Early Life and Education of Ben Folds: A Complete Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Ben Folds. A timeline of key moments.
Ben Folds is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for his work as the frontman of the alternative rock band Ben Folds Five. The band was active from 1993 to 2000, and reunited from 2011 to 2013. Beyond his work with the band, Folds has a prolific solo career, releasing multiple albums and collaborating with diverse artists like Regina Spektor and William Shatner. Folds has also engaged in experimental songwriting projects with authors such as Nick Hornby and Neil Gaiman. He served as the artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center from 2019 to 2025.
September 12, 1966: Ben Folds Born
On September 12, 1966, Benjamin Scott Folds was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
1985: Enrolled at UNCG
In 1985, Ben Folds enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for the fall semester.
1987: Marriage to Anna Goodman
In 1987, Ben Folds married Anna Goodman, whom he had met in first grade.
1992: Divorce from Anna Goodman
In 1992, Ben Folds divorced Anna Goodman.
1996: Marriage to Kate Rosen
In 1996, Ben Folds was briefly married to Kate Rosen.
January 1998: Meeting Frally Hynes
In January 1998, Ben Folds met Frally Hynes, who is Australian.
May 1999: Marriage to Frally Hynes
In May 1999, Ben Folds married Frally Hynes in Adelaide, South Australia.
July 22, 1999: Birth of Louis Francis
On July 22, 1999, Frally Hynes gave birth to twins, including Louis Francis.
July 23, 1999: Birth of Gracie Scott
On July 23, 1999, Frally Hynes gave birth to twins, including Gracie Scott.
2006: Divorce from Frally Hynes
In 2006, Ben Folds and Frally Hynes divorced.
November 17, 2007: Marriage to Fleur Stanbrook
On November 17, 2007, Ben Folds married Fleur Stanbrook in Las Vegas.
July 2008: Fake Album Leak Idea Originated
In July 2008, the idea of the collaboration of "Lonely Avenue" came out of the fake leak of the album "Way to Normal".
July 16, 2008: Fake Album Leak
On July 16, 2008, an anonymous user leaked what they claimed was Ben Folds' latest album, which was a mix of legitimate songs and humorous pastiches.
March 2010: "Ode To Merton" Video Went Viral
In March 2010, Ben Folds' video "Ode To Merton" went viral on YouTube.
June 14, 2010: Released Lonely Avenue album art
On June 14, 2010, Ben Folds released the official album art for "Lonely Avenue" via his Twitter account.
2011: End of Marriage to Fleur Stanbrook
In 2011, Ben Folds and Fleur Stanbrook ended their marriage.
2012: Statement on Marriage
In 2012, Ben Folds stated that "As much as I love the idea of being married, it's not for me."
2016: Residence in Santa Monica and Hudson
As of 2016, Ben Folds lived in Santa Monica, California, and owned a residence in Hudson, New York.
2016: Support for Bernie Sanders
In 2016, Ben Folds supported Bernie Sanders for president in the presidential election.
January 20, 2017: Marriage to Emma Sandall
On January 20, 2017, Ben Folds married Emma Sandall, a former Royal Ballet dancer.
2019: Acknowledged Robert Darnell's impact
In his 2019 memoir, "A Dream About Lightning Bugs", Ben Folds acknowledged the impact of Robert Darnell on his appreciation of music.
March 2020: Temporary Residence in Sydney
In March 2020, Ben Folds temporarily resided in Sydney due to travel restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2020: Release of "2020"
In June 2020, Ben Folds released the song "2020", which reflects on the difficulties of living during the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 2020: Sale of Hudson Residence
In December 2020, Ben Folds sold his residence in Hudson, New York.
February 27, 2024: Divorce from Emma Sandall
On February 27, 2024, Ben Folds divorced Emma Sandall.
