Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

September 12, 1966 in Winston-Salem, NC

 

Ben Folds is a renowned American singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Born on September 12, 1966, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Folds grew up in a musical family and started playing the piano at a young age. His father was a carpenter and a musician, and his mother was a painter and a singer. Folds' parents encouraged him to pursue his passion for music, and he began taking piano lessons at the age of nine. Folds' early musical influences included classical composers such as Beethoven and Chopin, as well as rock and pop artists like Elton John and Billy Joel. He attended the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where he studied percussion and composition. After college, Folds moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he formed the band Ben Folds Five with bassist Robert Sledge and drummer Darren Jessee. Ben Folds Five released their self-titled debut album in 1995, which included the hit single "Brick." The song, which Folds wrote about his high school girlfriend's abortion, became a commercial success and helped to establish the band's reputation as a unique and innovative force in the music industry. The album also featured other popular tracks such as "Philosophy" and "Underground," which showcased Folds' distinctive piano playing and songwriting style. In 1997, Ben Folds Five released their second album, "Whatever and Ever Amen," which included the hit single "Battle of Who Could Care Less." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it earned the band a loyal following of fans who appreciated their blend of rock, pop, and classical music. Folds' piano playing was a standout feature of the album, and his use of unconventional chord progressions and complex rhythms helped to set the band apart from their peers. After the success of "Whatever and Ever Amen," Ben Folds Five released two more albums, "The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner" in 1999 and "Ben Folds Live" in 2002. The band's final album was a departure from their previous work, featuring more experimental and avant-garde compositions. Despite critical acclaim, the album did not sell as well as their previous releases, and the band disbanded in 2000. Following the breakup of Ben Folds Five, Folds embarked on a successful solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with other artists. His solo work continued to showcase his unique blend of classical and pop music, and he experimented with different genres and styles. In 2001, Folds released "Rockin' the Suburbs," his first solo album, which included the hit title track and the popular song "Annie Waits." Folds continued to release solo albums throughout the 2000s, including "Songs for Silverman" in 2005 and "Way to Normal" in 2008. He also collaborated with other artists, including William Shatner, Regina Spektor, and Amanda Palmer. In 2011, Folds released "The Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective," a compilation album that included some of his most popular songs from his solo career and his time with Ben Folds Five. In addition to his work as a musician, Folds has also composed music for film, television, and theater.

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