Ben Rector Explained

Ben Rector
Birth Date:6 November 1986
Birth Name:Benjamin Evans Rector
Birth Place:Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Years Active:2006–present
Discography:Ben Rector discography

Benjamin Evans Rector (born November 6, 1986)[1] is an American RIAA[2] Platinum singer, songwriter, and record producer based in Nashville, Tennessee. He has released seven studio albums, including Brand New (2015) and Magic (2018), which both charted #1 on the US Folk and #2 on the US Rock and US Indie Billboard 200, charts. His songs have appeared on more than 100 television shows,[3] [4] ad campaigns, and movies. He has performed on TV shows including Conan, The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America,[5] Live With Kelly And Ryan, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and as a celebrity mentor on American Idol. Rector has also built a dedicated touring base, regularly selling out tours across the United States.

Early life

Rector was born in south Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is the son of Evans Rector, a banker, and Bette Rector, a psychologist. He has two sisters. He did not grow up in a musical household, although Evans was a fan of Steve Winwood and Rector became a fan of his work at a young age. Evans recalled a moment where Rector performed in a talent show when he was 8 years old and enjoyed the attention, specifically when they called his name. His first musical memory was at a young age, where he was able to recognize Pachelbel's Canon by ear at a wedding.[6] He became interested in music in eighth grade, listening to the Star 103 radio station in Tulsa, which played music from the 1960s and 1970s. He grew fond of pop music, beginning with "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray.[7] The first song he learned on piano was the theme song of the animated television series Rugrats in the 1990s.[8]

He took some piano lessons as a child, and after being inspired by camp counselors at a summer camp who played acoustic guitar, he began learning the instrument at 16, which later led him to begin songwriting at 16.[9] [10] His first song, titled "Tonight", was an acoustic guitar piece about kissing a girl.[10] Rector attended high school at Tulsa's Metro Christian Academy. High school was also when he began listening to modern pop music.[7] One class he took was dedicated to praise and worship, which he credits as the beginning of his interest in music. The class required an audition. Each week he was taught the technics of music, forming a set, and performing in a band; Rector praised this education structure in retrospect.[11] Meanwhile he would also play music at his church.

He did not sing until musician Ben Kilgore performed at his school, the atmosphere of his performance inspiring Rector to do so. Rector formed a high school band, Euromart, for a Battle of the Bands competition hosted by newspaper Tulsa World. His first performance was at Cain's Ballroom. The band did not place. He would re-recruit Euromart to perform in the music video for his song "Old Friends" in 2018.[12] [13] Throughout high school he would perform locally.[7] He graduated from Tulsa's Metro Christian Academy in 2005 and resumed playing piano,[9] and from the University of Arkansas in 2010 with a degree in business and marketing.

Music career

2006–2009: Ben Rector and Twenty Tomorrow

Rector started seriously writing songs in college and began looking at it as something that needed to be practiced.[7] releasing his first musical effort, a self-titled extended play (EP), in 2006. It was produced by Chad Copelin, who was in a band with Kilgore which would be how Copelin discovered Rector. Rector requested to work with him, and he agreed; Copelin owned a studio and Rector would record there in his free time.[14] After hearing about the 2006 John Lennon Songwriting Contest he submitted a song from the EP, "Conversation", and later forgot he did so. Rector would win the grand prize in the Pop category, making him the youngest person to win the contest.[14] He was surprised he won, and it gave him affirmation he could pursue a career in music. His sophomore year he would attend classes in the weekdays and tour exclusively on the weekends, performing two to three shows a week.[7] He would perform out of town, specifically anywhere within an 8-hour radius.[7] Rector struggled with money in early touring efforts, usually making just enough to pay Copelin. Rector would approach each performance like it was his last. He almost gave up when he risked driving through a blizzard to a venue, causing the car to spin out and crash into the embankment of the highway. Early offers for management were overwhelming for him as he did not know which path to take forward. Rector described his early impressions of the music industry as a "fish out of water"; he gained more confidence as he noticed that the people attending his performances were exclusively those he did not recognize, giving him hope that he could pursue a music career.[15] A particular moment of clarity came when he performed at the Cambridge Room in Dallas, Texas to a sold-out crowd of 350 people, exclusively fans.[6]

Rector met manager of Private Entertainment Paul Steele at a performance in Texas between 2006 and 2007, who would manage many of Rector's future efforts. Rector released Twenty Tomorrow in 2007,[16] his first full-length studio album.[17] His second album, Songs That Duke Wrote, released in 2008.[14] In April 2009, he was given the Northwest Arkansas Music Award (NAMA) for best male singer-songwriter.[18]

2010–2014: Into the Morning, Something Like This and The Walking in Between

See main article: Into the Morning, Something Like This and The Walking in Between.

