Ben Folds
Ben Folds
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Benjamin Scott "Ben" Folds is the most commonly known alias of this American singer-songwriter, pianist, and record producer.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on September 12, 1966, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Still active today, there are no notable death dates associated with Ben Folds.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American by birth, Ben Folds is a singer-songwriter, pianist, and record producer. He has been involved in the music industry for over three decades and has released numerous albums with his former band Ben Folds Five as well as several solo projects.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina, Ben Folds developed an interest in music at a young age. His early influences included Elvis Presley and The Beatles. He attended the University of Miami to study classical piano but dropped out after two years. Folds' experiences playing gigs around town led him to form his first band, which eventually evolved into Ben Folds Five.
Major Accomplishments
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Ben Folds has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including three Grammy nominations for Best Alternative Music Album. His band, Ben Folds Five, released their breakthrough album "Whatever and Ever Amen" in 1999 to critical acclaim. The album spawned the hit single "Brick," which peaked at number one on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart.
Notable Works or Actions
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Folds has released numerous albums with his former band as well as several solo projects, including the critically acclaimed "Rockin' the Suburbs" in 2001. He has also collaborated with other artists such as Regina Spektor and Nick Hornby. In addition to his music career, Folds has been an advocate for arts education and has worked extensively with organizations that support this cause.
Impact and Legacy
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Ben Folds' impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. His unique blend of piano-driven melodies and introspective lyrics has influenced a generation of singer-songwriters. He continues to tour and release new music, showcasing his ability to adapt and evolve as an artist. Folds' commitment to arts education is also worth noting, as he has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of music in schools.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Ben Folds is widely quoted and remembered for his poignant lyrics, which often explore themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery. His ability to craft relatable songs that resonate with listeners has made him a beloved figure in the music world. Folds' commitment to arts education and his dedication to promoting the importance of music in schools have also earned him recognition and respect from fans and fellow musicians alike.
Throughout his career, Ben Folds has demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with audiences through his music. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans, solidifying his place as one of the most respected singer-songwriters of our time.
Quotes by Ben Folds
Ben Folds's insights on:
But I really do have a soft spot for the solo shows. Any musician who writes and sings will tell you that's the center of it, that is it. It's almost like there's something church-like about it and you gotta go back there, if you're a songwriter that sings your material.
The music business is a weird business. Sometimes licensing doesn’t happen because some business component that you never knew about stops it.
It’s a tough thing to know that when you’re making your album, you’re going to end up collaborating with, say, Wal-Mart, on your artwork. That just sucks. And the pressure behind getting the numbers real fast is, to me, dizzying.
Everyone, when you’re a teenager and you’re growing up, you do feel like your life is dramatic enough to be on a TV screen, but we know that it’s not.
If the melody is telling me this is what the song is about, then I’m sort of forced into confession, autobiography or fantasy. If I don’t do that, I’ve hamstrung the melody.
I do have that mindset – that most good art comes from some turmoil, from someone trying to come to some equilibrium, or come up and get a breath.
I think people use temp music quite a bit, but the people who write the temp music don’t ever really learn that their music was inspiring a movie.
When someone really goes to tell you something about what they’re thinking, they’re going to wear that experience with them. That’s what you have to share.