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Benjamin Clay Dudley (born October 4, 1976) is an American nonprofit executive, musician, and community leader known for his work in youth development, music education, and faith-based leadership. He is the Executive Director of Free Guitars 4 Kids^[1], a nonprofit organization that provides guitars and musical education to underserved children. Dudley has also served in key roles in sports ministry and leadership training through various organizations including the Positive Coaching Alliance^[2] and AC Portland.

Ben Dudley was born in Amarillo, Texas, to Clay Walter Dudley and Linda Kay Dudley. He has one older sister, Jamie Kay Allen. The Dudley family lived in Odessa, Texas, from 1977 to 1982 before returning to Amarillo, where Dudley graduated from Amarillo High School in 1995. During his youth, Dudley was involved in soccer and basketball and was active at First Baptist Church in Amarillo, where he held his first job at the Family Life Center at the age of 14.

He began playing guitar at age 13 and was leading music for his church’s youth group by the time he was 15. While attending Crockett Middle School, Dudley served as Student Council President in the 8th grade. At Amarillo High School, he served as President of both the Bel Canto Choir and the German Club.

Dudley earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Church Recreation from Baylor University in December 1999. He later completed a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary in December 2015.

While at Baylor, Dudley played guitar in the University Baptist Church (UBC) band, which eventually evolved into the David Crowder Band. He also contributed to the music ministry at Touchstone Bible Study, a group formed following Louie Giglio’s departure from Waco’s Choice Bible Study.

From 1996 to 1999, Dudley was a guitarist and harmonica player for the Christian rock band Likeminds, which released the album Forgettable Days in 1999.^[3] He has also been part of several other bands, including:

• Schroeder Band (2003–2007) – Lead guitar, lead vocals
• Dutton Band (2004–2006)
• The Scurves (2003) – Lead guitar, background vocals

Dudley appeared as a guest guitarist for the David Crowder Band in 2006 and 2007, contributing to the album All I Can Say (1998).^[4]

In 2024, he released All I Want as a solo artist under the name The One and Only, where he contributed vocals, guitar, bass, keys, and songwriting.

• Forgettable Days – Likeminds (1999)
• All I Can Say – David Crowder Band (1998)
• All I Want – The One and Only (2024)

Dudley served as Community Pastor, where he oversaw facility operations, community group development, volunteer programs, and international mission trips. He co-pastored the church during the tenure of Kyle Lake.

Dudley began as Program Director and was promoted to Executive Director. He launched Oregon’s first 50/50 raffle in partnership with the Portland Timbers and introduced national initiatives such as America SCORES and Soccer for Success.

Starting as Chapter Executive Director, Dudley was promoted to Vice President of the West Territory. He managed strategic planning and fundraising efforts exceeding $1.2 million annually and piloted coach training programs. He also led boards across Seattle, Portland, and the Bay Area.^[5]

In 2022, Dudley was appointed Executive Director of Free Guitars 4 Kids, a nonprofit that distributes guitars and music education to youth who may not otherwise have access to instruments. Under his leadership, the organization expanded nationwide and increased public awareness through media and partnerships.^[6]

As part of his ongoing media engagements, Dudley appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where he discussed his role as executive director of Free Guitars 4 Kids and the organization’s founding, growth and expansion.^[7][8]

Dudley has served as the Volunteer Chaplain for the Portland Timbers since 2010, mentoring athletes, coaches, and staff. He is a member of Soccer Chaplains United and has participated in national panels and symposiums on sports ministry, including the U.S. Soccer Foundation Urban Soccer Symposium and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Convention.

He is also affiliated with Baylor’s Faith and Sports Institute, serving as a curriculum contributor and trainer.^[9]

• NAMM Oral History Interview^[10]
• Comcast Newsmakers^[11]
• Good Morning America Segment^[12]
• Podcast Interview: Shoving Wilco^[13]

Dudley lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife Jamie and their two sons, Nolan and Griffin. Outside of work, he enjoys music, soccer, and community outreach.