Benny Watson is a musician from the Bay Area.
His new album, Eclecticism, is out now.
Benny Watson has lived a lifetime in music, but you won’t mistake his songs for anything predictable.
At 80, this multi-genre pianist, vocalist, and songwriter from the Bay Area is releasing his legacy album, Eclecticism, a testament to a career defined by depth, versatility, and soul.
“Who knows when the chains will be off, and the boat like the last glimmer of sunset, vanish into the light.”
“Gitanjali #42”
New Album Out Now
Across twelve original songs, Benny Watson’s new legacy album, Eclecticism, brings together generations of his family and decades of his artistry. His granddaughters sing and solo, his daughter lends her voice, and his partner contributes on bass and cello. Benny also finally records a song he first wrote 60 years ago. It’s a deeply personal project and his most meaningful release to date.
Music
From swinging jazz to timeless standards to his own original compositions, Benny Watson’s music reflects the breadth of an artist who has spent a lifetime exploring without boundaries.
Performances
From intimate duet moments to expressive live collaborations, Benny Watson’s performances reveal the depth and spontaneity of an artist who has spent a lifetime bringing music to life before an audience.
About
Shaped by the sounds of jazz and rhythm & blues, Benny Watson has spent more than seven decades at the piano, using music as both passion and purpose. From his earliest training in Kansas to performances across the Bay Area and abroad in Europe, his artistry reflects a lifelong dedication to expression, improvisation, and the pursuit of peace.
During the Vietnam War, Benny stood as a conscientious objector, a defining choice that deepened his conviction that music could carry a message of love in a troubled world. His work across jazz, standards, and original compositions continues to embody that vision.
Beyond the stage, Benny is a proud father of four and grandfather of five granddaughters. With his partner, musician Carla Kaufman, he shares the joy of Bach duets and the simple rhythms of daily walks. His passion for photography comes through in the abstract urban closeups displayed across this site.
At 80, Benny celebrates a career defined not only by versatility and creativity but by heart. His new legacy album, Eclecticism, gathers family and song into a singular statement, a testament to the music and message he has carried throughout his life.
Contact
Please get in touch with press, licensing and booking enquiries.
Email
bennytwatson@gmail.com
Phone
(510) 967-2579