Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Flournoy.
Hi Ben, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up in the small town of Quincy, Florida, I picked up a guitar at 12 years old and immediately became obsessed. By seventh grade, I made the decision to homeschool so I could fully dedicate myself to teaching myself music. I spent countless hours learning through YouTube, studying everyone from John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix to newer artists like Harry Styles and Noah Kahan. Music wasn’t just a hobby — it became my purpose.
By 15, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. While most kids were out with friends, I was in my room practicing for hours every day, writing songs, and chasing a sound that blends soulful blues guitar with modern pop songwriting.
That dedication has opened doors I once only dreamed about. My single “So Beautiful” climbed into the Top 24 on the Mediabase Pop Chart, proving that independent artists can compete on a national level. I’ve been selected as an official SXSW artist for 2025 and 2026, earned a spot in the prestigious American Songwriter “Between The Lines” Songwriting Camp, and this year my band and I are heading to Australia to perform at the internationally recognized Bridgetown Blues Festival. I am also currently working with the well-known Mr. JJ Blair out of Los Angeles, California, who is known for many major hits, further elevating my sound and expanding my reach.
No matter how far this journey takes me, I still approach every performance with the same excitement I had as a kid learning guitar in my bedroom. My goal has never been just to play songs — it’s to create moments people remember. I’m grateful for every fan, every opportunity, and every stage. I truly believe the best is still ahead.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes the journey meaningful. One of the biggest challenges was choosing a different path than most kids my age. In seventh grade, I decided to homeschool so I could dedicate myself completely to learning music. That meant giving up a lot of the typical teenage experiences in exchange for hours of practicing, writing songs, and teaching myself guitar every single day.
Breaking into the music industry as an independent artist has also been a challenge. There are no guarantees—you have to earn every opportunity, every fan, and every stage. There have been long drives to shows, late nights, setbacks, lineup changes, and plenty of moments where things didn’t go as planned. You hear “no” far more often than you hear “yes.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I consider myself a modern artist with an old soul. My music blends the emotion and guitar-driven storytelling of blues legends with the melodies and songwriting of today’s pop music. As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, I strive to create songs that connect with people while delivering live performances that are just as memorable as the music itself.
One thing that sets me apart is that I’m completely self-taught. Everything I know came from thousands of hours of studying, listening, and practicing. I didn’t learn in a classroom—I learned by chasing the sounds that inspired me and developing my own voice. My guitar playing has become a signature part of who I am, but I’ve always believed that great songs come first.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Since I’m self-taught, some of my greatest teachers have been online resources. I spent years learning guitar through YouTube, studying performances, interviews, and lessons from players like John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix. I still use YouTube today because there’s always something new to learn.
I also believe one of the best resources is simply listening. I spend a lot of time breaking down recordings, studying how great artists write songs, arrange music, and connect with an audience. Every live performance, whether it’s mine or someone else’s, is another opportunity to learn and grow.
Beyond music, I try to surround myself with people who have already accomplished what I’m working toward. Whether it’s working with producer JJ Blair, attending the American Songwriter “Between The Lines” Songwriting Camp, or talking with other musicians and industry professionals, I’ve learned that asking questions and staying humble is one of the fastest ways to improve.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there isn’t one book, app, or podcast that creates success. Consistency does. Showing up every day, putting in the work, and always being willing to learn has been the greatest resource of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://benflournoy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_flournoy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benflournoymusic/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Ben_Flournoy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenFlournoy
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kE3DN99GN4mFhEvp92ViB?si=QlMtjQWdSUysSJ0RyASexA
