Ben Tankard Biography

Ben Tankard, born on January 10, 1964, is a renowned American gospel and smooth jazz musician, producer, and arranger. His early life was influenced by his family's religious background, with his father being a minister and his mother a missionary. Tankard's musical journey began in church, where he played drums at a young age, and later played tuba in school. He also received a basketball scholarship, but an injury led to a change in his career path.

After a period of homelessness, Tankard found inspiration in a church revival service, which led him to turn his life around. He began playing keyboards and recorded his first album, Keynote Speaker, in 1990. This marked the beginning of his successful music career, during which he has worked with notable artists such as Gerald Albright, Twinkie Clark, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Shirley Murdock, Kelly Price, and Take 6. Tankard is also credited with discovering and signing Yolanda Adams to his independent label, Tribute, and producing several of her albums.

Throughout his career, Tankard has received numerous awards and nominations for his work. He won the Stellar Award for Best Instrumental Album in 2010 for Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, and was nominated for Best Contemporary Jazz Artist at the Soul Train Music Awards in 2012. Tankard has also released several successful albums, including All Keyed Up, Keys to Life, Play Me In Your Key, and Full Tank. His music has been well-received by audiences and critics alike, earning him a reputation as a talented and influential musician in the gospel and smooth jazz genres.

As of 2025, Ben Tankard continues to be a respected figure in the music industry, with a career spanning over three decades. His contributions to gospel and smooth jazz have been recognized through various awards and nominations, and his work with other notable artists has helped shape the sound of contemporary Christian music. With his enduring talent and dedication to his craft, Tankard remains a beloved and revered musician, inspiring new generations of artists and fans alike.