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 3:52 PM EDT

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.

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

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