One of the few artists a kid of the 1980s and his parents could agree upon was George Benson. Not only is he one of if not the best jazz guitarist of our generation, he was a pop and R&B staple on American radio in the early part of the decade.

And in 1980, Benson made his mark with an international smash that not only resonated with young people, it featured one of the greatest guitar licks in history.

It's "Give Me The Night," and it comes in at No. 9 in my Top 10 songs for the year 1980. As a reminder, I'm using Billboard's year-end Hot 100 for 1980 as the set list, from which I pick eligible songs. Sure, I might be able to pick obscure, album-deep tunes for such a list, but this list is as much about pop culture as it is my own tastes.

At it's heart, this Top 5 smash was a disco tune. In the video, which I am posting below, Benson is on roller skates -- very disco. However, that little guitar riff at the beginning of the tune has been emulated about a billion different times.

It wasn't difficult, but it was effective.

According to songfacts.com, this song was written by the great Rod Temperton, who by the way has another song on my 1980 Top 10 list -- hint, hint.

It not only featured the incomparable Patti Austin on background vocals, but it earned Benson an R&B vocal Grammy for himself.

At some point, I'll expound on Benson's career in general, after I make my way through the 80s Top 10 lists. What's amazing is that he not only had some of the best R&B and disco tunes of the era, his straight-up jazz is brilliant, and he's even known for an easy listening masterpiece in "Breezin'".

The 64-year-old Pittsburgh native was and is versatile.

As an added bonus, I'm adding my personal favorite Benson tune, which won't be eligible for any of my lists for two reasons. First, it was originally released in 1978; however, it only became a hit in 1983, primarily on adult contemporary stations. If I remember right, "Lady Love Me (One More Time)" cracked the Top 40, peaking at about No. 33 or so.

While the video shows Benson sans guitar, focused solely on vocals, it's the man's guitar work that wins him adoration from the more serious music community. Heck, Miles Davis utilized his talents back in the 1960s, and many, many critics say he's the best jazz guitarist of all time.

So, enjoy "Give Me The Night," followed by "Lady Love Me (One More Time)."

No. 9 for 1980: "Give Me The Night," by George Benson.

Bonus video: "Lady Love Me (One More Time)," by George Benson.