Following the two album releases, Rector still proceeded cautiously when it came to music. He was treating music like a part-time job and was unsure how to move forward and turn it into his career.[16] He did not have a choice regardless, still having to put time towards college years; he was thankful for this in retrospect, since he felt jumping into music directly at a young age would overwhelm him.[14] By his junior year, he had officially planned to make music his full-time job.[19]

Rector's third studio album, Into the Morning, was released on February 16, 2010. At the time he was a senior in college.[14] The album was successful, reaching No. 11 on Billboards Top Heatseekers chart. 2010 would also see him moving to Nashville, Tennessee after graduation.[14] Rector was particularly drawn to Nashville for its atmosphere and high level of music activity.[19] Following the release, he co-headlined the Three Amigos Tour with fellow Nashvillians Steve Moakler and Andrew Ripp. The rest of 2010 brought support slots with Dave Barnes and Five for Fighting, The Beat Lives Forever co-headline tour with Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, and the Feels Like Home tour in Germany, organized by Johannes Strate of the German band Revolverheld.[16] Rector would also see additional exposure when the song "After All" from Songs that Duke Wrote was used in the television shows Pretty Little Liars and Castle.[16] In early 2011, he performed on the VH1 Best Cruise Ever with artists including Train, The Script, Colbie Caillat and Lifehouse.[20] Rector explained that the cruise felt like he "showed up to a formal party in a T-shirt and shorts", and was "shocked that anyone on that boat had heard of me."[16]

Up to 2010, Rector was "covering the instruments and production, but also the publicity and booking himself". With his increasing momentum, he began receiving help to keep up.[14] For Rector's fourth studio album, his manager Steele focused promotional efforts on people who were already aware of who Rector was. The publicity would see Rector's social media accounts grow fourfold. Something Like This was released on September 13, 2011, just over a year after Into the Morning, which Rector saw as "ridiculous" in retrospect. Something Like This reached No. 41 on the Billboard 200, his highest achievement at the time.[16]

The Walking in Between was released on August 20, 2013.[21] Produced by Rector, Jamie Kenney and Charlie Peacock, it was the first release on Rector's own Aptly Named Recordings label. The album debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 chart.[22] In 2013, he performed a sold-out performance at the Ryman Auditorium, a venue he opened for last year, which he found emotionally moving. 2013 also saw his mother less worried about his career in music.[23]

In 2014, Rector briefly took a break from songwriting to front the Huey Lewis and the News cover band Newy Lewis and the Hues.[24] On August 8, 2014, Rector released an EP, singing and recording all parts titled Newy Lewis and the Hues: Greatest Hits highlighting three of the band's greatest hits.[25]

On October 8, 2021, Rector and Cody Fry released a new version of "Sailboat", the sixth track on The Walking in Between. The song was arranged by Fry and featured on his 2022 EP Symphony Sessions.

2015–2017: Brand New

Rector toured with Needtobreathe, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, and Colony House for the first leg of the "Tour De Compadres" tour in early 2015.[26]

Rector released his sixth studio album, Brand New, on August 28, 2015, via Aptly Named Recordings. The album debuted No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking his first Top 10 album.[27] It also debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Current Rock Albums chart, No. 2 on the Billboard Album Core Genre Rock chart, No. 6 on the Billboard Album Sales chart, No. 3 on the Billboard Top Current Digital Album Sales chart, and No. 1 on the Billboard Top Folk Albums chart.[28] [29]

In January 2016, he was picked as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month[30] and was featured on NBC's Today show where he live performed his single "Brand New", which initially received airplay on Sirius XM's The Pulse in September 2015.[31] "Brand New" was his first single to enter the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 82.[32] The song also reached No. 6 on the Billboard Adult Top 40,[33] No. 7 on Hot Rock Songs,[34] and No. 10 on the Adult Contemporary chart.[35] The song saw over 40 major movie and television placements by 2019, including advertising efforts for The Edge of Seventeen, The Fundamentals of Caring, , and Moana. It was one of the most licensed songs for film and television from 2015 to 2020.[36]

Rector credits Brand New for helping establish him as a more mainstream artist.[37] To support the commercial success he would spend two years touring for the album. The first tour, The Brand New Tour, spanned two legs from 2015 to 2016. It was commercially successful, having 15 sold-out shows in the first leg and selling over 41,000 tickets.[37] When he returned home from The Brand New Tour his label team pushed for him to release a music video accompanying "Brand New"; exhausted, he wanted to make something that would be fun for him, so he selected a group of fans to fly to Six Flags Over Texas to ride roller coasters, which would be the footage for the music video.[38] He followed the tour with The Biggest Tour I Have Done So Far Tour, aptly named, which featured an additional 20 dates and spanned the rest of 2016.[39] Touring for Brand New was 73 performances in total.[40]

He co-headlined The Rock Boat in 2017,[41] and supported Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on their 2017 Soul2Soul Tour.[42]

2018–2020: Magic and A Ben Rector Christmas

See main article: Magic (Ben Rector album) and A Ben Rector Christmas.

