Ben Blankenship - Made By Tornado (2024)

Produced by the East Nashville studio wizard, Dave Coleman, Made By Tornado captures the very essence of Blankenship’s art – it is a Rock N Roll record that addresses topical issues and humorous observations, with intelligent lyrics, sardonic wit, and blistering guitar licks. Eight of Ben’s original songs join three additional tunes composed by friends and “collected” by Blankenship over the years. “These (the 3 outside compositions) are songs that aren’t being heard...and they should be,” he says. Together, the songs on Made By Tornado give the listener an experience that is free of cliché, and while thoughtful, the album never bogs down or feels heavy. It is a listen that works well when one is cruising down a wide-open highway or when sitting in his/her favorite chair with a good buzz and open ears.

Ben Blankenship is a widely respected recording artist and guitarist in Music City, playing on sessions and performing live on a regular basis. His live shows are energetic and fun, showcasing Ben’s command of the songwriter’s art and his masterful guitar playing. He has performed across the USA and Canada and was a founding member of the wildly popular Red Dirt band, The Silver-Tongued Devils. Today sees him doing solo performances and shows with his band – Bee Benders.

Ben is also a career educator – a teacher who is pleased to have mentored hundreds of students in English as a Second Language, a devotion that has greatly helped others, and has allowed him to inform art and life view with a compassionate glimpse into today’s America “through immigrant eyes”.

What They’re Saying:
"Made By Tornado is a breezy, rocking ride through the post-modern American landscape, with all the humor and the tragedy inherent." Wadsworth Redd, All Points South