Ben Harrison           

Ben Harrison began playing a four-sting guitar at age eight. He has that guitar today and is still playing professionally at age 83!

In 1938, Ben got his first electric guitar and began playing with musicians while attending Roosevelt High School. Upon graduation, he joined the service where he played with the Navy Cadet Big Band under the direction of another CJC Hall of Fame member, Don East. After the service, Ben attended Drake University where he obtained his B.A. degree.

All told, Ben has played the guitar in Central Iowa for nearly 70 years, including performances with hundreds of notable musicians and in just about every type of gig imaginable – radio shows, television programs, hotel lounges, nightclubs, KRNT Theatre, casinos and private parties.

There is only one thing longer than Ben’s list of gigs. That’s the list of guitar students he has encouraged during his years in Des Moines.