The Ben Ben
The Ben Ben has been playing music in the Delta for over 25 years.Starting out as a Drummer/Vocalist at the early age of 15 with SUN and PHILLIPS RECORDS Artists Jimmy Evans(Rockabilly) and (Country) also Sam Carr,Son of Legendary Bluesman,Robert Nighthawk and Frank Frost of the Original Jelly Roll Kings. Ben has played with some of the greatest such as Ace Cannon,Narvel Felts and Country Hall of Famer,Ernie Ashworth.Ben currently plays with SUN Artist Mack Self and also fronts his own band SOUTHBOUND. Ben Ben recorded Daddys Girl with the help of Carl Perkins piano man,Lee McAlpin in 2000
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
SOUTHBOUND Has been in existence for 2 years. My lead guitar player Jimmy Rogers previously used the name over 10 years ago,with his own band.Since hiring Jimmy we wanted to be known as a group with NO CHIEFS and ALL INDIANSSO instead of (Benny and the Jets) or such,"WE" decided to use Jimmys old band name.Besides Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers is a friend of mine so I decided this would pay homage to the song.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes I play every weekend with my band "SOUTHBOUND" around the Arkansas/Mississippi Delta. Were a good Variety Band.Also do some Festivals with Legendary SUN RECORDS ARTIST " MACK SELF " Yes Music Is my life. Special Moments include doing 2 years with Billy Adams Blazers at Graceland on Elvis's Birthday and raising over $100,000.00 for St Judes Childrens Hospital. The Presley Foundation gave us a plaque honoring us.
Your musical influences
My first influences were The Eagles and James Taylor.Then I had my Motown years with The Temptations and The Supremes.Also Conway Twitty and Merle Haggard are big influences.I was raised with a good musical divercity. Favorite Singers/Vocalists are Bing Crosby,Dean Martin,Al Martino,Sam Cooke,Ricky Van Shelton and R.B.Greaves. Favorite writers are Willie Nelson,Kris Kristofferson and Harlan Howard. Favorite Woman Singers are Sammi Smith,Emmylou Harris,Loretta Lynn,Tammi Wynette,Mavis Staples and Dolly Parton.Favorite female Writers are Dolly and Gretchen Peters.
What equipment do you use?
Im not Techno but we use a Yamaha PA, Premier Drums,Fender Guitars and amp,Peavey Bass Amp,Shure and EV Microphones,and I use a NADY Condenser Mic (spc15) and a Behringer (Vintager) Amp. Also Taylor and Takamine Acoustic/Elecric guitars.
Anything else?
Funny but I moved to Helena from Germany when I was 12 and wondered just where in the Hell I was. I found out later that most of of my musical influences were from right around here,within a 50 mile radius.Levon Helm,Conway,Charlie Pride and Sam Cooke just to name a few more. Thanks guys
