Ben Harper Biography: Net Worth, Height, Awards, Children, Movies, Age, Spouse
Benjamin Charles Harper, known professionally as Ben Harper, is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist recognized for blending blues, folk, soul, reggae, and rock.
A three-time Grammy Award winner, he is known for his distinctive slide guitar work, socially conscious songwriting, and collaborations with artists including the Blind Boys of Alabama and Charlie Musselwhite.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Benjamin Charles Harper |
| Stage Name: | Ben Harper |
| Born: | October 28, 1969 (age 56 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Pomona, California, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 1.9 m |
| Parents: | Leonard Harper, Ellen Harper |
| Siblings: | Joel Harper, Peter Harper |
| Spouse: | Jaclyn Matfus (m. 2015); formerly Laura Dern (m. 2005–2013), Joanna Harper (m. 1996–2001) |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | Charles Joseph Harper, Harris Harper, Ellery Walker Harper, Jaya Harper, Besso Harper |
| Occupation: | Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist |
| Net Worth: | $10 million |
Early Life and Education
Ben Harper was born on October 28, 1969, in Pomona, California, United States, to Leonard Harper, of African-American ancestry, and Ellen Harper (née Chase), who is Jewish.
He has two younger brothers, Joel and Peter Harper. His parents divorced when he was five, and he was raised primarily by his mother’s family.
He grew up near the Folk Music Center and Museum, run by his maternal grandparents, in Claremont, California, where he was exposed to a wide range of folk, blues, and traditional music.
He began playing guitar as a child and is largely self-taught. He is of mixed African-American and Jewish heritage, and he is Christian.
Career
Ben Harper started performing publicly in his early teens and gained early experience through the local music scene connected to his family’s Folk Music Center.
His first major break came when blues musician Taj Mahal invited him to tour, leading to a recording contract with Virgin Records.
He released his debut album, Welcome to the Cruel World, in 1994, followed by the critically praised Fight for Your Mind in 1995.
Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, he recorded and toured extensively with his band, the Innocent Criminals, releasing albums such as The Will to Live, Burn to Shine, Diamonds on the Inside, and Both Sides of the Gun.
He earned Grammy Awards for his collaboration with the Blind Boys of Alabama on There Will Be a Light and for later blues projects. Harper has also worked with groups including Relentless7 and Fistful of Mercy, and has released collaborative albums with Charlie Musselwhite.
In recent years, he has continued to explore different styles, issuing instrumental work such as Winter Is for Lovers and the more introspective Wide Open Light in 2023.
Known for his live performances and activism, Harper remains an active recording and touring artist with a catalogue that spans folk, blues, soul, and rock.
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @benharper
Personal Life
Ben Harper was first married to Joanna Harper from 1996 to 2001; the couple has two children, Charles Joseph Harper and Harris Harper.
He later married actress Laura Dern in 2005; they have two children, Ellery Walker Harper and Jaya Harper, and divorced in 2013. He married Jaclyn Matfus in 2015, and they have a child named Besso Harper.
Filmography
- Welcome to the Cruel World (1994)
- Fight for Your Mind (1995)
- The Will to Live (1997)
- Burn to Shine (1999)
- Diamonds on the Inside (2003)
- There Will Be a Light (2004)
- Both Sides of the Gun (2006)
- Lifeline (2007)
- Bloodline Maintenance (2022)
- Wide Open Light (2023)
Net Worth
Ben Harper has an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million, built through decades of album sales, extensive international touring, songwriting royalties, and collaborations.
His primary income sources include recording contracts, live performances, and related music industry activities.
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