" To me Bob James has been and will always be an innovator. He has inspired many keyboard players and other musical instrumentalists. I feel that his music is contemporary, mainstream and fusion all rolled up in one. He has taken jazz and taken it to another level, which we all are trying to get to.
Bob James is one of my favorite artist's and I am so happy that he is
receiving this award because I know he really has earned it and I am
one that hopes that one day I also may be the inspiration to other
musicians as he has been to me and many other like me. Keep the
music playing Bob!" - Nick Colionne

"Bob James never ceases to amaze me. When I first met him he was sitting in front of a piano not looking at all like a pianist, so I didn't expect very much from him. Especially since he was about to accompany one of the greatest singers of our time, Ms. Sarah Vaughn, but when his hands touched that piano his brilliance became clearly evident. His musicianship reflected both his jazz and classical experience. He enhanced her performances beautifully. I later found him to be an incredible arranger who had a flair for pop music mixed with jazz and R&B. His recordings as a stable mate on CTI Records reflected a very listenable modern approach to jazz. As a producer he has created records that started a trend that transcends its time. As a member of the group Fourplay, Bob has once again shown his unlimited ability to adapt to any musical environment.

It is an honour to recognize Bob James as the first recipient of the George
Benson Lifetime Achievement Award." - George Benson