Brook Benton was one of the most successful of the R&B artists whose talent and versatility enabled them to transcend the genres and enjoy success, and retain their credibility, in the R&B, pop and adult contemporary markets, his smooth, classy vocal style characterising the fifty and more hits during his 20 years as a chart performer, with successes on both sides of the Atlantic. He was also a highly successful songwriter and producer, working with noted writer Clyde Otis and providing hits for the likes of Nat King Cole.

This great-value 57-track 2-CD set comprises almost all the A and B sides of his 32 releases during the first eight years of his recording career, from his debut with The Sandmen on the Okeh label in 1955, and encompassing his singles for the Epic, Vik, RCA and Mercury labels through to 1962. It features no less than thirty pop and R&B chart entries, including the R&B No. 1s Its Just A Matter of Time, Thank You Pretty Baby, So Many Ways and Kiddio, plus other classic Top 10 hits like Endlessly, Think Twice, The Boll Weevil Song and Hotel Happiness. Its a comprehensive overview of the first years of his distinguished career which provides an entertaining showcase for the talent of a highly distinctive vocal stylist who transcended the genres with such natural ease.
 

REVIEWS

"Nothing written in this review will demonstrate how great his voice and delivery are… The accompanying booklet is a classy 19-page write up by Paul Watts and is a fine read giving is all we need to know about the man and the recordings." Keith Scoffham (Blues & Rhythm Issue 336)

“This collection does an excellent job of rounding up most of his singles from the glory days… His early Mercury albums show what a fine singer he was given good quality songs but this collection of his singles is a welcome retrospective, with the usual high quality Acrobat production values evident in the thorough liner notes, discography and excellent sound.” - Gerry Stonestreet (In Tune)

“The velvety smooth voice of Brook Benton transcends the material that came his way during a 20-year chart career evidenced by this great value 57-track double CD.” **** - John Howard (Vintage Rock Issue 40)