Homegrown Music Fest is returning to the fairgrounds with a stacked lineup of gifted performers, including high tenor singer-songwriter Ben James. He will take the Heritage Circle stage on Wednesday, Oct. 23, to showcase his authentic country sound with bluegrass and gospel influences.
Originally from Icard, Ben’s love of music stemmed from growing up in the church and being surrounded by a musically talented family, particularly his father and preacher, Eric James.
“Honestly, everybody in my family sings or plays music — it’s kind of weird,” Ben said. “But music is all I’ve ever known.”
He attended Appalachian State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in risk management, and worked in the commercial side of insurance until he realized his heart was pushing him to move to Nashville to pursue singing professionally. Ben’s relocation proved to be the right decision for following his musical passions, but he will always have love for his North Carolina roots.
“I’ve always said I’ll die in North Carolina no matter where I go,” Ben said. “It’s my favorite state — you have literally everything you need, and it’s just the best. I’ve been to almost every other state, and nothing compares to it.”
Ben has always stuck to a more traditional sound, having been described numerous times as an “old soul born at the wrong time.” He’s inspired by artists such as Jimmy Fortune, Randy Travis and Ronnie Milsap.
“The guys I travel with are 80 years old, and I still know all their music and all they’ve ever done,” Ben said. “I’m in awe of everything they do.”
Ben’s singing career took off when he found his way into bluegrass music with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver in 2020. After that, he landed gigs with bluegrass and country artist Dailey & Vincent. Ben currently sings tenor for the legendary country quartet The Oak Ridge Boys.
The Oak Ridge Boys are in the midst of their Farewell Tour, celebrating over 50 years of touring. Ben first met The Oak Ridge Boys in November 2022, officially joining the group a little more than a year later after previous tenor vocalist Joe Bonsall faced a decline in health due to a neuromuscular disorder.
“I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has been a great 50 years that I will never forget,” Bonsall wrote on social media. “There is a young man named Ben James singing for me out there, and he needs your love and encouragement. He brings a ton of talent to the table. The Oak Ridge Boys will finish the Farewell Tour without me, but rest assured, I am good with all of it! God’s Got It!!!”
Bonsall sadly passed away July 9, 2024, but his legacy lives on in longtime bandmates William Lee Golden, Duane Allen and Richard Sterban, as well as like-vocalist Ben James.
Ben looks fondly back on a gig he played at the CoMMA, a performing arts theater in Morganton, with The Oak Ridge Boys in April 2024. Being in the same county as Icard, it felt like a heartwarming hometown show.
“I’ve been to a lot of shows at the CoMMA and other local venues from where I grew up, and I’ve always dreamed about coming back to play,” Ben said. “It’s what you work towards because everyone from your upbringing comes to support you.”
Although he’s just getting started, Ben has acquired an impressive list of career highlights, one of which is performing at the Grand Ole Opry with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver the day after Thanksgiving in 2020. This iconic live music venue — nicknamed “the home of country music” and “the show that made country music famous” — has housed the best of the best in past, present and future country music. Ben hopes to play the Opry at a later time as “Ben James,” the solo act.
“I have wanted to play on that stage since I was five years old,” Ben said. “Being on that stage is an unexplainable feeling. It’s like going to Disney World as a kid — something you can never get over.”
As a frequent N.C. State Fair attendee, Ben is incredibly excited to be performing at Homegrown Music Fest for the first time. His father-in-law, Pat Short, runs the tobacco barn in Heritage Circle, so he enjoys spending time there. What better stage location for his State Fair performances?
“There is nothing better than the fall season, a cool October night in a Carhartt jacket, smelling the wood burning in the tobacco barn,” Ben said.
Reflecting on his journey has been a rewarding experience for Ben since the music industry is one where success can be difficult. However, his dedication to the craft and inspiration from his parents have been a rock for him throughout trying times.
“My dad is more of a realist kind of guy, and my mom is a dreamer like me,” Ben said. “A lot of people ask how I measure when I’ve ‘made it.’ I’m actively making my living and paying my bills by playing music, so I’ve made it in my mind. If I quit tomorrow, I’ve done all I ever wanted to do.”
You can catch Ben’s performances on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. He’ll be bringing out a couple of friends to play with him, so fairgoers can expect the beautiful melodies of multiple skilled artists. Be sure to follow Ben on Instagram @ben_james_music to keep up with his career.
