Ben Tankard - A Look At The Gospel Jazz Pioneer
There are some people who just seem to do it all, and do it with a kind of grace that makes you wonder how they manage. Ben Tankard, for instance, is one of those truly special individuals whose life story reads like a collection of different, yet connected, passions. He has given so much to the world through his musical gifts, his spiritual guidance, and his words, really, touching countless lives along the way.
When you hear the name Ben Tankard, you might think of calming melodies or perhaps a powerful message that stays with you. He is, you know, someone who has made a significant mark in a few different areas, bringing his own unique touch to each one. His work often blends beautiful sounds with messages of hope, making his contributions quite distinct and memorable for many people, basically.
This piece will take a closer look at Ben Tankard, exploring his journey from the basketball court to the music studio, and then to the pulpit. We will talk about his creative endeavors, his spiritual calling, and how he connects with people, kind of, sharing his gifts. It is a story about a person who genuinely uses his talents to make a positive difference, you see.
Table of Contents
- Ben Tankard- His Life and Early Days
- What Makes Ben Tankard's Music So Special?
- How Does Ben Tankard Blend Faith and Melody?
- Ben Tankard- Beyond the Keyboard
- What Other Roles Does Ben Tankard Play?
- The Ministry of Ben Tankard
- Where Can You Find Ben Tankard's Spiritual Teachings?
- Connecting with Ben Tankard
Ben Tankard- His Life and Early Days
Ben Tankard came into the world on January 10, 1964. This date marks the start of a life that would eventually span a good number of interesting pursuits. He is an American, and from what we know, he has always had a knack for doing many things well. His story, you know, shows how someone can move from one area of interest to another, picking up new skills and ways of sharing their talents along the way. It is quite inspiring, honestly.
Before he became known for his music, Ben Tankard was actually a professional basketball player. Think about that for a moment: the discipline, the teamwork, the focus needed to compete at that level. That sort of background, you know, often builds a certain kind of character, a drive that can be useful in any field. It is pretty clear that he brought that same dedication to his later creative and spiritual work, too.
His shift from sports to music, and then to other areas, just shows how truly versatile he is. It is not every day you find someone who has played professional sports and then gone on to become a bestselling musician and a spiritual leader. He truly is a personality with many sides, basically, someone who keeps finding new ways to share his gifts with people, which is really something special.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Ben Tankard
| Full Name | Ben Tankard |
| Date of Birth | January 10, 1964 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Gospel/Smooth Jazz Musician, Producer, Arranger, Author, Pastor, Former Professional Basketballer |
| Spouse | Jewel Tankard |
| Ministry | Co-Founder and Lead Pastor of Destiny Center, Murfreesboro, TN |
What Makes Ben Tankard's Music So Special?
Ben Tankard is known for his unique blend of gospel and smooth jazz. This combination is pretty interesting, you know, because it brings together two different styles of music. Gospel music often has a strong spiritual message and a heartfelt sound, while smooth jazz is generally known for its relaxed, easy-listening melodies. When you put them together, you get something that is both uplifting and calming, which is quite appealing to many listeners, as a matter of fact.
He is, in fact, recognized as the world's bestselling gospel jazz musician. That is a pretty big deal, honestly, showing just how much his music resonates with a wide audience. People from all sorts of backgrounds find something they connect with in his tunes, whether it is the comforting sounds or the positive messages. His musical creations seem to offer a bit of peace and joy to those who listen, you know, which is a wonderful thing.
As a recording artist, Ben Tankard has put out many albums, each one probably sharing his particular musical touch. He does not just play the notes; he arranges them, too, shaping the pieces to sound just right. This means he has a hand in how the music feels, how it flows, and how it makes you feel when you hear it. It is a creative process that really allows his personality to shine through in every track, so.
The sounds he creates, often on the keyboard, have a certain warmth to them. You can almost feel the care he puts into each melody. It is not just about playing instruments; it is about crafting an experience for the listener. This focus on the overall feeling of the music is a big part of why his work has gained such a loyal following, and why it continues to touch so many people, too it's almost.
