Jason Sudeikis names his ultimate musical idol: “A musical older brother”
Jason Sudeikis says Ben Folds is his ultimate musical idol, describing him as “a musical older brother”. Their relationship has grown from Sudeikis’s admiration of Folds’s songs into a lasting friendship and mentorship, making the connection more personal than a typical fan relationship.
Sudeikis first saw Ben Folds Five at a bar in Lawrence, Kansas, and later helped crew members load Folds’s grand piano before shows. They reunited when Folds appeared as a musical guest on SNL early in Sudeikis’s tenure; they now also share an interest in photography. Sudeikis says Folds’s lyrics often make more sense to him years after first hearing them, as the musician’s work has developed from witty piano rock to more reflective and classical compositions.
In short
- Jason Sudeikis calls Ben Folds his musical older brother.
- Their connection began around Ben Folds Five shows in Kansas.
- They now share friendship, mentorship and an interest in photography.
Explained simply
Ben Folds is an American singer-songwriter and pianist who first became known as the frontman of the band Ben Folds Five. Jason Sudeikis is an actor and comedian from Kansas, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live and in television and film.
Their connection began with Sudeikis’s interest in Folds’s music and grew through later meetings, including when Folds performed on Saturday Night Live. Their story reflects how a fan’s admiration can develop into a friendship and mentorship, and how music can take on new meaning as listeners grow older.