Commercial attention towards Brand New persisted in the years following, including Rector himself. His 73-date touring run for Brand New would keep him from working on future projects in the meantime.[37] [43] He took a break following the tour in 2017, giving him time to assess his career. He recognized that he had reached a peak that he had been trying to achieve in a "dead sprint since college", and he was therefore no longer experiencing that. He found this time of reminiscing and feeling of nostalgia overwhelming, and would use it as the basis of his next album. It was written following the tours and recorded over a six-month time frame.[43]

On June 22, 2018, Rector released his seventh studio album, Magic, his first with OK Kid Recordings, which was led by its first single, "Drive".[44] The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboards Americana/Folk Albums chart,[45] and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart and No. 44 on the Billboard 200.[46] Rector toured for Magic with Magic: The Tour, a headlining tour spanning 28 dates, beginning on September 19, 2018, to November 17, 2018.[40] A second leg was performed that continued into mid 2019.[47] A live album, Magic: Live From the USA, was recorded during Magic: The Tour in various locations and was released on June 21, 2019.[48] Also in 2019, Rector was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Best Performance for his appearance on Pickler and Ben in 2018.[49]

Rector announced The Old Friends Acoustic Tour featuring Cody Fry in late 2019.[50] In January 2020, he recorded the music for his next album following Magic in Los Angeles featuring what he called his "dream band".[51] He began touring for The Old Friends Acoustic in February 2020. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic had become a national threat in the United States, and lockdowns had begun to take effect. He had flown to perform a show in Dallas, Texas, but was forced to return home.[52] The first distributed project from this period was a single, “It Would Be You”, with a music video of compiled fan submissions via the #CoffeeDadShuffle trend.[53] He wrote the song with John Fields the day after returning home from the tour.[52] In October 2020, Rector released an acoustic version of the song featuring Ingrid Michaelson.[54] Although disappointed about the tour being cancelled, he found his open schedule to be freeing creatively. All of his efforts were focused onto his next album. It helped him "rediscover" what he enjoyed about writing music in the first place.[55] Throughout the pandemic, most of his next album would be rewritten from scratch.[51]

In November 2020, Rector debuted “The Thanksgiving Song”—the leading song of his forthcoming holiday album that celebrates the familial Thanksgiving experience. Rector has since been dubbed “The Mariah Carey of Thanksgiving”.[56] On November 13, 2020, Rector released his first holiday album, A Ben Rector Christmas, which features joyful renditions of Christmas classics such as “Frosty the Snowman”, “The Christmas Song”, and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. The album was followed by an additional rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in the following year.[57] His next album was completed by December 2020, but he held off on releasing it until he could continue touring again.[58]

2021—present: The Joy of Music

See main article: The Joy of Music (album).

On May 21, 2021, he released the single "Range Rover", which features musician Steve Winwood playing the Hammond organ. Winwood is one of Rector’s musical heroes and was originally named in the song's lyrics before agreeing to take part in its composition as well.[59]

On March 11, 2022, Rector released his eighth studio album, The Joy of Music, following four pre-released tracks: "Living My Best Life", "Dream On", "Supernatural", and "Steady Love".[60] The project features Snoop Dogg, Dave Koz, Kenny G, and Taylor Goldsmith and a short film created in conjunction with the record. In the film, Rector is led through seven songs brought to life with stunning cinematography by his new friend Joy — a muppet monster he created in collaboration with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.[61]

Rector embarked on his headlining tour, The Joy of Music: Live Tour, in May 2022 with support from JP Saxe, Jake Scott, Jordy Searcy, and Stephen Day (singer). The tour finished with a sold-out show at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville. A year later, on June 16, 2023, Ben released a 14-song live album ‘Live In Atlanta’ with songs heard and recorded on this tour.[62]

Since The Joy Of Music project, Rector released individual singles and collaborations. On August 5, 2022, Rector released "What Makes a Man", a new single featuring Thomas Rhett. He performed the song as part of his Grand Ole Opry debut on August 9, 2022.[63]

On September 1, 2023, Rector collaborated with The Choir Room—a Nashville based choir collective—to release an alternate version of ‘Joy’. Which was nominated for a GMA Dove Award in July 2024.[64]

On September 23, 2022, Rector released "Wonderful World".[65]

On February 2, 2024, Rector release a live version of the country classic “It’s a Great Day To Be Alive (Live From The Ryman)”. The record was recorded during his last iteration of the Old Friends Acoustic Tour in 2023.

On March 15, 2024, Ben released ‘Color Up My World’ featuring country star Hailey Whitters.[66] Ben wrote the song knowing Hailey and he were scheduled to open for Dan + Shay in the spring of 2024.[67]

On July 12, 2024, Ben released ‘Wreck’, a contemplative song about the life-changing results and gratitude of having children.

