Who Is Ben Folds? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ben Folds, born on September 12, 1966, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is an iconic American musician known for his unique blend of pop rock and alternative music. He gained fame as the frontman of the Ben Folds Five before launching a successful solo career. As of 2025, Ben Folds is 58 years old and continues to captivate audiences with his musical talent and engaging performances. He is recognized for his witty lyrics and compelling melodies, solidifying his place in the music industry.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1966 |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Birth Place | Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Ben Folds's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ben Folds stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs around 160 lbs (73 kg). His distinctive style complements his persona as a creative musician. While exact measurements aren't often publicized, his athletic build and stage presence contribute to his energetic performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Ben Folds is single, having previously been in high-profile relationships. He has two children from his marriage to his ex-wife, Frally, which ended in 2011. Throughout his career, Folds has maintained a level of privacy regarding his dating life, but fans are often curious about possible romantic interests and relationships beyond his family.
He became interested in piano at age nine. His father, a carpenter, brought one home through a barter trade with a customer who was unable to pay. During this time, Folds listened to songs by Elton John and Billy Joel on AM radio, and learned them by ear. During his years at Richard J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, Folds played in several bands as the pianist, bassist, or drummer.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Ben Folds has an estimated net worth of around $10 million. His earnings stem primarily from his music career, including album sales, touring, and royalties, as well as income generated from his work as a producer and educator. Ben's enduring popularity and diverse portfolio of musical projects contribute to his financial success.
Way to Normal was released on September 30, 2008, in the United States and on September 29, 2008, in the United Kingdom. It became Folds' highest-charting album ever in the US, debuting at no. 11 on the Billboard 200.
Fan reception of the album was rather mixed, with several citing the heavy use of dynamic compression as a major downfall of the album. Folds responded, releasing a more "traditional" mix of the album entitled Stems and Seeds, featuring various bonus tracks such as the entire "leaked" album and providing stems that allowed fans to create remixes.
Career, Business, and Investments
Since the early 1990s, Ben Folds has been a prominent figure in the music industry. He released several critically acclaimed albums both as a solo artist and with Ben Folds Five, including hits like "Brick" and "Rockin' the Suburbs." In addition to music, he has dabbled in various business ventures, including collaborations with brands and appearances on television shows, such as his role as a judge on "The Sing-Off." His investments in music education and mentoring programs showcase his commitment to fostering new talent within the industry.
Folds moved to Montclair, New Jersey, and began to act in theater troupes in New York City. Around 1993, he was enjoying this to the point where he did not want to keep pursuing a musical career. He also played weekly gigs at Sin-é, famous for being the café which had helped start Jeff Buckley's career.
Social Network
Ben Folds is active on social media platforms, engaging with fans and promoting his latest projects. You can follow him on:
Folds attended the University of Miami's Frost School of Music on a full percussion scholarship, but dropped out after having failed 'the jury' and losing his scholarship. He devoted a lot of time to working on piano technique. "I spent maybe six months just running scales with a metronome like a freak," Folds said. "I suppose that did something."
Education
Ben Folds attended the University of Miami, where he studied music composition and performance. His education provided him with a solid foundation in music, which greatly influenced his songwriting style and ability to produce diverse musical genres. Even after his formal schooling, Folds has remained dedicated to learning and growth, regularly participating in workshops and educational efforts to inspire upcoming musicians.
After leaving Miami, he returned to North Carolina and enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for the fall semester of 1985. It was while studying at UNCG that he met his 'accidental mentor', Robert Darnell. Folds would acknowledge the impact of Darnell on his appreciation of music in his 2019 memoir A Dream About Lightning Bugs.
