Tanner Gary, II is a lover of God and His people. He is a born again believer in Jesus Christ who is dedicated to leading the people of God into His presence. Tanner is a minister, singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and entrepreneur. He graduated from Parkview Fine Arts Magnet High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. He went on to study music at Philander Smith College, also in Little Rock. Tanner currently lives in Houston, Texas where he owns Absolut Graphics, a graphic design firm, as well as Tayken Music Group. He is also the worship leader and director of Worship and Arts at the Palace of Praise Church under the leadership of Pastor Efrem Z. McDuffie. Whether he is in an arena or a backwoods church with a wooden floor, Tanner pours his entire heart out before God and invokes the presence in the place.
Tanner started playing the piano at the age of seven back home in Little Rock, Arkansas. His late father and mentor, Tanner “Sonny ’POPS’ Kelly was a faithful musician and singer for over fifty years. He taught him the value of dedication and integrity in ministry. His mother, Margie “Jean Kelly” Gary, still resides in Little Rock and has always been a powerful, praying, and anointed singer who dedicated her life to serving others and helping those in need. It was in that atmosphere where Tanner was inspired to sing and play. His mom and dad recognized that this was a gift from God and were diligent to keep him involved in music.
Tanner’s music ministry began at age 16 with his first minister of music position. From there, his ministry grew. In 1989, he was instrumental in forming an all male contemporary gospel group, “Purity”. With his father as their manager, they began to travel all across the country. As a result of God’s goodness and favor, they acquired a major record contract with PepperCo Records. On that roster were the East Coast Regional Mass Choir, the late Billy Preston, and Lecreshia Campbell. Tanner gained a great deal of knowledge about the Gospel Music Industry.
Since then, God has done great things in Tanner’s life. He has given him the opportunity to play for such gospel artists Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, Daryl Coley, Rance Allen, Pastor Marvin Sapp, The Legendary Caravans, Rev. Gerald Thompson, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Lucinda Moore, David Allen Blakley, just to name a few. He was also the music director for the Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence Awards. He has shared the stage with such artists as John P. Kee, Vicki Winans, Kirk Franklin, Mississippi Mass Choir, Lee Williams and the Highway QC’s, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Dottie Peoples, and many, many more.
With the move to Houston, Texas, Tanner began to really develop a stronger relationship with God and develop his gifts in the ministry. He has traveled extensively and has worked faithfully in music ministry. His independently released debut solo album, “Secret Place”, is earning him a place in the hearts of every listener who experiences the awesome power displayed in this project. It is a transparent assessment of a true worshipper. Tanner is considered by many to be an extraordinary talent and one of the most gifted and anointed artists in music today. As a writer, he taps into the heartbeat of God and truly captures the essence of authentic worship.