Sports and television

Rector made his television debut performing "Beautiful" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 14, 2013. On April 12, 2016, he performed "Brand New" live on Conan.[68] He made his Live with Kelly and Ryan debut on July 12, 2016,[69] and appeared live on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC on November 24, 2016.[70] He has also performed on Today,[71] Pickler & Ben,[72] the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals (game 6),[73] and Bachelor in Paradise.[74] His songs have appeared on television shows including America's Got Talent, American Idol, Ellen DeGeneres Show, World of Dance, Heartland, Hawaii Five-O, Pretty Little Liars and Castle.[75] [16] "Brand New" was featured in the trailers for Edge of Seventeen and Moana, in a Weight Watchers campaign starring Oprah Winfrey, and on ads for the Olympics and the World Series.[16]

Rector's performance of “Old Friends” from Pickler & Ben was nominated for an Emmy—Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program.[76]

In 2021, Rector was a mentor for two contestants on season 19 of American Idol, alongside Ryan Tedder, Jason Aldean, and Jimmie Allen.[77]

ESPN used four iterations of songs from The Joy of Music, the most prominent of which was the use of “Sunday (ft. Snoop Dogg)” as the soundtrack to Sunday Night Baseball.[78] The song was inspired by a piano track Rector found while taking a break from watching the 2021 Masters to scroll through Instagram, and as such, Golf Digest has since recommended it be the new theme song for PGA Tour.[79] Another track “Dream On", serves as the 2022 soundtrack and sole audio for the advertisement for The University of Arkansas—Rector’s alma mater.[80]

U.S. soccer partnered with Rector to feature his unreleased song “New Day” as the soundtrack to promotional content for the qualification matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Rector headlined a pre-game performance at U.S. Soccer's first home match of the qualifying campaign in Nashville.[81]

Rector has spent significant time playing in and performing at PGA golf tournaments across the continent. Rector played in the 2022 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am alongside Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, and Macklemore.[82] He also played in the AT&T Pro-Am in 2023.[83]

Personal life

Rector is a devout Christian. Themes relating to his religion, including Jesus, are present throughout his works, such as "When a Heart Breaks" and "Follow You".[84] [85] Religion was emphasized in The Joy of Music with songs including "Supernatural" and "Thank You", where he had grown to be more comfortable discussing his faith more openly. He described his faith as "a frame or a lens that I look at the world through."[86] Rector said that he is not a Christian artist since he wanted the freedom to write about religious themes in a way that wasn't typical of traditional worship music.[84] He became increasingly reliant on his beliefs as his career grew, and he tours with those who share like-minded beliefs as him.[87] In 2024 he performed at the 2024 Utah Area YSA Conference at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he performed "I'm Trying to Be like Jesus" alongside his other works.[85]

Rector met his future wife Hillary Swanton at the University of Arkansas their freshman year. Rector originally had a crush on Hillary's college roommate, resulting in him spending more time with her and attracting feelings towards her. Since Hillary had a parking space close to the college she would pick up Rector often, resulting in them spending more time together. They married in 2009 and relocated to Nashville shortly afterward.[88] They had one daughter in 2017, Jane, and twin sons in 2020, Roy and Robert "Bert".[89]

Discography

See main article: Ben Rector discography.

