RIP Benjy King, NYC Producer/Engineer – Memorial Planned for 10/1
The New York City music creation community is mourning the loss of Benjy King, the prolific producer/engineer who built a career working with many of the top session musicians and producers of our time.
Benjy King
King died on Thursday, Sept. 21st as a result of complications from an accident last Wednesday. As Masterdisk noted in a tribute to him on their Website, King counted Scott Hull, Al Schmitt, Will Lee, Lincoln Clapp and David Santos among his many fans within the industry.
A talented multi-instrumentalist, King’s discography as a player and producer/engineer includes collaborations with Rick Derringer, Scandal, Lesley Gore, Tommy James, Lou Christie, Patty Smyth, and many more. He recorded with Scandal on their 1982 self-titled EP (featuring “Goodbye to You”), and toured with the band on keyboards/guitar in 2007-2008.
To understand King’s deep ties within the industry – in NYC and abroad – a visit to King’s FB page reveals an outpouring of fondness for a musical master who made friends throughout the world.
A memorial is currently being planned to celebrate King’s life on Monday October 1st, at McCormacks Bar and Restaurant, 365 3rd Avenue, Bet. 26 & 27 St., NYC. All those interested should visit King’s FB page for more details, and to RSVP.
Jim Braedyn
December 25, 2012 at 2:48 pm (12 years ago)I am sorry that I am just now seeing this today and not sure how I even did come the across it. I remember Benjy from band in 12th grade. His family had just moved into the area and he was the new kid. We all thought we were pretty good until he started playing and WOW – there was no comparison. The rest of us were light years away from his ability. He was pure talent – on many instruments. I had heard that he had made it in the music industry but had never followed his career. Now when IO read up on it the fact that he really did does not surprise me at all. Way to go Benjy.
Jim Braedyn
Joe Goudie
May 22, 2013 at 10:32 pm (12 years ago)I too am only seeing this now and deeply regret not flying from Ireland to be there, I’m sure there were a lot of fantastic stories told that day in McCormacks about Benjy. He loved nothing better than to talk about his experiences with some of the greats, he was an incredibly funny and humble guy.
I can’t even begin to tell you how indebted we are to Benjy for everything he did for our band The Almighty Fallen and the impact he had on each of us individually! He did an amazing Job on producing our Resurrection 4 track EP (possibly the last record he worked on?) and all four songs are better for his influence and guidance. He loved it here in Ireland and he will be deeply missed!
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”
The Almighty Fallen