Ben Folds

Ben Folds
Name	Ben Folds
Caption	Folds performing in 2011
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Benjamin Scott Folds
Birth date	12 September 1966
Origin	Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.
Genre	Alternative rock, piano rock, pop rock
Occupation	Singer-songwriter, musician, record producer
Instrument	Vocals, piano, keyboards, bass, drums
Years active	1988–present
Label	Epic, 550 Music, Attacked by Plastic, Sony
Associated acts	Ben Folds Five, The Bens, William Shatner, Nick Hornby, yMusic
Website	www.benfolds.com

Ben Folds is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer, renowned for his energetic piano rock style and wry, observational songwriting. He first gained major recognition as the frontman and pianist of the alternative rock trio Ben Folds Five in the 1990s, known for hits like "Brick" and "Army". Following the band's initial breakup, he embarked on a successful solo career, releasing acclaimed albums such as Rockin' the Suburbs and collaborating with artists ranging from William Shatner to Nick Hornby. Folds is also celebrated as a keen advocate for music education, serving as a judge for the National Association for Music Education's "The Sing-Off" and as the first artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Early life and education

Benjamin Scott Folds was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and was adopted by parents Dean Folds and Larry Folds. His early interest in music was encouraged, and he began playing various instruments, eventually focusing on the drums before teaching himself piano. He attended the University of Miami's Frost School of Music but left before graduating, feeling constrained by the formal curriculum. During this period, he played bass guitar in the band Majosha and worked as a session drummer in Nashville, experiences that honed his eclectic musical skills and songwriting perspective.

Career

Folds co-founded Ben Folds Five in Chapel Hill in 1994 with bassist Robert Sledge and drummer Darren Jessee. The band's self-titled debut and its follow-up, Whatever and Ever Amen, achieved critical and commercial success, propelled by the melancholic hit single "Brick". After the band dissolved in 2000, Folds launched his solo career with the 2001 album Rockin' the Suburbs, produced by Ben Grosse. He has since released multiple solo studio albums, including Songs for Silverman and Way to Normal, and has collaborated on projects like William Shatner's Has Been and an album with author Nick Hornby titled Lonely Avenue. He has also recorded with ensembles like yMusic and the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra. Ben Folds Five reunited for the 2012 album The Sound of the Life of the Mind and subsequent tours.

Musical style and influences

Folds is primarily associated with the piano rock and alternative rock genres, often drawing comparisons to Elton John for his virtuosic piano playing and to Billy Joel for his narrative songwriting. His style incorporates elements of jazz, progressive rock, and power pop, with a lyrical focus on satire, character studies, and personal introspection. Key influences include The Beatles, Todd Rundgren, and Queen, as well as jazz pianists like Dave Brubeck. His work frequently features complex vocal harmonies and unconventional song structures, and he is known for his dynamic, often humorous, live performances.

Discography

A selective discography includes his work with Ben Folds Five and as a solo artist. With the band: Ben Folds Five (1995), Whatever and Ever Amen (1997), The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner (1999), and The Sound of the Life of the Mind (2012). Notable solo studio albums: Rockin' the Suburbs (2001), Songs for Silverman (2005), Way to Normal (2008), So There (2015), and What Matters Most (2023). He has also released live albums such as Ben Folds Live and collaborative works like Lonely Avenue with Nick Hornby.

Personal life

Folds has been married multiple times; his first marriage was to Anna Goodman, and he later married Kate Rosen, with whom he has twins. He is currently married to Emma Sandall, a former Australian Ballet dancer. He has five children in total. A longtime resident of Nashville, Folds is an outspoken advocate for arts education and has been involved with numerous charitable organizations. He has also been open about his experiences with ADHD and his journey as an adopted child, themes that occasionally surface in his music.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Folds has received various accolades, including several Boston Music Awards and an honorary doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. His collaboration on William Shatner's Has Been was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2017, he was appointed the first artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a role highlighting his commitment to bridging popular and classical music. He also served as a judge on the National Association for Music Education's a cappella competition series "The Sing-Off".

Category:American singer-songwriters Category:American rock pianists Category:1966 births Category:Living people