ArtistInfo

Ben Hernandez

voc, US
Singer of Blues

Ben Hernandez is a dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist rooted firmly in the early American musical traditions of gospel, country blues, ragtime and jug band music. Hernandez’s primary instrument is his voice; a blend of raw power and subtle intensity, reflecting his gospel influences. Ben is also a gifted harmonica player whose skill on the instrument is reminiscent of greats such as Sonny Terry, Noah Lewis, and Will Shade. In addition, he is an accomplished jug, spoons, washboard, kazoo and gutbucket bass player. Born and raised in a small farm town in California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley the sounds of freight trains, coyotes and the country seeped into Ben like irrigation water. He eventually found his way to Los Angeles and finally San Diego where his music flourished. Hernandez has performed at many major festivals, released three albums, received a San Diego Music Award for one of them, placed first at the International Blues Festival in Memphis, TN and has taken his music to Canada, Europe and Asia. These days Ben Hernandez’s music and songwriting focuses on gospel; a genre he says, “has been an important part of my life for many years. I wake up thinking about and go to bed thinking about. It’s the most beautiful music in the world.” He has relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina and will no doubt ease comfortably into the rich mosaic of southeastern music and history. With his versatility and passion for American roots music, Ben is sure to make the same waves on the east coast as he has on the west.