Ben Sidran

Ben Sidran (b. 1943) is an American jazz pianist, producer and writer, recognized for his work with the Steve Miller Band and influence on jazz. Sidran's passion for be-bop and boogie woogie began in his teens. Later, while at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he formed a close bond with musicians Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs, playing blues rock together in the Ardells. This early collaboration set the stage for his future work with Miller. After earning his degree, Sidran obtained a PhD in American Studies at the University of Sussex, focusing on American Culture in the late '60's. Despite being in England, he managed to co-write the hit "Space Cowboy" in SF and contribute piano to key Miller albums including Brave New World and Your Saving Grace. Sidran also made his mark as a cultural commentator, hosting NPR's "Jazz Alive" and VH-1's "New Visions". He is also an author of several books, notably "There Was a Fire" which dutifully pulls together many strands of Jewish American contributions in the popular arts. His "Talking Jazz" box set features over 60 interviews with jazz legends and taps a vast interview archive represented well at bensidran.com.