Studio albums

Live albums

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ben Rector | Biography & History. AllMusic.
  2. Web site: Award Ben Rector. Riaa.
  3. News: Ben Rector. Kennedy Center.
  4. Web site: Ben Rector Songs. What Song.
  5. News: Indie pop superstar Ben Rector talks new music . Good Morning America . April 28, 2022.
  6. Web site: Ben Rector: Low Expectations, High Hopes . September 3, 2015 . December 12, 2023 . Pancakes and Whiskey . Soule . Hannah . July 3, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220703180710/http://pancakesandwhiskey.com/2015/09/03/ben-rector-low-expectations-high-hopes/ . live .
  7. Web site: Ben Rector knows how to be happy without sappy . October 13, 2016 . December 12, 2023 . . Bledsoe . Wayne . December 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231210213400/https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/10/13/ben-rector-knows-how-happy-without-sappy/91872662/ . live .
  8. Web site: Singer Ben Rector tees up for downtime after decade on tour, in studio . 2016-08-17 . 2024-01-01 . . Oller . Julia . January 1, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240101194932/https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/events/2016/08/17/singer-ben-rector-tees-up/23350506007/ . live .
  9. Web site: Ben Rector brings Magic to Houston . November 14, 2018 . December 12, 2023 . . Amar . John . December 13, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213020437/https://www.houstonpress.com/music/things-to-do-singer-songwriter-ben-rector-performs-in-houston-11038569 . live .
  10. Web site: Ben Rector . 2024-01-14 . 2024-01-24 . . Schlansky . Evan . January 20, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240120053045/https://americansongwriter.com/ben-rector/ . live .
  11. Web site: Ben Rector Shares Inspiration Behind "Range Rover" on 'Pitch List' . 2021-06-03 . 2024-01-08 . . Rowland . Delia . January 3, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240103234436/https://americansongwriter.com/ben-rector-shares-inspiration-behind-range-rover-on-pitch-list/ . live .
  12. Web site: Old friends: Ben Rector goes down memory lane before hometown show at Brady Theater . October 21, 2018 . December 6, 2023 . . Tramel . Jimmie . December 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231207205746/https://tulsaworld.com/old-friends-ben-rector-goes-down-memory-lane-before-hometown-show-at-brady-theater/article_e781b286-1aba-53e4-9d8f-6e31a6e80a5c.html . live .
  13. Web site: Watch: Ben Rector returns to Oklahoma hometown and plays with his high school band in music video for 'Old Friends' . June 10, 2018 . December 6, 2023 . . McDonnell . Brandy.
  14. Web site: Ben Rector isn't in a hurry to release his new album . April 3, 2013 . December 6, 2023 . . Parker . Chris . March 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230328013737/https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2013/04/03/ben-rector-isnt-in-a-hurry-to-release-his-new-album/ . live .
  15. Web site: Interview: Ben Rector Shows Hometown & What Inspired Him To Pursue Music . November 18, 2016 . December 6, 2023 . . December 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180631/https://www.iheart.com/content/2016-11-18-interview-ben-rector-shows-hometown-what-inspired-him-to-pursue-music/ . live .
  16. Ben Rector Is a Gimmick Free Pop 'Nobody' . September 25, 2011 . December 6, 2023 . . Mitchell . Gail . January 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240119230227/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ben-rector-is-a-gimmick-free-pop-nobody-467318/ . live .
  17. Web site: Ben Rector Stretches His Creative Wings With "Range Rover" . May 21, 2021 . December 6, 2023 . . Scott . Jason . September 12, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230912235244/https://americansongwriter.com/ben-rector-range-rover-song-interview/ . live .
  18. Web site: Bartholomew . Dustin . April 24, 2009 . The 2009 NAMA Winners . September 5, 2015 . Fayetteville Flyer . September 21, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150921031811/http://www.fayettevilleflyer.com/2009/04/24/the-2009-nama-winners/ . live .
  19. Web site: Walking In Between: Ben Rector . 2013-11-06 . 2024-01-22 . . Harries Graham . William . January 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240122220902/https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2013-11-06/walking-in-between-ben-rector/ . live .
  20. Web site: VH1 Best Cruise Ever, featuring Train, Lifehouse, Colbie Caillat, The Script, setting sail soon . April 5, 2011 . December 6, 2023 . . September 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230926020534/https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=14421165&itype=storyID . live .
  21. News: Ben Rector album review: 'The Walking In Between' . August 1, 2018 . The Washington Post . August 2, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180802012739/https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/ben-rector-album-review-the-walking-in-between/2013/10/23/5eefbc1e-36a7-11e3-8a0e-4e2cf80831fc_story.html . live .
  22. Web site: Ben Rector Album Debuts at 16 on Billboard 200 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130926192853/http://www.alternativeaddiction.com/musicnews/article/3386/Ben-Rector-Album-Debuts-at-16-on-the-Billboard-200 . September 26, 2013 . September 22, 2013.
  23. Web site: Walking In Between With Ben Rector . 2013-11-25 . 2024-01-22 . . White . Abby . January 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240122235232/https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/walking_in_between_with_ben_rector . live .
  24. News: March 20, 2019 . Ben Rector brings 'Magic' to Memorial Auditorium . Chattanooga Times Free Press . January 23, 2020.