How Does Ben Tankard Blend Faith and Melody?
Ben Tankard's music often brings together his spiritual beliefs with his musical talent. This means that the gospel part of his sound is not just a label; it is a genuine expression of his faith. He uses his melodies and arrangements to convey messages of hope, encouragement, and spiritual reflection, which is really something. It is like the music itself becomes a way to share a deeper meaning with his audience, you know.
When you listen to his gospel jazz, you might notice how the smooth, easy-going sounds create a peaceful setting, allowing the spiritual themes to come through in a gentle way. It is not always about loud or fast songs; sometimes it is the quiet moments, the thoughtful harmonies, that carry the most weight. This approach helps people connect with the message on a personal level, perhaps during moments of quiet reflection, so.
His work, for example, often includes things like "Morning Mediation + Minstrel's Melodies." This suggests a focus on using music as a tool for calm and spiritual growth at the start of the day. The idea is to "Mediate with anointed music early mornings," which points to using his musical creations to help people find a sense of peace and inspiration. It is a way of bringing spiritual practice into everyday life, you know, through the power of sound.
This blend of faith and music is, in some respects, what makes Ben Tankard's artistic output so distinct. He is not just making music; he is creating an atmosphere, a feeling, that invites people to think about things that matter. It is a gentle yet powerful way to share his outlook on life and his beliefs, pretty much, reaching people wherever they are, and offering them a moment of calm and upliftment.
Ben Tankard- Beyond the Keyboard
While many know Ben Tankard for his music, his talents extend well beyond playing the keyboard and composing tunes. He is a truly versatile person, someone who has worn many hats throughout his life. This kind of broad experience often gives a person a unique perspective, allowing them to connect with different groups of people and share their insights in various ways, you know, which is really cool.
As we mentioned, he was a professional basketball player before his music career took off. That background gives him a certain discipline and understanding of performance, which can carry over into any creative field. It shows that he is someone who commits fully to what he does, whether it is on the court or in the studio, and that dedication is something you can often feel in his work, basically.
Beyond his musical roles as a recording artist, producer, and arranger, Ben Tankard is also an author. This means he puts his thoughts and ideas into written form, sharing them with readers. Being an author is a different way of communicating, allowing for deeper explanations and personal stories that might not fit into a song. It gives him another way to inspire and teach, which is a good thing, really.
His ability to move between these different creative expressions—from composing music to writing books—shows a remarkable range of skills. It suggests a mind that is always looking for new ways to express itself and to connect with others. This kind of creative drive is what keeps his work fresh and interesting for his many followers, you know, always offering something new to explore, so.
What Other Roles Does Ben Tankard Play?
Ben Tankard's life is about more than just music; he is also deeply involved in spiritual leadership. He and his wife, Jewel, are the founders and lead pastors of Destiny Center, a spiritual community located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This role as a pastor means he guides and teaches people on matters of faith and personal growth, which is a very important job, actually.
Being a pastor involves a lot of things, like giving talks, offering advice, and helping people find their way. It is a position of service, where you try to help others live more fulfilling lives. This spiritual work is a significant part of who Ben Tankard is, and it clearly influences his music and his writing, too, giving everything he does a deeper sense of purpose, you see.
Both Ben and Jewel are also inspirational speakers. This means they travel and talk to groups of people, sharing messages that aim to motivate and uplift. Speaking to an audience is a powerful way to share ideas and stories, and it allows them to connect with people on a very personal level. It is another way they extend their reach and share their positive outlook with the world, pretty much.
Their work as authors and speakers goes hand-in-hand with their pastoral duties. It is all part of a larger effort to share their insights and encourage others. This multi-faceted approach to their calling means they are reaching people through various channels, whether it is through a song, a book, or a live talk. It shows how committed they are to making a difference, you know, in a way that truly matters.
