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, best known as the frontman of the alternative rock band Ben Folds Five. The band was active from 1993 to 2000, and again from 2011-2013. Since the band's original breakup, Folds has pursued a successful solo career, releasing multiple albums and collaborating with a diverse range of artists, including Regina Spektor and William Shatner. Folds served as the artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., from 2019 to 2025. His work spans pop, rock, and experimental compositions.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 12, 1966: Benjamin Scott Folds' Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

1985: Enrollment 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 known since first grade.

1992: Divorce from Anna Goodman

In 1992, Ben Folds divorced Anna Goodman, who co-wrote several Ben Folds Five songs.

1996: Marriage to Kate Rosen

In 1996, Ben Folds was briefly married to Kate Rosen.

January 26, 1997: Broadcast of Triple J Hottest 100 poll

On January 26, 1997, the Triple J Hottest 100 poll was broadcast.

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, who inspired the song "Still Fighting It".

July 23, 1999: Birth of Gracie Scott

On July 23, 1999, Frally Hynes gave birth to twins, including Gracie Scott, who inspired the song "Gracie".

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: Idea of Nick Hornby collaboration

In July 2008, the idea of collaboration with Nick Hornby came out of the "fake" leak of the album. Then later became a major release.

July 16, 2008: Leak of 'Way to Normal (Fake)'

On July 16, 2008, an anonymous user posted what they claimed was a "leak" of Ben Folds' latest album, 'Way to Normal (Fake)', on a fan site. The leak contained the fake versions of songs recorded in Dublin.

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, as part of MySpace's "Front to Back" series playing 'The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner'.