  25. Web site: Millice . Dan . Mastering Ben Rector's "Newy Lewis And The Hues" . Dan Millice Mastering . September 11, 2023 . June 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230610151801/https://danmillicemastering.com/mastering-ben-rectors-newy-lewis-and-the-hues/ . live .
  26. Web site: Tour Dates . February 8, 2016 . needtobreathe Official Website . July 31, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150731040917/http://www.needtobreathe.com/tour . live .
  27. On the Charts: The Weeknd Finds 'Beauty' at Number One . October 13, 2015 . Rolling Stone . September 6, 2015 . October 11, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151011093618/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/on-the-charts-the-weeknd-finds-beauty-at-number-one-20150906 . live .
  28. Web site: The Weeknd's New Album Debuts at Number One with an Impressive Sales Week . October 13, 2015 . Forbes . October 11, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151011055345/http://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2015/09/06/the-weeknds-new-album-debuts-at-number-one-with-big-sales-week/ . live .
  29. Web site: The Week in Pop: Halsey's New Americana Might Actually Be A Real Demographic . October 13, 2015 . Stereogum . September 10, 2015 . October 17, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151017082100/http://www.stereogum.com/1829157/the-week-in-pop-halseys-new-americana-might-actually-be-a-real-demographic/franchises/the-week-in-pop/? . live .
  30. News: January 13, 2016 . Video: Ben Rector to perform on 'Today,' play first show at Oklahoma City's The Criterion . NewsOK.com . August 1, 2018 . January 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240125193754/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/columns/brandy-mcdonnell/2016/01/14/video-ben-rector-to-perform-on-today-play-first-show-at-oklahoma-citys-the-criterion/60698801007/ . live .
  31. News: Ben Rector performs 'Brand New' on Today . today.com . August 1, 2018 . August 1, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180801220921/https://www.today.com/video/ben-rector-performs-brand-new-on-today-609107011548 . live .
  32. Weatherby . Taylor . May 18, 2018 . Ben Rector Announces New Album 'Magic,' Unveils Nostalgic Track 'Old Friends' . Billboard . January 23, 2020 . September 24, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200924222702/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8456619/ben-rector-new-album-magic-old-friends-song . live .
  33. Ben Rector: Adult Top 40 . January 23, 2020 . Billboard . August 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230822201733/https://www.billboard.com/artist/ben-rector/chart-history/atf/ . live .
  34. Ben Rector: Hot Rock Songs . January 23, 2020 . Billboard . August 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230822201731/https://www.billboard.com/artist/ben-rector/chart-history/ark/ . live .
  35. Ben Rector: Adult Contemporary . January 23, 2020 . Billboard . August 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230822201730/https://www.billboard.com/artist/ben-rector/chart-history/asi/ . live .
  36. Web site: Ben Rector & Cody Fry and the National Symphony Orchestra . 2023-01-23 . 2024-01-31 . The Kennedy Center.
  37. Web site: Interview and video: Tulsa native Ben Rector returns to home state for sold-out OKC shows . 2019-03-08 . 2023-12-09 . . McDonnell . Brandy . 2024-01-31 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240131022015/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/columns/brandy-mcdonnell/2019/03/08/interview-and-video-tulsa-native-ben-rector-returns-to-home-state-for-sold-out-okc-shows/60468718007/ . live .
  38. Web site: Tulsa native Ben Rector brings his 'biggest tour' to Brady Theater . 2016-10-05 . 2024-01-29 . . Woffard . Jeffery . 2024-01-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240130010148/https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/music/tulsa-native-ben-rector-brings-his-biggest-tour-to-brady-theater/article_08534c39-90be-5424-a7b9-23d0feb79ede.html . live .
  39. Web site: Ben Rector Announces "The Biggest Tour I Have Done So Far Tour" . 2016-06-24 . 2024-01-29 . Digital Tour Bus . 2024-01-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240130004125/https://www.digitaltourbus.com/news/ben-rector-announces-biggest-tour-done-far-u-s-tour/#google_vignette . live .
  40. Web site: Ben Rector announces national headlining tour "Magic: The Tour" . 2018-06-11 . 2024-01-29 . Shore Fire Media . Evenson . Andrea . Shapiro . Rebecca . 2024-01-31 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240131022048/https://shorefire.com/releases/entry/ben-rector-national-headlining-magic-the-tour . live .
  41. Web site: Past Lineups . January 23, 2020 . therockboat.com . May 22, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190522211853/http://www.therockboat.com/history/lineup/ . live .
  42. Web site: Nicholson . Jessica . Tim McGraw, Faith Hill Reveal Opening Acts For 2017 Soul2Soul Tour . January 23, 2020 . Music Row . February 2017 . September 26, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200926054633/https://musicrow.com/2017/01/tim-mcgraw-faith-hill-reveal-opening-acts-for-2017-soul2soul-tour/ . live .
  43. Web site: Exclusive Q&A with Ben Rector . 2018-07-09 . 2023-12-09 . Nashville Lifestyles . Kate Read . Anna.
  44. News: Whitmore . Laura B. . Exclusive Premiere: Listen Now to Ben Rector's Energetic New Song, 'Drive' . Parade . August 1, 2018 . August 1, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180801220909/https://parade.com/675363/laurawhitmore/exclusive-premiere-listen-now-to-ben-rectors-energetic-new-song-drive/ . live .
  45. News: Ben Rector's New Album Magic Debuts No. 1 on Billboard's Americana/Folk Albums Chart . Shore Fire Media . August 8, 2018 . August 8, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180808234328/https://shorefire.com/releases/entry/ben-rector-new-album-magic-debuts-1-on-billboards-americana-folk-albums-chart . live .
