Ben Tankard - The Minstrel

Ben has a ready explanation, for those who may be uncertain of how instrumental music can still convey a definitive Gospel message, “I am a Christian and I am a musician,” he says. “A Christian ‘C’ note sounds the same as a non-Christian ‘C’ note. Technically, the music is the same. But when the musician is a Christian, then God's Spirit and power is carried through the music. The musician and the music become vehicles of God to love, save, heal and deliver.”

Ben's own journey began in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he was born and raised the son of a pastor and a missionary. While his musical nurturing as a child was strong, his realization of his relationship with Christ, as well as his prodigious talents on the piano, didn't come until his early adulthood. His talent came to him almost miraculously after a church revival service.

Shortly after, Ben began a successful music career and in 1989 he released his debut album, “All Keyed Up.” Since that time, Ben has gone on to garner numerous Stellar, GMWA and Dove Awards, as well as two Grammy nominations, and remains a constant presence at the top of the Gospel charts. His fans range the musical spectrum from jazz and Gospel to pop and contemporary Christian.

“When I first started my career in music, I was the freshman who wanted to slam-dunk every time I got in the game,” Ben recalls with a chuckle. “I wanted to showcase and make the front page for God! But the more I've gotten to know Him and the longer I've walked on this path, He's changed and matured me. The end result is that the ministry has also matured and changed. Every day He gives me more insight into His Word. As my relationship with Him grows, so does my faith.”

Along with his continued roles as a popular recording and performing artist, and a successful producer, among whose hit clients include Yolanda Adams. Additionally, Ben will soon be the Pastor of his own Word of Faith church in Nashville.

But whether touching hearts with gorgeous ballads, kicking up dust with a touch of funky Gospel/jazz, or preaching the Word from an actual pulpit, Ben Tankard is still doing what he has always done best: taking the love of God to real people in the real world.