GospelJazzRadio.online Exclusive: Welcome to GospelJazzRadio, your premier destination for the divine intersection of syncopated rhythms and soul-stirring praise. This week, our artist spotlight shines on a true pioneer—a man whose life story is as dynamic and inspiring as the music he creates. We are profiling the undisputed “Godfather of Gospel Jazz,” Ben Tankard.
From the Hardwood to the Heavens: The Life and History of Ben Tankard
Born on January 10, 1964, in Daytona Beach, Florida, Ben Tankard’s early life was steeped in faith. The son of a minister and a missionary, his musical journey began in the church, where he played drums at an early age and later picked up the tuba in school . However, his first true passion was basketball. Standing tall and possessing natural athletic ability, Tankard earned a basketball scholarship and eventually dropped out of college to play minor league professional basketball in Canada
.
His athletic dreams seemed destined for the highest level when he received an invitation to an NBA camp. Tragically, a severe knee injury before the season started abruptly ended his basketball career . This devastating setback led to a period of profound struggle, including a stint of homelessness. Yet, it was during this dark valley that Tankard found his true calling. Attending a church revival service, he experienced a spiritual awakening that inspired him to turn his life around. He shifted his focus entirely to music, specifically the keyboards, and began teaching himself arranging and record production
.
In 1990, Tankard released his debut instrumental album, Keynote Speaker, on the Tribute label, officially launching a genre that blended the improvisational elegance of smooth jazz with the uplifting message of gospel . Over the next three decades, Tankard built an empire. He is recognized as the best-selling gospel/jazz musician of all time, earning 16 Stellar Awards (including an induction into the Stellar Award Hall of Fame in 2018), multiple Dove Awards, and Grammy nominations
+1.
Beyond his own instrumental success, Tankard is a legendary producer. He famously discovered a third-grade teacher named Yolanda Adams, signed her to his indie label, and produced her early, career-defining albums +1. His collaborative roster reads like a who’s who of music royalty, including Fred Hammond, Kelly Price, Take 6, and Gerald Albright
.
Today, Tankard is a true Renaissance man. He is a pastor, an author, a motivational speaker for the NBA Development League, an aircraft pilot, and the patriarch of the hit Bravo reality TV series Thicker Than Water (2013–2016), which chronicled his bustling family life +1.
📰 Current News & Music Updates
Ben Tankard continues to innovate and bless listeners with fresh sounds. His most recent major release is the highly acclaimed album Re-Imagined Songbook, which dropped in late 2025 .
This 14-track, 55-minute project is a masterclass in musical reinterpretation. Tankard takes his favorite gospel, R&B, and worship classics and entirely rearranges them into lush, smooth jazz masterpieces 
A standout moment from the album is Tankard’s dulcet jazz rendition of Tamia’s R&B hit, “Can’t Get Enough.” This specific track caught fire online, inspiring the viral “Tamia Line Dance” that swept social media in 2025, proving that Tankard’s grooves still have the power to move the masses
🎷 2026 Tour Updates
Currently, Ben Tankard is enjoying a season of studio work and ministry, and there are no official concert dates or tour stops announced for 2026. However, given his active schedule as a pastor and motivational speaker, fans should keep a close eye on his official website and social media channels for pop-up appearances, church services, and future festival announcements.
💿 Ben Tankard: Selected Studio Discography
With a career spanning over 30 years and 18 top instrumental solo albums, Ben Tankard’s catalog is vast and deeply influential. Here is a look at some of the key studio albums that define the Godfather of Gospel Jazz:
- Keynote Speaker (1990)
- The Minstrel (1993)
- Play Me in Your Key (1994)
- Instrumentally Yours (1996)
- Git Yo Prayze On (1998)
- Song of Solomon (2001)
- Play a Little Song for You (2003)
- Piano Prophet (2004)
- Let’s Get Quiet: The Smooth Jazz Experience (2007)
- Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (2009)
- Full Tank (2012)
- Full Tank 2.0 (2015)
- Rise! (2018)
- Shine! (2021)
- Re-Imagined Songbook (2025)
Stay tuned to GospelJazzRadio.online for more artist profiles, and keep the faith flowing through the music!
