Sports dominated Ben's younger years, but his passion for the guitar began around the age of 14 when a new guitar and lessons
became a part of his life. When his youth group needed a singer and guitar player, Ben filled that role and continued to perform
throughout his high school years. Once he enrolled at McNeese State University, music took a backseat to classes and college
baseball. However, Ben and a few college buddies soon formed a band, with Ben playing guitar and adding in vocals now and then.
Following weekend baseball games, he would rush to meet his band members to perform gigs. Ben loved entertaining friends,
teammates and the locals, and the fifty bucks he earned each gig was an added bonus for the typical poor college student.
After the draft, Ben's performances came to a halt except for occasional entertainment of friends and teammates. However, the
quiet time in hotel rooms while on the road allowed Ben to pursue another element of music - songwriting. Ben's earlier musical
days had brought forth numerous ideas and melodies for songs, but he never had the opportunity to put them together. All the
songs from his new cd were written in his spare time while traveling, and inspired by everyday life
and relationships. As an added bonus, Ben is a talented "beat-boxer". Ben acquired this ability in the 3rd grade,
while attempting to break into the free styling circle of his new classmates. This talent can be heard on the song "Deep"
from his new cd of originals, and also on Coco Crisp's song from the "Oh Say Can You Sing?" album.
Personal
Ben resides in his hometown of Beaumont, Texas during the off-season. He and his wife Brenda have been married for seven years
and have a new baby girl, Mia.
Baseball
After being passed over in the draft his junior year, Ben was chosen in the second round by the Cincinnati Reds in 1999. In 2002
he was traded to the Cleveland Indians, and made his major league debut on June 22.
A portion of all proceeds from the sale of the CD goes to the Ben Broussard Charitable Foundation, which Ben started in the summer
of 2005. He has always been very active in the community, and money from the foundation will go to numerous charities with the
main focus of helping youth.
