Ben Tankard

Ben Tankard is an American keyboardist, composer, producer, and author recognized as a pioneering figure in gospel jazz. Tankard was among the first artists to dedicate an entire recording to the gospel jazz genre with his debut album, "All Keyed Up." He has built a career spanning more than 20 albums, extensive touring at festivals and churches, and thousands of performances.

Tankard, a self-taught musician who never took formal lessons or learned to read music, transitioned to music after a brief stint in minor league basketball and a short time with the NBA, which ended due to a knee injury. After a period of personal hardship, Tankard discovered his musical talent at a Pentecostal revival service, which marked the beginning of his journey in gospel jazz.

He has released over 16 albums, earning 15 gold records, six platinum certifications, 16 Stellar Awards including induction into the Stellar Gospel Music Awards Hall of Fame, 10 Dove Award nominations, and three Grammy nominations as a producer. His album "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" was the first in Billboard magazine history to appear on the gospel, contemporary jazz, and jazz charts simultaneously. Tankard holds the distinction of being the most decorated gospel instrumentalist, with multiple Stellar Awards.

In addition to his solo work, Tankard discovered Yolanda Adams and produced her albums "Through the Storm," "Save the World," "More Than A Melody," and "Yolanda." He has also collaborated with Grammy-winning artists such as Take 6, Fred Hammond, Kelly Price, John P. Kee, Shirley Murdock, Twinkie Clark, and Gerald Albright, earning gold and platinum records for his production work.

Tankard has been referred to as the "Quincy Jones of Gospel" for his production skills and his role in bringing instrumental gospel jazz to a broader audience. His discography includes "Piano Prophet," "Let's Get Quiet: The Smooth Jazz Experience," "Full Tank," "Full Tank 2.0," "Shine!," and "The Godfather Collection," a compilation celebrating his career. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Musical Excellence from The Atlanta Gospel-fest.

As a speaker and motivator, Tankard has worked with the NBA, supporting the NBA Office of Player Development and encouraging players to pursue interests beyond basketball, often integrating smooth jazz performances into his sessions.

Tankard's life and career were featured on the Bravo reality series "Thicker Than Water," which reached a wide national audience. He is also the author of the motivational self-help book "The Full Tank Life," a national bestseller named Inspirational Book of the Year by Essence magazine. His bibliography includes four books, such as the bestseller "Faith It Til You Make It," published through Thomas Nelson.

A licensed instrument-rated pilot, Tankard flies his own Cessna airplanes to engagements, embodying the "full tank" philosophy of living with purpose and passion. His contributions have made a significant impact on gospel jazz, smooth jazz, and contemporary Christian music.