Ben Folds (born 1966, North Carolina) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist who rose to prominence as the frontman of the alternative rock trio Ben Folds Five in the 1990s, known for piano-driven pop and sharp, emotionally layered lyrics. His solo career spans multiple acclaimed albums, collaborations with artists from Regina Spektor to Nick Hornby, and over two decades of performing with symphony orchestras worldwide. From 2017 to 2025 he served as the first-ever Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., a post he resigned in February 2025 following the Trump administration's takeover of the institution.
Folds published an open letter warning that the National Symphony Orchestra 'may not survive' the ongoing disruption at the Kennedy Center following Trump's takeover.
Folds announced additional 2026 US solo tour dates under the 'Ben Folds and a Piano' banner, covering May and June legs across the country.
Folds surprise-released 'Ben Folds Live with the National Symphony Orchestra' on July 4, 2025, recorded at two sold-out Kennedy Center shows in October 2024.
Folds resigned as the first-ever Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center on February 12, 2025, citing the Trump administration's political takeover of the institution.
Folds released his holiday album 'Sleigher' on October 25, 2024, via New West Records.
