CFCC Music Instructor Benny Hill and Duo to Open for Legendary Gladys Knight
WILMINGTON, NC (May 20, 2025) — Cape Fear Community College is excited to announce that CFCC Music Instructor and renowned saxophonist Benny Hill, along with his longtime collaborator Dr. Bradley Merritt, will open for none other than the “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight, at the Wilson Center on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
This extraordinary opportunity places the duo on stage ahead of one of music’s most iconic and enduring voices. A seven-time GRAMMY Award winner, Knight’s illustrious career spans decades and includes over 38 albums, four solo projects, and a collection of #1 hits across multiple genres. Her legendary status has been recognized through numerous prestigious honors, including the Kennedy Center Honors for Lifetime Artistic Achievements, the National Medal of Arts, and a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award.
Reflecting on this milestone, Hill shared, “It is an honor to be invited to open for the legendary Gladys Knight. We usually perform jazz and blues, but we’re excited to add some R&B standards to our set as we prepare to open for the Empress of Soul.”
Hill and Merritt’s musical partnership spans over three decades. The duo first connected through their shared passion for jazz, performing together in a quartet for three years before Merritt pursued a career in medicine. Despite the career shift, their bond remained strong, and the duo continues to perform together.
Hill recalled, “When I met Brad, he played saxophone like I had never heard before. When he switched to piano, I knew I had to seize the opportunity to play with this amazing musician.”
With their roots deeply planted in jazz and blues, this special performance will see the duo embrace R&B classics, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening with Gladys Knight.
Tickets for this highly anticipated performance are on sale now at wilsoncentertickets.com .
For more information about CFCC’s music programs, visit cfcc.edu/associate-in-music/ .
