ben sidran

Biography

Ben Sidran, born August 14, 1943, in Chicago and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, is a celebrated American jazz and rock keyboardist, producer, songwriter, broadcaster, and author. He discovered jazz as a teenager and began performing boogie-woogie piano at local events before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1961. There, he joined The Ardells alongside Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs, but chose to complete his English literature degree while his bandmates pursued music careers on the West Coast. After graduating, Sidran moved to England to pursue a PhD at the University of Sussex, where he also worked as a session musician for artists such as Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Peter Frampton, and Charlie Watts.

Sidran's career blossomed with his return to the United States, where he became a key collaborator with Steve Miller, co-writing the hit "Space Cowboy" and contributing to several Steve Miller Band albums. He released his own debut as a leader, 'Feel Your Groove,' in 1971 and went on to produce records for notable artists including Mose Allison, Van Morrison, Diana Ross, Rickie Lee Jones, and Michael Franks. Sidran is also renowned for his work as a broadcaster, hosting NPR's Peabody Award-winning 'Jazz Alive' and VH1's Ace Award-winning 'New Visions' series, as well as for his scholarship, authoring influential books like 'Black Talk' and 'Talking Jazz.'

Known for blending jazz with R&B, rock, and witty lyricism, Sidran has released over forty solo albums and composed soundtracks for acclaimed films such as 'Hoop Dreams.' He is recognized as a bridge between jazz and popular music, and his legacy extends through his teaching, broadcasting, and prolific output as both a musician and writer.

Fun Facts

• Ben Sidran co-wrote the Steve Miller Band hit 'Space Cowboy', earning royalties that funded his graduate studies.
• He hosted NPR's 'Jazz Alive' and VH1's 'New Visions', both of which won major broadcasting awards.
• Sidran holds a PhD in American Studies from the University of Sussex, but chose a career in music over academia.
• He composed the soundtrack for the acclaimed documentary film 'Hoop Dreams'.

Associated Acts

• Steve Miller Band
• The Ardells
• The Ben Sidran Hammond Quartet
• The Go Jazz All Stars

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mose Allison - Stylistic influence and later production collaborator; Allison's blend of jazz, blues, and witty lyrics shaped Sidran's approach. (Produced albums for Allison; shared musical sensibilities.) [1970s–1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Steve Miller - Bandmate in The Ardells and Steve Miller Band; co-writer and keyboardist. (Albums: 'Brave New World', 'Your Saving Grace', 'Number 5', 'Recall the Beginning...A Journey from Eden'; co-wrote 'Space Cowboy'.) [1960s–1980s]
• Boz Scaggs - Bandmate in The Ardells; session musician and collaborator. (Early recordings and live performances.) [1960s]
• Van Morrison - Produced albums for Morrison. (Production credits.) [1970s–1980s]
• Diana Ross - Produced albums for Ross. (Production credits.) [1970s–1980s]
• Rickie Lee Jones - Produced albums for Jones. (Production credits.) [1970s–1980s]
• Michael Franks - Produced albums for Franks. (Production credits.) [1970s–1980s]
• Clyde Stubblefield - Drummer and long-time musical partner after Stubblefield settled in Madison. (Live performances and recordings.) [1970s–2000s]

Artists Influenced

• Leo Sidran - Sidran's son; jazz musician, producer, and songwriter inspired and mentored by Ben Sidran. (Leo's solo albums and collaborations with his father.) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Back Nine (Don't Cry for No Hipster)
2. Solar (Clémentine Sings Ben Sidran)
3. Al otro lado del Río (Motorcycle Diaries with additional Music)
4. Brand New Music (Don't Cry for No Hipster)
5. Sixteen Tons (Don't Cry for No Hipster)
6. Song For A Sucker Like You (The Doctor Is In)
7. Discount Records (Picture Him Happy)
8. Don't Cry for No Hipster (Don't Cry for No Hipster)
9. About Love (Feel Your Groove)
10. Picture Him Happy (Sisyphus Goes to Work) (Picture Him Happy)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #contemporary-jazz, #jazz