September 2, 2026

JAZZ ICON BEN TANKARD RETURNS WITH NEW SMOOTH JAZZ SINGLE
“TALL, DARK AND JAZZY”

MUSIC. MARRIAGE. MINISTRY. MEDIA. BEN TANKARD IS ENTERING HIS NEXT ERA

MURFREESBORO, TN -- Multi-award-winning instrumentalist, producer, recording artist, and Stellar Award Hall of Famer Ben Tankard is back with a fresh smooth jazz release, “Tall, Dark, and Jazzy.” The playful, sophisticated original is inspired by the affectionate nicknames Tankard’s wife, Jewel, has given him throughout their years together.

Known worldwide as the “Godfather of Gospel Jazz, Tankard has built an extraordinary musical legacy spanning more than three decades. His platinum-selling, iconic songbook includes countless hits, global tours, and creative collaborations, establishing him as a pioneering force who has helped shape the sound and reach of Gospel Jazz. His career accomplishments include 16 Stellar Awards, a 2018 Stellar Award Hall of Fame induction, three GRAMMY® nominations, eight Dove Awards, and NAACP Image Award and Soul Train Award nominations. 

With “Tall, Dark and Jazzy,” Tankard once again demonstrates his ability to seamlessly blend sophisticated jazz musicianship with his signature personality and unmistakable sound.

“Tall, Dark and Jazzy” is available now on digital music platforms HERE.  

MORNING PRAYER FOR THE SOUL:
As Tankard celebrates the release of his latest smooth jazz offering, he continues to make a significant impact with music designed to encourage faith, worship, prayer, and reflection.  His newest Gospel worship collection, MORNING PRAYERS, has already surpassed 1 million Spotify streams. The collection features sacred and anointed instrumental interpretations of some of Tankard’s worship favorites, creating an atmosphere ideal for prayer, meditation, and personal devotion.  Tankard’s instrumental music has become a trusted soundtrack for pastors and worship leaders preparing their hearts and minds for ministry.  LISTEN TO MORNING PRAYERS

THE TANKARDS ENTER A NEW CHAPTER:
After years of success in reality television, Ben and Jewel Tankard are returning to the screen with a new mini-micro series, “Thicker Than Water / Empty Nest.”  The new digital series follows the couple as they navigate an exciting new chapter of life with their children grown and out of the house. The series offers an entertaining and intimate look at marriage, family, faith, and enjoying life after the kids have left the nest.

The first episode celebrates Ben and Jewel Tankard’s 25th wedding anniversary, giving viewers a glimpse into the relationship behind one of television’s most recognizable Gospel music families.  Designed for today’s digital-first audience, “Thicker Than Water / Empty Nest” embraces the growing popularity of short-form, mobile-friendly entertainment and gives fans another way to connect with the Tankards beyond music and ministry.  WATCH THE SERIES HERE  

“FULL TANK PODCAST” RETURNS FOR SEASON TWO:
Tankard is also expanding his voice beyond music with “The Full Tank Podcast,” with Season Two currently in production.  The first season featured conversations with notable figures including Gospel icon Dorinda Clark-Cole; artist, producer, and hitmaker Mr. Talkbox; and Gospel music industry executives Benita Bellamy Kelley and Eboni Funderburk, among others.  Tankard and his guests bring decades of experience in music, business, entertainment, faith, and entrepreneurship to conversations designed to inform, inspire, and entertain.  WATCH “THE FULL TANK PODCAST”

25 YEARS OF MINISTRY AND A NEW VISION: THE DESTINY CENTER
Beyond the stage and studio, Ben and Jewel continue to pour into their community through The Destiny Center, which is celebrating 25 years of ministry with a relaunch and a fresh new look.  Beginning in October, the ministry will introduce a more polished, high-tech podcast and virtual ministry experience designed to reach today's audiences in new and innovative ways.  The Destiny Center has entered an exciting new chapter after the Tankards sold their traditional church building and moved their ministry broadcasts into a high-tech business center inside the Murfreesboro Airport, which also serves as home to Tankard’s fleet of aircraft and the international headquarters of Ben Tankard Music.

For Tankard, the new chapter is not about slowing down—it is about expanding the reach of his music, message, ministry, and entrepreneurial vision.  From smooth jazz and Gospel worship to digital entertainment, podcasting, aviation, entrepreneurship, and ministry, Tankard continues to redefine what it means to build a legacy while remaining relevant in a rapidly changing world.  With new music, new stories being told, and new ministry initiatives, the message is: Stay tuned. Many great things are ahead.