career.

In 1976, "This Masquerade" was a top-ten pop and R&B hit forjazzguitarist/vocalistGeorge Benson, who recorded it on his 1976 signature albumBreezin'. 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 theBillboard Hot 100 and number three on theHot Soul Singles chart. On theCash Box Top 100 it reached #12.^[2] "This Masquerade" was most successful in Canada, where it reached number 8 on the Pop Singles chart as well as the Adult Contemporary chart.^[3][4]

In1977, Benson's version won aGrammy Award forRecord of the Year, while it was nominated forSong of the Year and forBest Pop Vocal Performance, Male.

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).

• Lead vocals –George Benson
• Lead guitar – George Benson
• Conductor, arranger –Claus Ogerman
• Piano (soloist) –Jorge Dalto
• Rhythm guitar –Phil Upchurch
• Bass – Stanley Banks
• Drums –Harvey Mason
• Percussion –Ralph MacDonald
• Producer –Tommy LiPuma

• Leon Russell's original version is part of the soundtrack forThe Exorcist directorWilliam Friedkin's psychological thriller filmBug. TheBug Soundtrack was released on May 22, 2007. It also appeared in the movieThe Pursuit of Happyness.^{[citation needed]}
• The Carpenters' version was also performed on TV withElla Fitzgerald; the medley in which it was sung was subsequently released on the compilationAs Time Goes By.^{[citation needed]}

• Page of "This Masquerade" by George Benson atDiscogs
• Page of "This Masquerade" by George Benson at 45cat

• 1972 songs
• 1976 singles
• Songs written by Leon Russell
• Leon Russell songs
• The Carpenters songs
• George Benson songs
• Warner Records singles
• Grammy Award for Record of the Year

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