Ben Rector Celebrates Life As It Is

Ben Rector Celebrates Life As It Is

From Biscuits & Jam by Southern Living

June 2, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

Ben Rector discusses his journey from Tulsa to Nashville and the beauty of everyday life through his music.

Ben Rector grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a place he says has its own brand of Southern. He first picked up guitar after watching counselors play at summer camp, but it was a praise and worship class in high school, led by a teacher who encouraged students to really run with their talent, that set him on his path. After studying at the University of Arkansas, Ben built a career on his own terms, going from playing college shows to selling out amphitheaters and releasing chart-topping albums like Brand New, Magic and The Joy of Music. His songs often celebrate what he calls “the other 99,” finding beauty in everyday life. On today’s episode, Sid talks to Ben about his hometown of Tulsa, life in Nashville, his family, and what it’s been like to play with a symphony. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Katie Kauss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Sid

Guest: Ben Rector

Topics covered

  • music career
  • Southern culture
  • songwriting
  • family
  • everyday life
  • Nashville
  • hometown

Keywords

  • Ben Rector
  • Tulsa
  • Nashville
  • music
  • songwriting
  • University of Arkansas
  • everyday life
  • interview

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Arkansas

Books & works: Brand New, Magic, The Joy of Music

Places: Tulsa, Oklahoma, Nashville

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