"Although I can't brag that I personally know Bob, we have played together many years ago on a stage in San Diego. Of course Bob was the star then, I was merely trying to keep up, and a little self conscious that I was sharing the same stage at all! I grew up musically on Bob James to be honest. Well hey, didn't we all? I would pour over those groovy New York albums with Bob, Steve Gadd, Richard Tee, Cornell Dupree, Eric Gale; those guys set the tone for us a generation later. Bob is sheer 'taste' - the consummate pianist. A legend. Congratulations Bob!"- Chris Standring

"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