  46. Ben Rector Magic Chart History . April 30, 2019 . Billboard . April 7, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190407215940/https://www.billboard.com/music/ben-rector . live .
  47. Web site: Shotwell . James . May 15, 2019 . Live Review: Ben Rector brings a little 'Magic' to Kalamazoo . July 2, 2019 . Substream Magazine . July 2, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190702222159/https://substreammagazine.com/2019/03/ben-rector-pulls-off-the-greatest-magic-trick-during-kalamazoo-performance/ . live .
  48. Web site: MAGIC: Live From the USA by Ben Rector . July 8, 2019 . Genius . July 8, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190708210735/https://genius.com/albums/Ben-rector/Magic-live-from-the-usa . live .
  49. Web site: Montgomery . Daniel . May 3, 2019 . Daytime Emmy winners 2019: Full list of Creative Arts winners on Friday night . July 8, 2019 . GoldDerby . July 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230725022154/https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/daytime-emmy-winners-creative-arts-full-list-news/ . live .
  50. News: November 12, 2019 . Ben Rector announces 'The Old Friends Acoustic Tour' with special guest Cody Fry . Fox16 . January 23, 2020 . November 13, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191113120827/https://www.fox16.com/news/ben-rector-announces-the-old-friends-acoustic-tour-with-special-guest-cody-fry/ . live .
  51. Web site: Ben Rector Talks Chicken Sandwiches, Overcoming His Fear Of Failure & His Newfound Joy [Interview] ]. 2022-03-22 . 2023-09-04 . . Farthing . Lydia . 2023-09-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230905003024/https://musicrow.com/2022/03/ben-rector-talks-chicken-sandwiches-overcoming-his-fear-of-failure-his-newfound-joy-interview/ . live .
  52. Web site: Old Friends (w Ben Rector) . 2021-10-06 . 2024-01-17 . The Good Song Podcast . Alley . Rob . 2023-06-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230604035938/https://www.greatsongpodcast.com/old-friends-w-ben-rector-episode-809-4th-anniversary-episode/ . live .
  53. Web site: Carias . Beatriz . September 9, 2020 . It Would Be You With Ben Rector . September 11, 2023 . Tonight Mag . September 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230915045909/https://tonightmag.com/2020/09/09/it-would-be-you-with-ben-rector/ . live .
  54. Web site: Ben Rector and Ingrid Michaelson Release "It Would Be You (Acoustic)" . 2020-10-02 . 2023-09-08 . Secret Road Music Services . 2023-09-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230918234449/https://www.secretroad.com/latest/ben-rector-and-ingrid-michaelson-release-it-would-be-you-acoustic . live .
  55. Web site: Ben Rector Rediscovers 'The Joy Of Music' On New Album . 2022-03-14 . 2023-09-04 . . Reuter . Annie . 2023-09-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230904230002/https://www.forbes.com/sites/anniereuter/2022/03/14/ben-rector-rediscovers-the-joy-of-music-on-new-album/ . live .
  56. Web site: Taylor . Sarah . November 17, 2021 . Passion Meets Purpose #17: The Thanksgiving Song with Ben Rector . September 14, 2023 . October 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231002213549/https://onpurposely.com/passion-meets-purpose-17-the-thanksgiving-song-with-ben-rector/ . live .
  57. Web site: Hancock . Amanda . December 3, 2020 . 'I'm a Christmas man:' Ben Rector discusses his brand new Christmas album . September 14, 2023 . The Gazette . October 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231002213607/https://gazette.com/arts-entertainment/music/im-a-christmas-man-ben-rector-discusses-his-brand-new-christmas-album/article_7876d5b0-2924-11eb-a9d3-2bb00acda6f4.html . live .
  58. Web site: Ben Rector Releases New Year's Eve Song "The Best Is Yet to Come" . 2021-12-10 . 2023-09-04 . . Benitez-Eves . Tina . 2023-09-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230905003425/https://americansongwriter.com/ben-rector-releases-new-years-eve-song-the-best-is-yet-to-come/ . live .
  59. Web site: Scott . Jason . Ben Rector Stretches His Creative Wings With “Range Rover” . American Songwriter . 11 September 2023 . 21 May 2021.
  60. Web site: Reuter . Annie . Ben Rector Rediscovers ‘The Joy Of Music’ On New Album . Forbes . 11 September 2023 . 14 March 2022.
  61. Web site: Wong . Curtis . Ben Rector's 'The Joy Of Music' Is His Most Vibrant, Sonically Diverse Work Yet . HuffPost . 11 September 2023 . 19 March 2022.
  62. Web site: Hollabaugh . Lorie . Ben Rector Plots ‘The Joy Of Music: Live Tour’ For May . Music Row . 11 September 2023 . 28 Jan 2022.
  63. Web site: Rector . Ben . Ben Rector Makes His Grand Ole Opry Debut! All the Behind-the-Scenes Photos . People . 11 September 2023 . 11 August 2022.
  64. Web site: Rector . Ben . 2024 Nominees . Dove Awards . 26 July 2024 . 26 July 2024.
  65. Web site: Patton . Alli . Premiere: Ben Rector Reflects on the Good Life in ‘Wonderful World’ . American Songwriter . 11 September 2023 . 23 September 2022.
  66. Web site: Whitters, Rector join forces to "Color Up My World" . March 15, 2024 . Countrystandardtime.com.
  67. Web site: Rector . Ben . Dan + Shay Announce 2024 Heartbreak on the Map Tour Ahead of New Album Release . Dove Awards . 26 July 2024 . 26 July 2024.
  68. Web site: Ben Rector will be appearing on CONAN Tuesday, April 12th, 2016 . August 6, 2018 . TeamCoco .
  69. Web site: Ben Rector Flies Fans to Six Flags for 'Brand New' Music Video . August 1, 2018 . Alternative Addiction . September 1, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160901012553/http://www.alternativeaddiction.com/AANewsArticle/ben-rector-flies-fans-to-six-flags-for-brand-new-music-video . live .
