Ben Weaver is an American singer-songwriter. He has a distinctive voice that is often likened to that of Tom Waits, and critics regularly compare his songwriting to that of Leonard Cohen. Weaver was born in Eugene, Oregon but grew up mostly in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has a worldwide following, though his popularity is strongest in his native Midwest of the United States. Weaver grew up in a musical household and always expected to make music his life. After one year of college he dropped out and began traveling, which provided experiences that would feed his songwriting. His first album, "El Camino Blues", was released in 1999 and featured Greg Brown, with input from Tony Glover. Weaver then undertook his first tour, in support of the album. His second album, "Living in the Ground," was recorded in one five-hour-session and featured Bo Ramsey. His third album, "Hollerin' at a Woodpecker," released in 2002, was critically acclaimed in Britain and the United States, including being named No.3 Americana album of the year by Mojo magazine.