British social media stars Josh and Jase ask fans to help Bloomington father honor late son

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.–A Bloomington father is asking people around the world to listen to his late son’s music after sharing his story with British social media stars Josh and Jase during their visit to Indiana.

Josh and Jase, who have built a large following by exploring American communities and sharing stories about the people they meet, are asking their followers to help bring attention to the music of Ben Schwartzman, the son of BuffaLouie’s owner Ed Schwartzman.

In a social media post, Josh said he met Ed during the duo’s visit to Bloomington and was moved by the story of a father trying to keep his son’s memory alive.

Ben was a musician who began performing in coffee shops, playing in bands and writing original songs by age 16. He struggled with bipolar disorder and depression and died by suicide 19 years ago, according to Josh’s post.

Before his death, Ben recorded 11 original songs. Ed later worked to make the music available on streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

Josh said the proceeds from Ben’s music go to Centerstone, a nonprofit that provides mental health and addiction recovery services.

“Could we come together and give Ben’s music the audience his dad has always hoped it would find?” Josh wrote in his post.

He encouraged followers to search for Ben Schwartzman on Spotify or Apple Music, listen to his songs and share the music with others.

“I never expected that one of the most meaningful things I’d take away would be a conversation with a dad who simply wants his boy to be remembered,” Josh wrote.

Josh and Jase have gained popularity for traveling around the United States, highlighting local communities and sharing stories about people they meet along the way.

Their Indiana visit comes as fans gather for the Indiana University football game against Ohio State.

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