Like the hero of an old country song, Fernando
Benavidez endured some tough times to gain insight
and perspective on his life. Originally a pre-med
Biology major, he struggled academically and
dropped out of St. Edward’s. Unsure of
his future, he moved in with his cousin Pete
Benz, an aspiring singer who encouraged him
to explore songwriting. Inspired by James Taylor
and Willie Nelson, he learned to play guitar
and poured himself into music. Ten years, three
CDs and more than 100 songs later, Benavidez
has changed his major to English Literature
and is a writer-member of the American Society
of Composers, Authors and Publishers. “My
first royalty check was only four dollars, but
it was so fulfilling knowing other people appreciated
and enjoyed something I created. By expressing
myself in music like a novelist or poet, I hope
to reach others.” His favorite song he’s
written recently? “Saving Myself.” |
