Benjamin J. Denen

Benjamin was born and raised in Rockford, IL.  Piano lessons were started at the age of 8 as part of his school curriculum, but his love of music didn't fully arise until his grandfather gifted him his first guitar two years later.  it didn't take immediately, but ben forced himself to keep playing because his grandfather threatened to "make the drive all the way back to Rockford from Alabama to pick it up when you decide you don't want to play anymore."  Not wanting him to make that 14-hour drive in disappointment, he never stopped.  This one gift brought Benjamin to places even his grandfather never could have imagined.

In his younger years he was selected as one of four guitar players in Illinois to be a part of the All-State Jazz Ensembles. He then realized that this was what he wanted to do for a living, play guitar professionally.

After being admitted into the prestigious music school as a guitar major at Belmont University, he made the move to Nashville, TN. While there he was placed in top ensembles from freshman year through graduation and was asked to perform in the highly-regarded commercial music showcase multiple times. He was also given professional auditions through faculty members, including the head of the guitar department. Benjamin graduated in 2006 with a BA in Commercial Music with an emphasis in Guitar Performance.

While attending Belmont, he was given numerous touring opportunities. His talents took him all over the world where he shared the stage with many of the music industry's most-prized artists, including the Charlie Daniels Band, Wynonna Judd, Kellie Pickler, Clay Walker, Dierks Bentley, Pat Green, Craig Morgan, Matthew West, Eli, PFR, and Chester Thompson.

Songwriting was a part of Benjamin's musical experience from a young age, but his passion for composing came a few years after college.  His most recent works have drawn the attention of LA's top industry execs. Emmy Award winner George Daugherty recently stated that he "loves all of the new songs" and that the pieces "really are fantastic!" His Christmas album released in 2013 received radio play in over 300 countries and was placed on five international Top 10 lists. It also stirred up interest in the Ireland, resulting in contact with overseas promoters for a 2014 tour.

2014 has already brought many exciting opportunities and accomplishments to Benjamin. He was named a Finalist in the prestigious Great American Song Contest and had numerous publishing houses ask for permission to use his songs in potential projects.