Jaffe grew up in New Orleans' French Quarter, two blocks from Preservation Hall.

Ben’s early musical memories are marching alongside his father in Mardi Gras Parades and jazz funeral processions.

During high school at NOCCA, he studied upright bass under Walter Payton.

[2] After high school, Ben attended Oberlin College where he received a degree in bass performance in 1992.

In episode 6 of "Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways," Dave Grohl interviews Ben about his parents' role in preserving New Orleans jazz, the history of Preservation Hall and Jaffe's current role as director, operating the hall.