Ben Eldridge (August 15, 1938 – April 14, 2024) was an American five-string banjo player and a founding member of the legendary bluegrass group The Seldom Scene. Inspired by Earl Scruggs and later influenced by Bill Keith and Bill Emerson, he developed a signature style blending Scruggs, melodic, and chromatic techniques. In 1971, he co-founded The Seldom Scene, and as the last original member, he played on every album until retiring in January 2016 after 44 years. His prolific career included contributions to 55 albums and backing Linda Ronstadt on her early country-flavored records. He was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2014 and passed away at age 85. He was also the father of Chris Eldridge (of Punch Brothers) and grandfather of baseball prospect Bryce Eldridge, cementing a rich musical legacy.