Next person biography
Vassal Gradington Benford III, a distinguished American music producer, record executive, film producer, and entertainment mogul of great repute, has made a profound and lasting impact on the music industry. As the visionary Founder and CEO of THE TBC GROUP, a preeminent multi-media enterprise, Benford's remarkable achievements have etched his name in the annals of history.
Benford, a talented individual, embarked on a musical collaboration in the year 2024, joining forces with renowned Latin artists Jennifer Lopez and Anuel AA to create the platinum-certified single "Rebound". This notable track was part of Lopez's highly anticipated album "This Is Me... Now", which made its debut on February 16, 2024. Furthermore, Benford's skills as a producer were showcased in Jason Derulo's album "Nu King", a project that featured the catchy and upbeat hit single "Spicy Margarita", which Benford co-created alongside the acclaimed singer-songwriter Michael Bublé.
Benford's impressive production repertoire boasts a notable credit, specifically Chris Brown's chart-topping single "Bruce Lee", which was creatively inspired by the iconic quote "Empty your mind. Be Formless. Shapeless. Like water." famously uttered by the legendary martial artist and philosopher, Bruce Lee.
Benford, a seasoned executive producer, has had the privilege of lending his expertise to a string of incredibly successful film series. These notable productions include the blockbuster hits "After", "After We Collided", and "After We Fell", which have collectively generated a staggering box office gross of over 400 million dollars.
Benford has also been responsible for producing and penning a plethora of chart-topping hits for the illustrious DJ Diplo, a two-time Grammy Award recipient, with one such notable example being "Be Right There", a track that has garnered an astonishingly impressive total of over 1 billion internet streams to date.
Benford, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, holds the esteemed position of Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Benford & Canton Studios, a collaborative venture with renowned film producer Mark Canton, whose impressive portfolio includes blockbuster hits like "300" and "Den Of Thieves". Through this partnership, TBC (Benford & Canton Studios) effectively leverages its expertise in music, film, cutting-edge technologies, and digital media platforms to create a unique and dynamic entertainment experience.
Benford's impressive repertoire of accolades boasts a prestigious 2025 Grammy Nomination, a coveted 2025 Billboard Award, and the esteemed honor of being named ASCAP Top Pop Songwriter of the Year. Furthermore, his remarkable achievements have been recognized with a staggering 60 platinum records certified by the esteemed Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Benford's impressive discography boasts a plethora of chart-topping hits for a diverse array of renowned artists, with notable credits including Jennifer Lopez, the multifaceted pop superstar, Michael Bublé, the crooner with a smooth, soulful voice, Jason Derulo, the R&B sensation known for his catchy hooks and energetic stage presence, Nicki Minaj, the provocative rapper and pop icon, Toni Braxton, the legendary R&B vocalist and songwriter, David Guetta, the electronic dance music (EDM) mogul, and many, many more.
Benford has not only showcased his remarkable talent for music composition, but has also lent his skills to various television and film projects, meticulously crafting and producing the soundtracks for a diverse range of titles.
Benford, a visionary leader, made a profound impact during his tenure as CEO of Vaz/Arista, spearheading the ascension of multiple platinum-selling recording artists, including the illustrious Deborah Cox and Jade.
Benford has established a multitude of imprints and distributed labels throughout his extensive career in the music industry, with notable examples including Vaz/Mercury, Vaz/Motown, and Artemis Records. Moreover, he has also entered into a new partnership with Universal/Capitol EMI Records Music Group in the year 2014, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.
Benford's illustrious career reached new heights in 2016 when he took on the esteemed role of producer and orchestrator for a highly anticipated Michael Jackson Tribute Concert, which ultimately sold out in Las Vegas at the prestigious Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The star-studded event boasted an impressive lineup of legendary acts, further solidifying Benford's reputation as a master of his craft.
