Ben McKee Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Imagine Dragons, Height, Parents, Songs & Albums

Ben McKee is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the bassist for the Grammy-winning pop-rock band Imagine Dragons.

His contributions to the band’s genre-blending sound and energetic performances have made him a key figure in their global success.

Profile

• Full Name: Benjamin Arthur McKee
• Stage Name: Ben McKee
• Born: April 7, 1985
• Age: 40 years old
• Birthplace: Forestville, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American Musician, Songwriter, Record Producer, Bassist
• Height: 5’6
• Parents: Mr and Mrs McKee
• Siblings: 1, Julia McKee (younger sister)
• Spouse: Not married
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $2.5 million to $8 million

Early Life and Education

Ben McKee was born on April 7, 1985, in Forestville, California, a small town that influenced his grounded personality. Raised in a supportive family, he developed an early interest in music, starting with acoustic guitar and violin before picking up the acoustic bass in fifth grade.

His parents encouraged his musical aptitude, enrolling him in lessons for violin, clarinet, and keyboard. Ben attended El Molino High School, where he played in a jazz trio, solidifying his passion for bass guitar and prompting his decision to pursue music professionally.

He enrolled at Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying jazz and participating in a guitar performance ensemble alongside future Imagine Dragons bandmates Wayne Sermon and Daniel Platzman. McKee dropped out of Berklee with one semester remaining in 2009 to join Imagine Dragons in Las Vegas, a decision that marked the start of his professional music career.

Career

Ben McKee joined Imagine Dragons in 2009 at the invitation of guitarist Wayne Sermon, completing the lineup with frontman Dan Reynolds and drummer Daniel Platzman. Based in Las Vegas, the band honed their craft as a lounge act, earning local accolades like “Best CD of 2011” (Vegas SEVEN), “Best Local Indie Band 2010” (Las Vegas Weekly), and “Las Vegas’ Newest Must See Live Act” (Las Vegas CityLife).

They signed with Interscope Records in November 2011, working with producer Alex da Kid. Their debut album, Night Visions (2012), reached #2 on the Billboard 200 and featured hits like “It’s Time” (#15 Billboard Hot 100), “Radioactive” (#3 Billboard Hot 100, diamond-certified by RIAA), and “Demons” (#6 Billboard Hot 100). “Radioactive” set a record for the longest time atop the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart (23 weeks) and won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance.

Their second album, Smoke + Mirrors (2015), hit #1 on the Billboard 200, UK Albums Chart, and Canadian Albums Chart, with singles like “I Bet My Life” and “Shots.” McKee has co-written songs like “Demons” and “I Bet My Life” and contributed to film soundtracks, including Suicide Squad (“Sucker for Pain”), The Host, Iron Man 3 (“Ready Aim Fire”), Hunger Games: Catching Fire (“Who We Are”), and Transformers: Age of Extinction (“Battle Cry”).

As a producer, he has worked with artists like X Ambassadors and K.Flay. Imagine Dragons’ global album sales exceed 20 million, cementing McKee’s role in their success.

Awards and Nominations

• Winner: Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance (2014) – “Radioactive” (Imagine Dragons)
• Winner: Billboard Music Award for Best Rock Album (2014) – Night Visions (Imagine Dragons)
• Nomination: Grammy Award for Record of the Year (2014) – “Radioactive” (Imagine Dragons)
• Additional local awards: “Best CD of 2011” (Vegas SEVEN), “Best Local Indie Band 2010” (Las Vegas Weekly), “Las Vegas’ Newest Must See Live Act” (Las Vegas CityLife).

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @benamckee
• Twitter/X Handle: @benamckee

Personal Life

Ben McKee, resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, close to his Imagine Dragons bandmates. An Aries, he stands between 5’6″ and 5’11” (reports vary), with a thin build, light brown hair, and an alternative style.

He is single, with no confirmed past or current relationships, though a 2015 Instagram post jokingly tagged a fan as “Ben McKee’s wife,” clarifying she was a devoted supporter, not a spouse. McKee keeps his personal life private, with no public information on dating or children.

He enjoys spicy food, knitting, and is an advocate for environmental causes, supporting organizations like the Sierra Club and Greenpeace. In February 2021, he pledged to donate $1,000 daily to worthy causes for a year, reflecting his commitment to social impact.

His hobbies include fashion, with a bold, sophisticated style, and he maintains a controversy-free image, focusing on music and philanthropy.

Filmography

• Suicide Squad (2016) – Soundtrack Contributor (“Sucker for Pain” by Imagine Dragons)
• The Host (2013) – Soundtrack Contributor
• Iron Man 3 (2013) – Soundtrack Contributor (“Ready Aim Fire”)
• Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) – Soundtrack Contributor (“Who We Are”)
• Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) – Soundtrack Contributor (“Battle Cry”)
• League of Legends World Championships (2014) – Soundtrack Contributor (“Warriors”)

Discography

• Night Visions (Album, 2012) – Singles: “It’s Time,” “Radioactive,” “Demons”
• Smoke + Mirrors (Album, 2015) – Singles: “I Bet My Life,” “Gold,” “Shots”
• Evolve (Album, 2017) – Singles: “Believer,” “Thunder,” “Whatever It Takes”
• Origins (Album, 2018) – Singles: “Natural,” “Bad Liar”
• Mercury – Act 1 (Album, 2021) – Singles: “Follow You,” “Cutthroat”
• Mercury – Act 2 (Album, 2022) – Singles: “Bones,” “Sharks”
• Loom (Album, 2024) – Singles: “Eyes Closed” (feat. J Balvin)
• Additional Singles: “On Top of the World,” “Believer,” “Sucker for Pain” (with Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, others)

Net Worth

Ben McKee’s estimated net worth ranges from $2.5 million to $8 million. His wealth comes from his role in Imagine Dragons, including album sales (over 20 million worldwide), touring, songwriting royalties, and soundtrack contributions. Additional income stems from producing for artists like X Ambassadors and K.Flay.