This Masquerade

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

“This Masquerade”
Single by George Benson
from the album Breezin'
B-side "Lady"
Released 1976
Format 7" single
Genre R&B/Jazz
Length 3:18
Label Warner
Writer(s) Leon Russell
Producer Tommy LiPuma
George Benson singles chronology
"This Masquerade"
(1976)
"Breezin'"
(1976)

"This Masquerade" is a song composed by Leon Russell. The song appeared on the b-side of the single for Russell's 1972 hit "Tight Rope."

The most successful version was released by George Benson in 1976. Benson's version was his first single to reach the Billboard Hot 100 and ultimately became a top ten hit there, peaking at #10 on the chart. The song was the only vocal recording on the album Breezin'.

The song has also been recorded by many other artists. The Carpenters did a version of the song and released it on their 1973 Now & Then album, as well as on the B-side of "Please Mr. Postman" in 1974. Shirley Bassey has also recorded this song, first released on her 1982 album All By Myself. Other artists to perform it include Sergio Mendes & Brasil '77, No Mercy, Robert Goulet, Helen Reddy, and Kenny Rogers.

Leon Russell's version is part of the soundtrack for the Exorcist director William Friedkin's psychological thriller film Bug. The Bug Soundtrack is released on May 22, 2007.