On this edition of In Black America, producer/host John L. Hanson Jr. speaks with Ben Tankard, the godfather of Gospel/Jazz music, and author of ‘The Full Tank Life: Fuel Your Dreams, Ignite Your Destiny.’
A true Renaissance man, he also serves as a motivational speaker for the NBA, designs a line of men's clothing, and pilots his own plane. Together with his wife Jewel, he pastors a growing church outside of Nashville, TN.
Since he came on the national scene in 1990, there have been many titles associated with Ben Tankard, from the Quincy Jones of Gospel to the father of GospelJazz.
As a pastor, pilot, motivational speaker, bestselling Gospel/Jazz musician, and reality TV star, Tankard has a lot of experience with both success and failure. He has learned that our greatest opportunities often come from our greatest disappointments. Today, he is doing what he was born to do, and he knows it didn't happen by accident. Tankard encourages readers to examine seven key elements-Dreams, Environment, Subconscious, Time, Inspiration, Network, and You, sharing his life-tested secrets to help readers find their own way. Including fresh insights on familiar Bible passages, wisdom from Tankard's own setbacks, and laugh-out-loud stories, Tankard shows readers that they too can have a "full tank" life.
With over 21 Gold and Platinum Records lining his walls, 14 Stellar Awards, multiple Grammy & Soul Train Award Nomination, Tankard is the best-selling gospel/jazz artist of all time. Also a "hit-maker" producer, he discovered Yolanda Adams and has produced several top records for her, as well as collaborated with Take-6, Fred Hammond, and others.
Tankard's 1997 hit song "Git Yo Praize On," with his ensemble, Tribe Of Benjamin, has become the most used phrase among praise teams. His hit song with Shirley Murdock, “ Jesus Is Love “ has been in the top 5 on XM Gospel Radio for 9 years!
