Nashville Gospel Artist T-RAN Becomes First African American Artist Appointed Tennessee Ambassador of Music & Entertainment
- R.A.G.
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
In a landmark moment for Tennessee’s cultural legacy, Nashville gospel artist, producer, and community leader Terran “T-RAN” Gilbert has been officially recognized by the Tennessee House of Representatives as an Ambassador of the Music and Entertainment Industry—becoming the first African American artist in Tennessee state history to receive this distinction.
Presented on March 23, 2026 at the Tennessee State Capitol by State Representative Greg Vital, the honor places T-RAN among a lineage of artists who have long served as cultural ambassadors for the state, including icons such as Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire, while marking a pivotal expansion of that legacy.
Known for his genre-blending sound that fuses gospel, hip-hop, and soul, T-RAN has performed across three continents and ten countries, building a global audience while remaining grounded in purpose. His music continues to inspire a new generation while calling listeners back to identity, healing, and faith.
Beyond the stage, T-RAN is the founder of 22Visionz Entertainment, a creative agency spanning music, film, and digital content, and the visionary behind the nonprofit Live And Not Die Inc., which has impacted communities nationwide through outreach rooted in faith, music, and mental health awareness.
His commitment to service is deeply rooted in family. He is the son of former 12-year City Councilman Russell Gilbert and educator Terri Gilbert—leaders whose example helped shape his dedication to community uplift. Today, he continues that legacy alongside his wife Alexis and their two daughters, Amoré and Ayla.
With this historic appointment, Tennessee not only honors an artist—but signals a broader evolution of its cultural identity, recognizing the profound and lasting contributions of Black artists to the state’s musical heritage.
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