Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball

Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and poet known for being the front-woman of the New Orleans-based band, Tank and The Bangas. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, she is highly recognized for her compelling vocals and poignant, creative lyrics. As a Grammy-winning poet, she has successfully blended poetry and music in a unique way, contributing significantly to her band’s eclectic and dynamic sound. Ball’s distinct style draws inspiration from a range of genres, including jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, and gospel. Under her leadership, Tank and The Bangas won NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2017, which provided them with substantial national exposure. Since then, she has collaborated with artists such as Robert Glasper, Terence Blanchard, Lalah Hathaway, Norah Jones, Moonchild, Rapsody, and many others. Ball released her first book of poetry, Vulnerable AF, in 2021 and her follow-up, The Thing About Falling, last fall. She has received four Grammy nominations as well as an Emmy nomination as host of the PBS show Rituals.