Nashville-based singer/songwriter Ben Rector is known for his passionate and melodic, piano-driven pop music. With albums like 2010’s Into the Morning and 2011’s Something Like This, Rector gained early indie buzz before achieving wider recognition with 2013’s The Walking in Between, reaching number 16 on the Billboard 200. His success continued with chart-topping albums like 2015’s Brand New and 2018’s Magic, where he collaborated with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Kenny G, and Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith on The Joy of Music in 2022. Ben Rector’s musical journey began in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1986, where he started studying piano and eventually started singing, playing guitar, and writing songs in his teens. While studying at the University of Arkansas, he released a self-titled EP during his freshman year, sparking local interest. After graduating in 2009, he released two full-length albums before moving to Nashville to pursue his music career, releasing successful albums like Into the Morning and Something Like This.
In 2010, Ben Rector released his third studio album, Into the Morning, which marked his presence on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. His career blossomed as he secured support slots for renowned acts like Five for Fighting and Dave Barnes while gaining recognition for his independent release, Something Like This, in 2011. Subsequent albums like The Walking in Between in 2013 and the concert album Live in Denver in 2014 showcased Rector’s talent and popularity. Brand New, released in 2016, debuted in the Top Ten of the Billboard 200, followed by Magic in 2018, which topped the folk chart. Rector’s dedication to his craft led to the MPLS Magic EP in 2019, a collaborative single with Steve Winwood in 2021, and the eclectic pop album The Joy of Music in 2022. Live from Atlanta in 2023 captured live performances from his tour, featuring collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg, Kenny G, and Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith, culminating in the country duet ‘Color Up My World’ with Hailey Whitters in 2024.
Ben Rector’s musical evolution showcases his versatile talents as a singer, songwriter, and performer, with a string of successful albums and collaborations with industry icons. From his early days studying piano to his journey into the music scene, Rector’s commitment to creating heartfelt and melodic pop music has resonated with audiences worldwide. His ability to blend elements of pop, folk, and Americana in his music has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the music industry. With multiple chart-topping albums and memorable collaborations, Ben Rector continues to captivate listeners with his soulful vocals and captivating melodies, cementing his legacy as a celebrated artist known for his genuine passion for music.