Ben Riley
ActingAbout Ben Riley
Benjamin Alexander Riley Jr. (July 17, 1933 – November 18, 2017) was an American jazz drummer known for his work with Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, as well as Alice Coltrane, Stan Getz, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Ahmad Jamal, and as a member of the group Sphere. During the 1970s and 1980s he was a member of the New York Jazz Quartet. Benjamin Alexander Riley Jr. was born in Savannah, Georgia, on July 17, 1933, and at the age of four moved with his family to New York City. Riley performed with Randy Weston, Sonny Stitt, Stan Getz, Junior Mance, Kenny Burrell, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis–Johnny Griffin (1960–1962), Ahmad Jamal, Billy Taylor, and Ray Bryant. He then spent 1964 to 1967 in Thelonious Monk's quartet. After Monk, he played with Alice Coltrane (intermittently between 1968 and 1975), Ron Carter (1975–1977), Jim Hall (1981), and the bands the New York Jazz Quartet (1970s and 1980s) and Sphere. He also played frequently with pianist Abdullah Ibrahim. Riley died of lung disease and complications of diabetes in West Islip, New York on November 18, 2017, aged 84
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ben Riley reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 3 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of Ben Riley's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 33% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ben Riley remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Thelonious Monk: American Composer, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Ben Riley Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Ben Riley's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ben Riley.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Jazz Icons: Thelonious Monk Live in '66 | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | Thelonious Monk: American Composer | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Monk | Self | Flop | Similar → |
Ben Riley - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Ben Riley?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ben Riley is "Thelonious Monk: American Composer" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Ben Riley acted in?
Ben Riley has been featured in at least 3 major films throughout their career.