BEN FOLDS BIOGRAPHY


	:: Albums :: Lyrics

Ben Folds Biography
Review The Artist (12)

Send "Ben Folds" Ringtones to Cell

Source: http://www.benfolds.org/biography/

Related Band: Ben Folds Five

Full Name: Benjamin Scott Folds
Date of Birth: September 12th 1966
Place of Birth: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Piano: Ben says: "A Baldwin SF-10 and a Baldwin M (which has tacks in the hammers) I have another SF-10 at home, and an old turn of the century upright piano called a Steiff (which I used on Brick)"

Ben played in a band name Majosha around early 1988 and they played their first gig at Duke University's Battle of the Bands. They won. At that time, Majosha was Ben on bass, Millard Powers on guitar, Dave Rich (a friend of Ben's from UNC-Greensboro) on drums and Rob Strictland (another of Ben's friends from Winston-Salem). For the purposes of historical completeness, it should be mentioned that at that time, Majosha was spelled with an accent over the o. At some point that was dropped, mostly because people were too stupid to realize that the accent didn't mean it was Muh-joe'-sha (it's Muh-jah'-sha).

They played bars and frat parties for a while and eventually put out a self-produced EP sold at a few local stores called "Party Night: Five Songs About Jesus." There were 4 songs, and none were about Jesus. I think the 4 songs were: Get That Bug (Outta Your System), Kalamazoo, Where's Bohemia and Cool Whip. I'm not so sure about Where's Bohemia. Gradually their popularity grew and they played larger and farther flung gigs. Some time in 1989, Rob left the band, and Dave Rich was replaced by Chris "Hound" Brown on drums. They recorded "Shut Up and Listen to Majosha." They also borrowed Evan Olsen from Chuck Folds' band, the DT's at about the same time. Various tracks on Shut Up feature Dave, Chris or Ben on drums and/or Evan, Ben or Millard doing vocals. Shut Up contains, among others, the 4 songs from Party Night (remixed and/or re-recorded), Emaline and Video.

At about the same time they did some sort of dance mix of Get That Bug that was released somehow in Japan. As a promotional CD? At some point, Hound got sacked as well, and was replaced by Eddie Walker, who I think was also in the DT's with Chuck and Evan (all 3 of whom eventually became Bus Stop with Snuzz). In early 1990 Majosha broke up, and Ben formed Pots and Pans with Evan Olsen (bass) and Brett "Snuzz" Uzzell (guitar & vocals). Ben played drums. They only lasted for about a month, after which Evan and Snuzz went on to form Bus Stop.

Ben's name also appears on the band Barry Black's debut album, along with Darren's, playing either piano or drums on 9 out of 14 of the tracks. Barry Black's music is a serene, jazzy-style; mostly instrumental. Ben also plays drums on a few tracks on Fleming and John's debut album, "Delusions of Grandeur.". He makes a cameo appearance in the video for "I'm not afraid" as a drummer atop a huge cake. Ben has recorded with Whiskeytown, and his name also appears in various places on CDs by his brother Chuck's band, Bus Stop. As a side project, Ben has been working with producer Caleb Southern (who produced their first two albums) on an instrumental (electronica, sounding "like Air or the Propellerheads") album under the name Fear of Pop. Fear of Pop is finished and was released September 17th, 1998.. It contains, among other things, a track entitled "In Love" which features William Shatner doing spoken word.

Send "Ben Folds" Ringtones to Cell

Would you please submit the latest Ben Folds biography to me? Thank You.

Review about Ben Folds

Seeing Ben for the 1st time | Reviewer: Bennett194@aol.com | 10/27/2008

I just recently saw Ben Folds in Austin. I have been a fan for years, but have never made it to see him live. I live in Dallas, but could only make it to a weekend show, so I made the trip to Austin. All I have to say is it was a trip I would make 100 more times. This was probably the best performance I have ever seen. It was truly a magical night and has made me admire his unbelievable talent even more (if possible). I vow to never miss another chance to see him in concert.

A Small Tribute.. | Reviewer: Niall_Codeye | 8/13/2008

I was first introduced to Ben's music by a mate whilst at a festival at Butlins' holiday camp, Skegness, England, in March 1995. It was an epiphany and has gone down in my memories as a 'JFK' moment - I don't think I'll ever forget where I was when I first heard Ben Folds Five's music.
Since that fateful day, I've made thousands of dollars for the dude, by introducing him to all of my friends and family - who almost without exception think that the guy is a living, breathing legend. (Yo, Ben, where's my cut, man?!)

I've seen him live every time he's toured the UK (including just last month) and every single time the man has just blown me away: his exuberance, his doubtless talent as a multi-instrumentalist and his effortless grace have the power to change lives.
Think I'm exaggerating? Try him for yourself.

Choose any of his albums, from the first, the eponymously titled "Ben Folds Five" (which still has the power to cheer me up after 13 years and thousands of listens) through to the most recent, "Songs for Silverman", and the variety and depth of the music will astound you, captivate you, make you feel alive and young and free, like a kid in his first car on the day he passes his driving test..!

I couldn't recommend his work any more highly if he actually were paying me to write this (trust me, he's not) and I hope I encourage some of you to have your own, personal epiphanies and remember me, and this review, as being part of something that enriched and changed your life forever!

WHAT A GENUIS! | Reviewer: Anonymous | 3/12/2008

I just saw Ben folds concert,and it was the most incredible thing i have ever experienced! If you are considering going to one of his concerts DO IT it is worth whatever cost! he screamed an yelled and sang and played and..led us in a never ending chorus of "bitches can't hang in the streets" in the middle of his "bitches ain't shit"
and made us do harmony for "not the same"
really..best show I've ever been a part of!
he jumped on top of the piano and his drummer and guitarist were full of energy. really I LOVE BEN FOLDS!

Seein' Ben Agin | Reviewer: Jessi's Mom | 2/27/2008

I am going to see Ben at Purdue - I am 51 years old and I am going with my 31 year old son. I discovered Ben Folds through my 18 year old daughter about 2 years ago and I have 3 of his CDs in my 5 CD Changer - where they have been for the past 2 years. That reminds me - you need to release another - but anyway, who else appeals to that wide of an audience??? Ben - I love you. Oh, and I love the video in the pirate suit. See you in West Lafayette on Friday!!!

Ben Folds can rock my suburbs any time he wants! | Reviewer: Anonymous | 12/23/2007

I would have to say that my favorite song, right now, would have to be wandering. It is a wonderfully poignant song and I can really relate to it.

I don't know what I listened to before I was introduced to Ben Folds; he changed my life.

Landed | Reviewer: jason | 7/19/2007

If there ever was a song about my life it is this one, i feel like he was writing this with my life in mind.

but i did not follow through...like his character...

maybe i should come home and Land.

Ben Folds discovered at John Mayer concert | Reviewer: Anonymous | 7/7/2007

I discovered the music of Ben Folds when he opened for John Mayer. My daugter told me that I would enjoy his music and she was right. GENIUS! and a Sense of Humor!

About the artist/band Ben Folds | Reviewer: Lydia | 6/4/2007

All I got to say is "dayyummm. That boy is rockin the suberbs"

Amazing | Reviewer: Alice leilani | 5/9/2007

Ben Folds is definately one of the most gifted artists ever...just incredible, and sounds just wow when live.

Ben Folds | Reviewer: Lynnie | 4/24/2007

Ben Folds is an inspiring musician, and he has CHANGED MY LIFE!

Review By Pages: 1 2

Review the Artist Ben Folds