Ben Rector is a popular American singer-songwriter and record producer who has released seven studio albums, including Brand New (2015) and Magic (2018). He is known for his catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and soulful voice. But what many fans may not know is that Ben Rector is also a Christian who has a strong faith in God. In this article, we will explore how Ben Rector’s religion shapes his music and his life.
Ben Rector’s Early Life and Musical Journey
Ben Rector was born on November 6, 1986, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up in a Christian family and attended church regularly. He started taking piano lessons as a child, but he did not pursue music seriously until he picked up guitar in high school. He began writing songs and performing at local venues. He also won the Grand Prize in the Pop category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2006, becoming the youngest person ever to do so1.
He continued his musical career while studying at the University of Arkansas, where he released his first EP and two full-length albums. He graduated in 2010 with a degree in business and marketing1. He then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue songwriting and to further his career as an artist. He released his third album, Into the Morning, in 2010, which reached No. 11 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart He followed it with Something Like This in 2011, which reached No. 41 on the Billboard 200
He gained more popularity and recognition with his fifth album, The Walking in Between, in 2013, which featured the hit single “Beautiful”. He also toured extensively with artists like Needtobreathe, Switchfoot, and Train. His sixth album, Brand New, in 2015, was his most successful one yet, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and spawning the viral song “Brand New”, which was featured in various commercials and TV shows. His latest album, Magic, in 2018, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart and included the singles “Drive” and “Old Friends”2.
Ben Rector’s Christian Faith
Throughout his musical journey, Ben Rector has never hidden his Christian faith. He has often expressed his gratitude to God for his talents and opportunities. He has also written songs that reflect his beliefs and values. For example, in his song “The Men That Drive Me Places”, he sings about the humble people he meets on the road who inspire him with their stories and wisdom. He acknowledges that they are “the ones who make me wonder if I ever gave God anything at all”.
In another song, “More Like Love”, he questions his own motives and desires and realizes that he needs to be more like Jesus. He sings, “I find the farther that I climb / There’s always another line / Of mountain tops / It’s never going to stop / And the more of anything I do / The thing that always ends up true / Is getting what I want / Will never be enough / So I just wanna look more like love”.
In an interview with CCM Magazine, he explained how his faith influences his music. He said, “I think my faith affects everything I do. It affects how I treat people; it affects how I write songs; it affects how I view success; it affects how I view failure; it affects everything. And so I think that comes out in my music because it’s such a big part of who I am”.
He also shared how he balances his faith and his career in the secular music industry. He said, “I think there’s a lot of pressure to be something that you’re not or to fit into a certain mold or to say certain things or not say certain things. And I think for me, the biggest thing is just being honest about who I am and what I believe and not being ashamed of that or hiding that or trying to change that for anybody else”.
Ben Rector’s Fans and Impact
Ben Rector has a loyal fan base that appreciates his music and his personality. Many of his fans are also Christians who relate to his faith and his message. They often share their stories of how his songs have touched their lives and encouraged them in their walk with God.
For example, one fan commented on YouTube: “Ben Rector is one of my favorite artists because he writes songs about real life experiences that everyone can relate to. His songs are so uplifting and inspiring. They remind me of God’s love and grace for me every day”.
Another fan wrote on Twitter: “Ben Rector’s music has been such a blessing to me. His songs have helped me through some tough times and have also made me laugh and smile. He is such a talented and genuine person. I’m so thankful for him and his music”.
Ben Rector has also used his platform to make a positive impact on the world. He has supported various causes and charities, such as Compassion International, Blood:Water Mission, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He has also performed at events that promote faith and social justice, such as the Justice Conference and the Q Conference .
Ben Rector is not only a successful musician, but also a faithful Christian. He has shown that it is possible to pursue your passion and your purpose without compromising your values or your identity. He has inspired many people with his music and his faith. He is truly a shining example of what it means to be a Ben Rector Catholic.
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