  70. Ben Rector, LunchMoney Lewis & More Earn Sales Gains After Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade . Billboard . August 6, 2018 . August 7, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180807032917/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7595792/ben-rector-lunchmoney-lewis-sales-gains-thanksgiving-macys . live .
  71. Web site: Ben Rector performs 'Brand New' on Today . January 23, 2020 . Today.com . August 1, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180801220921/https://www.today.com/video/ben-rector-performs-brand-new-on-today-609107011548 . live .
  72. Web site: Ben Rector Performs "Old Friends!" . January 23, 2020 . picklerandben.com .
  73. News: Russo . Michael . June 12, 2017 . Penguins edge Predators, win back-to-back Stanley Cups . Star Tribune . January 23, 2020 . October 11, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181011091050/http://www.startribune.com/penguins-edge-predators-win-back-to-back-stanley-cups/427858903/ . live .
  74. Web site: Pomarico . Nicole . 'Bachelor in Paradise' Episode 9: Babies on the Beach . January 23, 2020 . TV Insider . September 4, 2018 . October 27, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201027060725/https://www.tvinsider.com/713991/bachelor-in-paradise-season-5-episode-9-recap/ . live .
  75. 2017 . Listen In! . Neurology Now . 13 . 4 . 7 . 10.1097/01.nnn.0000522194.42709.10 . 1553-3271.
  76. Web site: Parton . Chris . 'Pickler & Ben' Pick Up Two Daytime Emmy Nominations . Sounds Like Nashville . October 2, 2023 . March 25, 2019 . November 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231104175527/https://www.soundslikenashville.com/news/pickler-ben-daytime-emmy-nominations-2/ . live .
  77. American Idol recap: Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight, and more celebs show out for duets night . Entertainment Weekly . September 11, 2023 . April 4, 2021 . September 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230915045906/https://ew.com/tv/recaps/american-idol-season-19-episode-10/ . live .
  78. Web site: Martin . Katie . "Feelin' Like It's Sunday:" ESPN Features Indie Superstar Ben Rector in Sunday Night Baseball . ESPN . September 14, 2023 . April 7, 2022 . September 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230906005124/https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2022/04/feelin-like-its-sunday-espn-features-indie-superstar-ben-rector-in-sunday-night-baseball-presented-by-taco-bell-anthem/ . live .
  79. Web site: Myers . Alex . This Masters-inspired Ben Rector song featuring Snoop Dogg(!) should be the PGA Tour's new theme music . Golf Digest . September 14, 2023 . March 31, 2022 . September 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230906005012/https://www.golfdigest.com/story/masters-inspired-song-ben-rector-snoop-dogg-should-be-pga-tour-new-theme-music . live .
  80. Web site: Ben Rector's "Dream On" Featured in University of Arkansas Campaign . Secret Road . September 14, 2023 . September 9, 2022 . October 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231002213559/https://www.secretroad.com/latest/ben-rectors-dream-on-featured-in-university-of-arkansas-campaign . live .
  81. Web site: Ben Rector And U.S. Soccer Release Exclusive Highlight Video As U.S. Men's National Team Kicks Off Home World Cup Qualifying Campaign In Nashville . Nashville Music City . September 14, 2023 . August 31, 2021 . September 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230924230140/https://www.visitmusiccity.com/media/press-release/2021/ben-rector-and-us-soccer-release-exclusive-highlight-video-us-mens . live .
  82. Web site: Hirsh . Jack . Joel Dahmen, Ben Rector are the standard of fun at Pebble Beach Pro-Am . Golf.com . September 14, 2023 . February 4, 2023 . October 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231002213550/https://golf.com/lifestyle/celebrities/joel-dahmen-ben-rector-standard-of-fun/ . live .
  83. Web site: Jourdan . Cameron . 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrity tee times, pairings . GolfWeek . October 2, 2023 . February 1, 2023 . November 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231104175526/https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/02/01/2023-att-pebble-beach-pro-am-celebrity-tee-times-pairings/ . live .
  84. Web site: A different type of musician . 2014-12-05 . 2023-12-07 . Talon News . Redding . Sarah . January 28, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200128055953/http://www.talon.news/opinions/a-new-type-of-musician/ . live .
  85. Web site: Ben Rector learns ‘I’m Trying to Be like Jesus’ for YSA concert . 2024-08-06 . 2024-08-21 . LDSLiving . Tolk . Maddie.
  86. Web site: Ben Rector Rediscovers 'The Joy of Music' With New Album . 2022-03-23 . 2024-01-25 . Sounds Like Nashville . Valentine . Lisa . December 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231207230817/https://www.soundslikenashville.com/music/ben-rector-rediscovers-the-joy-of-music-with-new-album/ . live .
  87. Web site: Ben Rector Q&A . 2014-12-05 . 2024-01-25 . . John . deSteiguer . March 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230330084828/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smncBkEXgO8&list=PLB4n65Zz-cTkzvxwbvZYeNuyfZGZAkaD6 . live .
  88. Web site: Ben Rector And Wife Hillary's Candid Reaction To Having Twins . 2021-12-19 . 2024-01-25 . Hollywood Mask . Chaudhary . Rakesh . March 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230322094705/https://hollywoodmask.com/p/ben-rector-wife.html . live .
  89. Web site: Episode 121: Storing Up Good Memories for Your Kids with Hillary and Ben Rector . 2023-07-18 . 2024-01-25 . Raising Boys and Girls . Sissy . Goff . Thomas . David . Trevathan . Melissa . January 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240125193754/https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/podcast/121 . live .

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Ben Rector".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.