Ben Howard was born on April 24, 1987, in London and raised near Totnes in Devon. Growing up in a musical family, he was exposed to artists such as Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan. Writing songs since the age of eleven, he taught himself guitar using fingerstyle techniques and alternative tunings, contributing to his distinctive sound.
He briefly studied journalism in Falmouth but left six months before graduation to pursue music full-time. Between 2008 and 2010, he released several independent EPs before debuting his first studio album Every Kingdom in 2011. The album earned a Mercury Prize nomination and saw Howard win two Brit Awards—for British Breakthrough Act and Male Solo Artist.
Howard’s second album, I Forget Where We Were (2014), reached Number 1 in the UK and showcased a darker, more introspective sound. His third album, Noonday Dream (2018), ventured deeper into experimental territory. His fourth album, Collections from the Whiteout (2021), introduced ambient textures and collaborations with noted producers.
In early 2022, he suffered two transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes) that affected his speech and memory—an experience that informed his emotionally intense fifth album Is It? (2023). This record explores themes of mortality, identity, and artistic freedom.
Known for his unconventional live performances, Howard sometimes plays guitar left-handed or flips a right-handed guitar upside-down. His unique "pick and go" acoustic style and the influence of surfing and Devon’s coastal environs—especially in songs like “The Burren”—lend his work an organic authenticity.
Ben Howard remains a revered singer-songwriter, celebrated for his poetic lyrics, layered sonic palette, and deeply introspective artistic vision that resonates with audiences around the globe.
