Early Life and Education of Ben Folds: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 7, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Ben Folds. A timeline of key moments.

Ben Folds is an American singer-songwriter and pianist, best known as the frontman of the alternative rock band Ben Folds Five. He gained prominence in the 1990s with the band's unique sound. After their initial run and a later reunion, Folds embarked on a successful solo career, releasing multiple albums and collaborating with diverse artists across genres. Beyond his solo work, Folds has engaged in experimental songwriting projects and served as the artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 12, 1966: Benjamin Scott Folds Born

On September 12, 1966, Benjamin Scott Folds was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Others born on this day/year

1985: Enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

In the fall semester of 1985, Ben Folds enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

1987: Married Anna Goodman

Ben Folds married Anna Goodman in 1987, whom he met in first grade. She co-wrote several Ben Folds Five songs.

1992: Divorced Anna Goodman

Ben Folds and Anna Goodman, his first wife, divorced in 1992.

1996: Married Kate Rosen

Ben Folds was briefly married to Kate Rosen in 1996.

January 1998: Met Frally Hynes

In January 1998, Ben Folds met Frally Hynes, an Australian, who he would later marry.

May 1999: Married Frally Hynes

In May 1999, Ben Folds married Frally Hynes in Adelaide, South Australia.

July 22, 1999: Birth of son, Louis Francis

On July 22, 1999, Ben Folds' son, Louis Francis, was born.

July 23, 1999: Birth of daughter, Gracie Scott

On July 23, 1999, Ben Folds' daughter, Gracie Scott, was born.

2006: Divorced Frally Hynes

Ben Folds and Frally Hynes divorced in 2006.

November 17, 2007: Married Fleur Stanbrook

On November 17, 2007, Ben Folds married Fleur Stanbrook in Las Vegas.

September 18, 2008: Ben Folds Five Reunion Concert

On September 18, 2008, Ben Folds Five reunited to perform its first concert appearance in nearly 10 years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Memorial Hall, playing The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner. All proceeds benefited Operation Smile.