Benny Barksdale Jr. | "That's The Way Of The World"

Benny Barksdale, Jr.'s musical journey commenced in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, where his affinity for the saxophone blossomed under the influence of his father, a skilled drummer. Nurturing his musical talents from a young age, Benny's trajectory took him from the Douglas High School band to various local groups. Eventually, he established his own band, a venture interrupted when duty called, and he enlisted in the US Army. His return from a tour in Vietnam marked a pivotal moment in his career.

Philadelphia soul legends, The Dells, recognized Benny's exceptional talent and enlisted him, propelling him into the realm of extensive studio work. His reputation as a gifted and reliable saxophonist flourished, leading to collaborations with musical luminaries such as Grover Washington, Jr., Evelyn "Champagne" King, Gloria Gaynor, Phyllis Hyman, jazz organist Jimmy McGriff, The Crests, The Manhattans, and Gary U.S. Bonds.

Benny's affiliation with the esteemed "Chops Horns" opened doors to a tour with Alicia Keys, culminating in appearances on the 2002 Grammy Awards Show and contributing to Alicia Keys' hit album, "Songs In A Minor - Collector's Edition," released in 2011. Currently residing in New Jersey, Benny found a creative haven in producer Butch Ingram's sessions at Society Hill Records. This collaboration led to the label releasing some of Barksdale's own impressive work.

"The Heart & Soul Of Benny Barksdale, Jr.," his full-length release, showcased his versatility and seasoned expertise across a dozen tracks. Renowned as one of the premier soloists in the soul jazz tradition, Benny's brilliance shines through, establishing him as a veteran in the music industry. A standout track from the album, his rendition of Earth, Wind & Fire's classic "That’s The Way Of The World," is presented here with a fresh remix by Ingram, complemented by stellar background vocals from Fillies Finazz, taking the track to new heights of musical excellence.