Ben Tankard's "Rise" Takes the #1 Spot On Billboard Smooth Jazz and Mediabase Smooth Jazz Radio Charts

By Timothy Yap Feb 21, 2019 02:53 AM EST

The Godfather of Gospel Jazz Ben Tankard continues to climb up the charts with his newest album RISE. The album remains steady on the Billboard Top Gospel Album Sales chart and his single "Rise" takes the #1 spot this week on the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay Chart."Rise", featuring Marion Meadows on saxophone, is Tankard's remake of the Herb Alpert classic hit that, after 40 years, still remains a favorite among Jazz musicians and fans. Herb Alpert received a GrammyAward for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1979 for "Rise".

"I am so honored to have the #1 Smoothjazz song in the world on Billboard," Tankard shares. "It is simply my God inspired rendition. The credit for such a great melody goes to the original writers and performers (Randy Albert / Herb Albert). It was a monster hit in 1979 and now it is a #1 hit in 2019....40 years later."

"You have recorded a Beautiful version of our song Rise. I wish you much success!"
- Randy Alpert

With almost 30 years of award-winning, platinum-selling, chart-topping radio hits, "Rise" marks Tankard's first #1 Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay ranking. "Rise" also took the #1 spot on the Mediabase Smooth Jazz Radio Chart this week. In addition, "Rise" is #1 on the Smooth Jazz Top 20 with Allen Kepler on TheSmoothJazzNetwork.com.

Tankard's first #1 on the Billboard and Mediabase Radio Chart follows his first NAACP Image Award nomination forOutstanding Jazz Album. The 50th NAACP Image Awards will air live on TV One on Saturday, March 30. Visithttps://naacpimageawards.net for more information and local airtimes. Fans can connect with the 15X Stellar Gospel Award winner and Stellar Awards Honors Hall of Fame inductee by visiting BenTankard.org or connect on social media@BenTankard.