Country’s Best New Voice Isn’t From Texas or Tennessee — He’s From Long Island
I have a brand new country music obsession. Now, get ready for this. When I tell you his name and where he's from, you're probably not going to believe me. His name is Ben Goldsmith and he's from Long Island, New York. I know. I know. You're likely thinking, "What?"
Trust me on this. Google "Benny G" now. There are some incredible YouTube videos floating around out there that will show you just how talented Benny Goldsmith is. From my standpoint- as the long-running host of a country music radio morning show- he's one of the most exciting and promising new artists I have heard in a long time.
Earlier this year, when Ty Myers announced his 2026 headlining tour, I knew Benny G was set to join him at his tour stop in Evansville. But, I'll admit it. I didn't get too excited because, quite frankly, I didn't know anything about him. But, thanks to this particular video, I was compelled to spiral down the Benny G rabbit hole!
Benny G made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, April 18th. He was invited to play at the Opry by the legendary Vince Gill. That night, after Benny G played a couple of songs solo, Vince called him back out on stage to perform "Whenever You Come Around" with him. It takes a special talent to be able to go toe-to-toe (or vocal cord-to-vocal cord) with Vince Gill. Vince STILL sounds incredible. But Benny SLAYED it. He stepped up to that mic like a virtuoso and sang like he's been singing it with Vince for years. I love the tone of his voice and that performance gave me chills.
Earlier that evening, as I mentioned, Benny had stepped into the Opry Circle for the first time and performed two of his own songs-
"PRICE OF LOVE"
"PRETTY GIRLS"
The folks at The Grand Ole Opry also took the time to sit down with Benny and talk to him about this career-defining moment.
According to Benny's official website, BennyGSingz.com, he's a musical prodigy. He comes from a musical family and learned how to play the guitar when he was just 6-years-old. He quickly picked up the violin as well. He lists artists like John Mayer, Chris Stapleton, and Ray LaMontagne as influences. I definitely hear the styles of all three of those guys infused into Benny G's playing and singing style.
To me, he sounds like a young Gavin DeGraw. I love his whole vibe. His voice, though he makes it all seem ridiculously effortless, is fire. You can really see and hear that when he stands next to Vince Gill, who has one of the best voices in the history of country music. Not intimidated at all, Benny just lets 'er rip.
If you want to hear Benny G for yourself, you're going to have the opportunity in person in a couple of months. He'll be at the Ford Center in Evansville when Ty Myers' The Legal Tour rolls into the arena. There are some fantastic seats available for that show and you can get yours at Ticketmaster.com.
In the meantime, do what I did. Go down that Benny G rabbit hole. Trust me, you're definitely going to want to see him live whenever he comes around.
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