Obituaries : Had 3 No. 1 Hits in 1959 : Brook Benton; Recorded ‘Rainy Night in Georgia’

Singer, songwriter Brook Benton, the baritone-voiced recording artist known for his hits “Rainy Night in Georgia” and “Frankie and Johnny,” has died at age 56.

Benton, a New York resident, died Saturday afternoon at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Queens, administrative supervisor Maureen O’Doherty said. The hospital declined to release additional details.

Born in Camden, S.C., in 1931, Benton began his singing career as a child, first as a member of his church choir and later as part of a gospel group.

He came to New York in the early 1950s, looking for a break to enter the music industry. To support himself, Benton got a job in the garment industry selling clothes from a push cart during the day. At night and on weekends he would hang around recording studios and small clubs trying out for a singing spot.

He finally signed with Mercury Records, and a string of hits soon followed.

He had three No. 1 hits in 1959 alone--”It’s Just a Matter of Time,” “Thank You Pretty Baby” and “So Many Ways.”

Among those who recorded some of his songs were Nat (King) Cole, rhythm and blues star Clyde McPhatter and vocalist Dinah Washington.

In 1961, Benton had an international hit with the “Boll Weevil Song,” an updated version of a folk song that sold more than a million copies.

And in 1970, he had three songs on the national charts, including his last major hit, “Rainy Night in Georgia.”

In recent years, Benton returned to his roots in gospel music, touring with religious reviews.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete.