Ben Thigpen, born Benjamin F. Thigpen on November 16, 1908, in Laurel, Mississippi, was a prominent American jazz drummer. He initially learned to play the piano under the guidance of his sister, Eva, before transitioning to drums. In the 1920s, Thigpen performed in South Bend, Indiana, with Bobby Boswell and later relocated to Chicago to study percussion with Jimmy Bertrand. During his time in Chicago, he collaborated with several notable bandleaders and musicians, including Doc Cheatham.

From 1927 to 1929, Thigpen played with Charlie Elgar's Creole Band, although he did not record with them. He subsequently joined J. Frank Terry in Cleveland before embarking on a significant period of his career with Andy Kirk's Clouds of Joy from 1930 to 1947. This ensemble featured the renowned pianist Mary Lou Williams, and much of Thigpen's work from this era is preserved in collections focusing on Williams' contributions.

After leaving Kirk's band, Thigpen's career became less documented. He led his own quintet in St. Louis and recorded with Singleton Palmer during the 1960s. Ben Thigpen passed away on October 5, 1971, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is also recognized as the father of Ed Thigpen, a well-known bebop and modern jazz drummer.