Al Benson

Al Benson (1908–1978), born Arthur Bernard Leaner, was an influential African American radio personality, music promoter, record producer, and label owner who helped shape the development of rhythm and blues broadcasting in Chicago. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Benson moved to Chicago with his family in 1923. Before entering radio, he worked in a variety of occupations, performed in vaudeville, and preached as Reverend Arthur Leaner.

Benson began broadcasting a religious program on WGES in 1943 and adopted the name Al Benson when he moved into secular broadcasting. By the late 1940s, he had become one of Chicago’s most prominent DJs, using his distinctive Southern accent and informal, street-oriented presentation while giving extensive airplay to blues and rhythm and blues. His influence helped bring Black-oriented popular music to a large Chicago audience.

Benson entered the record business in the late 1940s and eventually established Parrot Records in 1952 and its subsidiary Blue Lake Records in 1954. He recorded and promoted artists including Willie Mabon, J. B. Lenoir, Sunnyland Slim, Albert King, Little Willie Foster, and Joe Williams. He was closely involved in nearly every aspect of his labels, serving as owner, administrator, A&R director, producer, and distributor.

Benson remained active in Chicago radio into the early 1960s and was also involved in civil-rights activities and other business ventures. He died in Michigan in 1978.