A native of Portland Oregon, Ben began playing classical piano at age 8 and continued his studies through college.
When Ben was in middle school, his grandparents found his dad’s snare drum, a gift William Ludwig Sr. had given his grandfather back in the early 60's. Ben joined the school band and continued with various percussion and mallet instruments.
While attending high school and working as a sub in the Pacific Northwest music scene, Ben became interested in jazz. He was accepted to the University of North Texas where he studied with renowned jazz instructor, Ed Soph. After graduating, Ben moved to Chicago and found success as a drummer as well as a teacher. Ben frequently works in television and has appeared on MTV, WGN-9 and at Second City.
Living in Chicago has given him the opportunity to work with jazz innovators such as Roy Hargrove, Esperanza Spalding, Jon Faddis Bill Watrous and Aaron Neville.
Currently he is performing and touring with musicians from all over the country. His most recent album release, "Wandering" with Kimbrough & Co. is now available online. He is also featured in the documentary "The Journals of Life". Ben holds a position as the percussion director at Loyola Academy High School and is a Supernatural Cymbals performing artist.