Charmaine Dey

Benjamin Joseph Levin, known professionally as Benny Blanco, is an American record producer and songwriter born on March 8, 1988. He gained early mentorship from Dr. Luke and has since become a prolific figure in the music industry, contributing to an extensive list of hit songs and albums for major artists. His work has garnered numerous awards and nominations, including Grammy nominations and multiple BMI Songwriter of the Year titles.

Blanco has also established himself as a lead artist, releasing successful singles like "Eastside" and his debut album "Friends Keep Secrets." He has founded record labels and held executive positions within the music industry. Beyond his music career, Blanco has ventured into media, co-hosting cooking shows and appearing in television series.

Born Benjamin Joseph Levin in Reston, Virginia, Benny Blanco's musical journey began in his youth. Influenced by early hip-hop and R&B cassette tapes, he started crafting hip-hop instrumentals and recording his own vocals. His early efforts in beat-making and rapping attracted attention from music publications like The Source and record labels. The stage name 'Benny Blanco' was inspired by a character from the film "Carlito's Way," reflecting his identity as a white rapper. During his childhood, he attended Camp Airy, where he performed and hosted a radio show. His pursuit of a music career led him to secure an apprenticeship with producer Disco D after multiple trips to New York City.

Blanco's professional career took off under the mentorship of Dr. Luke, who signed him to Kasz Money Productions. During this period, he co-wrote and co-produced significant hits, including Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" and Kesha's "TiK ToK." He also contributed to Britney Spears' charting single "Circus" in 2008. By 2011, Blanco began achieving success independently, writing and producing tracks like Maroon 5's "Moves like Jagger." His extensive discography includes collaborations with a wide array of artists such as Ed Sheeran, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Rihanna, with his productions contributing to hundreds of millions of album-equivalent units sold globally. He has received numerous accolades, including the Hal David Starlight Award and multiple BMI Songwriter of the Year awards.

In addition to his production work, Benny Blanco has released music as a lead artist. His debut single, "Eastside," featuring Halsey and Khalid, was released in 2018 and achieved significant commercial success, charting internationally. This was followed by his debut album, "Friends Keep Secrets," and subsequent releases. Blanco has also explored various media projects, including co-hosting cooking shows like "Matty and Benny Eat Out America" and "Stupid F*cking Cooking Show" on his YouTube channel. He has also appeared in television series, portraying a fictionalized version of himself in "Dave" and making an appearance in "Beef."