Blues music and vibrant boogie-woogie tunes aren’t usually in the wheelhouse of curious kids—but Cincinnati native Ben Levin wasn’t like other children.
“I started playing piano when I was 6,” Levin says. Now, at just 25, he’s already performed at prestigious festivals around the United States, as well as in Europe and Japan.
He recalls one early teacher in particular: boogie-woogie and blues specialist Ricky Nye. Levin credits the popular local performer with fostering a deep love and appreciation for blues piano.
“Ricky’s been my mentor since I was 8,” Levin proudly shares, adding that he’d be invited to join Nye on stage when attending local performances.
Then, at just 11 years old, Levin began playing alongside his father at local venues.
“Like Ricky, my father has always been encouraging and willing to share his stage. For the first few years I would sing a couple of songs a night, and then support his vocals.”
But it wasn’t long until Levin was ready to see his own name on local marquees.
“By the time I was 15, I had a lot more confidence in my ability to sing, and my father graciously stepped back to allow me to become the bandleader,” he says.
Today, Levin frequently performs alongside accomplished legacy artists like Lil’ Jimmy Reed and Cincinnati King Records session artist Philip Paul, who passed in 2022
“Connecting with older musicians has been an important part of my career,” Levin says.
He recently performed in Chicago alongside legendary bassist Bob Stroger. At 94 years old, Stroger has been performing regularly since the 1950s, and continues to tour and record music.
“He’s truly an inspiration,” says Levin.
In 2018, Levin attended a Pinetop Perkins Foundation (PPF) workshop, which takes place every summer in Clarksdale, Mississippi, known as the “Home of the Blues.” At the workshop, young students study with veteran musicians and collaborate. It was there in 2019 that Levin met Japanese guitarist and songwriter Takuto Asano. Asano has since visited Cincinnati five times to collaborate with Levin. Asano and his family, in turn, invited Levin to visit in 2024 for a tour in Japan.
The student, it would seem, has become the master. This summer, Levin will once again be returning to the PPF workshop—but this time, as a lead instructor.
“It’s an amazing experience for students around the world to gather,” Ben says of the workshop, “in one of the most historical sites for blues.”
To date, Levin has released five albums on the Vizztone Label Group and has three Blues Foundation Blues Music Award nominations, including Piano Player of the Year (2023, 2024). BenLevinPiano.com
Levin’s globetrotting schedule allows room for plenty of Queen City and regional appearances. He has a February surprise in store for local fans.
“The second week of February, I’ll be featuring the great Chicago blues drummer Pierce Downer at my shows,” Levin enthusiastically shares. “Pierce is one of the most exciting blues musicians of our generation, and I can’t wait to host him in Cincinnati!”
Upcoming Live Performances
Hear the soulful sounds of Ben Levin at a venue near you this month:
February 12—Mansion Hill Tavern, Newport | MansionHillTavern.com
February 13—Ghost Baby, Over-the-Rhine | Ghost-Baby.com
February 15—Japps, Over-the-Rhine | JappsOTR.com