This Masquerade

Infobox Single
Name = This Masquerade


Artist = George Benson
from Album = Breezin'
B-side = "Lady"
Released = 1976
Format = 7" single
Recorded =
Genre = R&B/Jazz
Length = 3:18
Label = Warner
Writer = Leon Russell
Producer = Tommy LiPuma
Certification =
Chart position =

#10 (Billboard Hot 100)

Last single =
This single = "This Masquerade"
(1976)
Next single = "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 recorded 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. It also appeared in the movie "The Pursuit of Happiness"

The Carpenters version as mentioned was released nn their "Now & Then" album in 1973, but also featured on many 'greatest hit' compilation. On one of their live tv specials, Karen sang part of the song with "Ella Fitzgerald" (the medley it was sang in was released on the cd "As Time Goes By (Carpenters album)")