The Ministry of Ben Tankard
The spiritual side of Ben Tankard's life is, in fact, a very central part of who he is and what he does. The Destiny Center, which he co-founded with his wife, Jewel, serves as a place for spiritual gathering and teaching. This kind of community provides a space for people to learn, to grow, and to find support in their personal and spiritual journeys, which is quite helpful for many, basically.
As lead pastors, Ben and Jewel Tankard are responsible for guiding the members of their community. This involves delivering sermons, offering counsel, and helping people apply spiritual principles to their daily lives. It is a role that requires a lot of care and a genuine desire to serve others, and it seems they approach it with a lot of dedication, you know, trying to help people find their path.
Their spiritual work extends beyond the walls of the Destiny Center, too. The mention of "Morning Mediation + Minstrel's Melodies = Miracles and Manifestations" as a Facebook Live presentation shows how they use modern tools to reach a wider audience. This kind of online presence allows people from all over to participate in their spiritual practices and benefit from their teachings, which is a great thing, really.
The idea of "Mediate with anointed music early mornings" speaks to a gentle, consistent practice of spiritual reflection. It suggests that their ministry encourages a daily habit of peace and connection, using music as a key element. This focus on practical, accessible ways to engage with faith is a hallmark of their approach, offering something tangible for people to incorporate into their routines, so.
This widespread reach, including their online presence and the number of people who follow them on social media—over 48,000 likes and hundreds talking about them—shows how many individuals are touched by their message. It is a clear sign that their spiritual guidance and inspirational words resonate with a significant number of people, proving the impact of their work, you know, in a very real way.
Where Can You Find Ben Tankard's Spiritual Teachings?
If you are looking to hear more from Ben Tankard and his wife, Jewel, about spiritual matters, there are a few places you can go. One primary spot is their spiritual community, Destiny Center, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This is where they serve as lead pastors, so it is a central hub for their teachings and community activities, which is pretty clear.
Beyond their local community, they also share their insights as authors. This means their spiritual messages are available in written form, perhaps in books or other publications. Reading their written works can give you a deeper look into their thoughts and advice, allowing you to take your time with their messages and reflect on them at your own pace, you know, which is often very helpful.
They are also inspirational speakers, which means they likely give talks at various events and gatherings. Attending one of their speaking engagements would be a direct way to hear their messages and perhaps feel the energy of their presentations. These talks are a great opportunity to connect with their ideas in a live setting, so, getting a more personal feel for their approach.
And then there is the digital space. The mention of "Morning Mediation + Minstrel's Melodies = Miracles and Manifestations" as a Facebook Live presentation points to their use of online platforms. This means you can likely find recordings or live streams of their spiritual sessions and musical meditations online, making their teachings accessible to anyone with an internet connection, you know, pretty much anywhere.
Their social media presence, with thousands of followers, also suggests that they share snippets of wisdom, updates, and perhaps short messages there. Following them on social media could be a good way to stay connected with their ongoing work and get regular doses of inspiration. It is another way they reach out and share their spiritual journey with a broader audience, basically.
Connecting with Ben Tankard
Connecting with someone like Ben Tankard, given his many roles, can happen in several ways. Whether you are interested in his music, his spiritual guidance, or his writings, there are paths to explore. His ability to connect with people through different forms of expression is one of his remarkable qualities, honestly, making his work quite approachable for many.
For those who appreciate music, seeking out his gospel jazz recordings would be the first step. His work as a musician, producer, and arranger means there is a good amount of material to listen to, offering a blend of sounds that aims to uplift and soothe. It is a way to experience his artistic vision directly, you know, through the melodies he creates.
If you are drawn to his spiritual teachings, exploring the Destiny Center, even from afar through their online presence, could be beneficial. His role as a pastor, along with his wife Jewel, means they are dedicated to sharing messages of faith and personal growth. Their talks and meditations, particularly those shared online, offer a chance to engage with their spiritual outlook, so.
As an author and inspirational speaker, Ben Tankard also shares
Ben Tankard - Reality Tv, Smoothjazz, Music Ministry
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Ben Tankard - Reality Tv, Smoothjazz, Music Ministry
Ben Tankard Artist
