Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Benjamin Patterson was a classically trained double bassist who transitioned into the avant-garde scene during the late 1950s. He became a central participant in the international Fluxus movement, contributing significantly to the development of event scores and performance-based art that emphasized process over static objects.

His practice often involved the intersection of music, performance, and conceptual art, utilizing unconventional notation and instructions to invite audience participation. Patterson's work is characterized by a playful, minimalist approach to sound and action, frequently exploring the physical properties of instruments and the social dynamics of performance.

Patterson's legacy continues to be examined through major institutional archives and digital initiatives. Recent scholarship, including the Getty Research Institute's 'The Scores Project,' highlights his role in the neo-avant-garde by documenting his experimental scores alongside other key Fluxus practitioners.