Ben Folds Five

Ben Folds Five (1994–2000) was a trio formed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina who were a mainstay of piano rock until their breakup in 2000. Much of their work was influenced by jazz,

Ben Folds Five (1994–2000) was a trio formed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina who were a mainstay of piano rock until their breakup in 2000. Much of their work was influenced by jazz, evident in frequent improv-styled passages through bridge and/or ending. Ben Folds was the lead singer, pianist, and main composer, Robert Sledge played bass, and Darren Jessee played drums and co-wrote some of the songs. Sledge and Jessee also delivered backup vocals.

Ben Folds Five was formed in 1994 in Chapel Hill by Ben Folds. The origin of the group's name may stem from the fact that Ted Ehrhard and Chris Eubank were studio musicians who assisted in the creation of the band's self-titled debut album (see Discography), though the bandmembers' fondness for satire is a more likely explanation. When asked about his band's name, Ben jokingly responded, "I think it sounds better than Ben Folds Three".