A native of Durham, NC, Ben began playing trumpet in school band 38 years ago where he met and started playing with soon-to-be Castaways member J.T. Long. By 1976 Ben was playing trumpet full-time. After a stint with The Castaways in the early ‘80’s, Ben began working with groups based out of the Charlotte area, including seven years with "The Fantastic Shakers". Since moving back to this area he has played two seasons in Myrtle Beach, SC at the Savoy Theater, with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and subbed with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Besides performing with The Castaways, Ben continues to play with the Raleigh Jazz Orchestra and the North Carolina Brass Quintet. Ben is also the founder/owner of the Brassworks, a shop specializing in brass musical instrument repair and custom trumpets.