Ben Sidran

Ben Sidran, (1943- ) may be best-known for having written the Steve Miller hit song "Space Cowboy." The composer is also a jazz keyboardist of wide renown (both on piano and Hammond B-3 organ), as well as a record producer and writer, among his many pursuits.

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Born in Chicago and reared in Racine, Wisconsin, Sidran was earning money as a pianist at fraternity parties in Madison, Wisconsin, even before he enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1961. There he became a member of band the Ardells, along with Miller and Boz Scaggs.

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When Miller and Scaggs left Wisconsin for the West Coast and stardom, Sidran stayed behind to earn a degree in English literature. After his 1966 graduation, he proceeded to the University of Sussex, England, to pursue a master's degree in American Studies.

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Sidran rejoined Miller in an English recording studio the next year, playing on the album "Children of the Future." While in England, he was a session musician for artists that included Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones.

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After a brief stint as a recording artist (teamed with Skaggs and drummer Jim Keltner) and record producer in Los Angeles, Sidran returned to Madison in 1970 and has kept the university town as a home-base ever since, teaming with such Madison-based talents as drummer Clyde Stubblefield and keyboardist-composer Leo Sidran, who is also Ben's son.

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Sidran's recordings include "Concert for Garcia Lorca," "Life's a Lesson," ?Get to the Point,??Old Songs for the New Depression,? ?Bop City,? ?On the Cool Side,? ?Have You Met ? Barcelona,? ?Too Hot to Touch,? "Free in America,? ?The Doctor is In,? ?A Little Kiss in the Night,? ?Live at Montreaux,? ?The Cat in the Hat,? "I Lead a Life," "Puttin' In Time," "Planet Earth," and "Don't Let Go." Both as a muscian and a producer he has collaborated with artists that include Mose Allison, Van Morrison, David Sanborn, and Rickie Lee Jones. His written works include the book "Black Talk."

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Racine, Wisconsin: Racine is a city located in Racine County, Wisconsin. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 81,855. It is the county seat of Racine County....

Madison, Wisconsin: Madison is the capital of Wisconsin, a state in the United States of America. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of 208,054, making it the second largest city in Wisconsin. It is the county seat of Dane County. Madison is also home to the University of Wisconsin....

University of Wisconsin-Madison: REDIRECT University of Wisconsin?Madison...

Ben Sidran related Images and Photos (experimental)

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