Benny Woodley was born in the remote Wheat-belt town of Three Springs Western Australia, Australia. He was raised at New Norcia Mission from the age of 8 until he was 15. Benny was given his first acoustic guitar by his biological mother he then took an interest in writing music as an hobby. From a young age country music, in particular "Hank Williams Snr" and "Merle Haggard" influenced Benny"s choice of how to include real life experiences and interactions with a diverse range of people within his lyrical musical scores. The lyrics for "Family & Friends" were inspired by real life experiences and by other people who also have been in a similar situation. Benny wanted to do a different sound from the Benny Woodley 1954 album and has achieved a rootsy sound that will resonate with lovers of traditional country.