Benny Blanco — Biography
Full Name: Benjamin Joseph Levin
Stage Name: Benny Blanco (stylized in all lowercase)
Date of Birth: March 8, 1988
Place of Birth: Reston, Virginia, USA
Early Life & Entry into Music
- He grew up in Virginia. From an early age he was interested in music and beat-making.
- Blanco was initially mentored by Dr. Luke, which helped him learn the craft of songwriting and production.
- Before breaking into mainstream pop hits, he worked in more underground/alternative scenes and with artists like Spank Rock.
Rise to Fame & Major Works
- His early mainstream successes include working on hits like “Circus” (Britney Spears), “Teenage Dream”, “California Gurls” (Katy Perry), “Moves Like Jagger” (Maroon 5), “Diamonds” (Rihanna), “TiK ToK” (Kesha), among others.
- As a writer/producer, he has contributed to many high-selling singles and has been involved in projects spanning superstar artists: Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, SZA, The Weeknd, Britney Spears, Ariana Grande, etc.
Solo Career & Albums
- In 2018, he released his debut single as lead artist, “Eastside” (with Halsey & Khalid), which did well on the Billboard Hot 100
- He released his first studio album Friends Keep Secrets in December 2018.
- A deluxe version, or sequel project, Friends Keep Secrets 2, came out in 2021, featuring songs including “Lonely” with Justin Bieber)
Labels & Business
- He founded two record label imprints under Interscope Records: Mad Love Records and Friends Keep Secrets.
- As of recent years, those imprints have evolved or dissolved, and he has been associated with A&M Records (as a general manager).
Awards & Recognition
- Received the Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013.
- Won BMI Songwriter of the Year multiple times (five times)
- Named Producer of the Year by iHeartRadio in 2017.
- He has received multiple Grammy nominations.
Other Projects & Interests
- He has expanded beyond behind-the-scenes work: acting cameos (playing himself in TV shows like Dave)
- He is also an author — published a cookbook titled OPEN WIDE: A Cookbook for Friends.
Personal Life & Recent Updates
- In December 2024, Benny Blanco got engaged to Selena Gomez.
- He has expressed interest in becoming a father someday.
Impact & Legacy
- Blanco is considered one of the most successful pop producers/songwriters of his generation: many chart-topping hits, wide influence, and strong commercial success.
- His style spans pop, EDM, hip hop, and he has a reputation for blending genres and collaborating with diverse artists.