How Ben Folds has changed — and hasn't — in the 30 years since Ben Folds Five's debut

NPR | By Scott Detrow,

Gabriel J. Sánchez, Mallory Yu

Published September 3, 2026 at 2:52 PM CDT

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NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with alternative rock pioneer Ben Folds about the 30th anniversary of the release of his old group's debut album, Ben Folds Five.

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Scott Detrow

Scott Detrow is a host of All Things Considered, as well as NPR’s daily news podcast Consider This.

See stories by Scott Detrow

Gabriel J. Sánchez

Gabriel J. Sánchez is a producer for NPR's All Things Considered.

Mallory Yu

Mallory Yu is an associate producer for All Things Considered.

See stories by Mallory Yu

How Ben Folds has changed — and hasn't — in the 30 years since Ben Folds Five's debut

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