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.