Rodney Stepp
Encyclopedia
Rodney Stepp is an American keyboardist, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. As a jazz, R&B/soul performer, Rodney's musical career has spanned more than 50 years and 5 continents, performing alongside Michael Jackson
, Babyface, The Spinners, Wayman Tisdale
, Mary Wilson
, and other notable artists. Affectionately known as “The Doctor,” Rodney's musical finesse has gained this multi-talented artist awards and accolades throughout the year.
(for his Curse of the Evil Badger LP) and Koushik
.
Rodney attended and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School
in Indianapolis
, IN.
Rodney also incorporated Brooks Street Music (now Rodney Stepp Music Productions) – a recording studio and music production house. Rodney started in his basement in 1984 with two of his childhood buddies, Pheldon Majors and James Walker, Jr. Named after the street in Indianapolis where he grew up, Brooks Street Music has moved out of the basement and has grown into a viable, thriving, state-of-the-art production and recording studio.
, The Kentucky Lottery
, The Hoosier Lottery
, Hardees, Holiday Inn
, ESPN
, WXIN (Fox 59), Corporate Creations and United Airlines
.
The recognition for his music was coupled by recognition for his community service. Rodney was the recipient of The United States Congressional Record Award in July 2005 as well as receiving the Distinguished Citizens Award from the City of Indianapolis, Mayor Bart Peterson
and the Distinguished Hoosier Award from the Governor of Indiana, Mitch Daniels
.
In fall 2010, Rodney Stepp teamed up with Kareem Lee, President and CEO of Simple Life Records to embark on multiple music ventures. The duo launched LeStep Licensing in January 2010. LeStep Licensing is a music solutions agent providing pre-recorded and custom-scored tracks to clients in film, TV, advertising, website, video game, branding and other multimedia markets. Rodney is one of the flagship artists on the Simple Life Soul brand of the record label. Rodney writes and produces music for his label-mates Joon Walker and Abri Mills, as they prepare to release their debut albums in 2012. He also plans to market his own unreleased soul grooves and release his first album in over a decade, expected in 2012.
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
, Babyface, The Spinners, Wayman Tisdale
Wayman Tisdale
Wayman Lawrence Tisdale was an American professional basketball player in the NBA and a smooth jazz bass guitarist. A three-time All American at the University of Oklahoma, he was elected to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.-Early life:Tisdale was born in Fort Worth, Texas...
, Mary Wilson
Mary Wilson
Mary Wilson may refer to:* Mary Wilson, Baroness Wilson of Rievaulx , British poet, widow of former British prime minister, Harold Wilson* Mary Wilson , American singer, member of The Supremes...
, and other notable artists. Affectionately known as “The Doctor,” Rodney's musical finesse has gained this multi-talented artist awards and accolades throughout the year.
The Teen Years
Rodney first launched onto the national scene with The Diplomatics (dba The Diplomats) – a high school ensemble lead by Rodney Stepp and Miles “Butch” Loyd. In 1964, these teenagers recorded a classic dance tune that is sampled even today. The Diplomatics released one 45 on Herb Miller’s LAMP imprint: “Hum Bug.” The band would later go on to record for the Knaptown label under the moniker Jazzie Cazzie and The Seven Sounds. The music has been sampled by the likes of EgonEgon
Egon is a variant of the male given name Eugene. It is most commonly found in Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Sweden, and parts of the Netherlands and Belgium...
(for his Curse of the Evil Badger LP) and Koushik
Koushik
Koushik Ghosh is a Canadian electronic musician from Dundas, Ontario. Koushik is signed to Stones Throw Records and has released a collection of singles and EPs from 2001–2005 on that label, Be With , and the debut full length, Out my Window...
.
Rodney attended and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School
Crispus Attucks High School
Crispus Attucks High School of Indianapolis Public Schools in Indianapolis, Indiana is named for Crispus Attucks , a black laborer killed at the Boston Massacre whom many regarded as a revolutionary leader...
in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, IN.
The Spinners
- Rodney famously served as keyboardist for The Spinners and occasionally conducted the orchestra and rhythm section for the group, performing across the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa. Rodney can be seen in Muhammad AliMuhammad AliMuhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...
's "When We Were KingsWhen We Were KingsWhen We Were Kings is a 1996 documentary film directed by Leon Gast about the famous Rumble in the Jungle heavyweight championship match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The fight was held in Zaire on October 30, 1974.The film features a number of celebrities, including James Brown, Jim...
" full-length documentary with clips of Rumble In The Jungle – the famous Ali-Foreman boxing match in Zaire, Africa where The Spinners performed with Sister SledgeSister SledgeSister Sledge is an American musical group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 1972 and consisting of four sisters: Kim Sledge Debbie Sledge , Joni Sledge , and Kathy Sledge . They are granddaughters of the former opera singer Viola Williams. The sisters used to perform under the name of "Mrs...
, Etta JamesEtta JamesEtta James is an American blues, soul, rhythm and blues , rock and roll, gospel and jazz singer. In the 1950s and 1960s, she had her biggest success as a blues and R&B singer...
, Bill WithersBill WithersWilliam Harrison "Bill" Withers, Jr. is an American singer-songwriter and musician who performed and recorded from 1970 until 1985. Some of his best-known songs are "Lean on Me", "Ain't No Sunshine", "Use Me", "Just the Two of Us", "Lovely Day", and "Grandma's Hands"...
, and James BrownJames BrownJames Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
. You can also hear Rodney's keyboard wizardry on “The Spinners: Live” album recorded at the Latin Casino. Rodney may be most revered for his organ solo on The Spinners hit “Mighty LoveMighty Love-Personnel:*Billy Henderson, Bobby Smith, Philippé Wynne, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson – vocals*Linda Creed, Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson, Evette Benton – backing vocals*MFSB – instrumentation-Charts:AlbumSingles...
.” He also re-joined the group in 1990 when they opened for Jay LenoJay LenoJames Douglas Muir "Jay" Leno is an American stand-up comedian and television host.From 1992 to 2009, Leno was the host of NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Beginning in September 2009, Leno started a primetime talk show, titled The Jay Leno Show, which aired weeknights at 10:00 p.m. ,...
at Caesars PalaceCaesars PalaceCaesars Palace is a luxury hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, an unincorporated township in Clark County, Nevada, United States in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Caesars Palace is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment Corp....
, Oct. 1999 and again in 2004 at The Snake Pit Ball (Indy 500) in Indianapolis IN. During this time Rodney appeared in several TV shows including Merv GriffinMerv GriffinMervyn Edward "Merv" Griffin, Jr. was an American television host, musician, actor, and media mogul. He began his career as a radio and big band singer who went on to appear in movies and on Broadway. From 1965 to 1986 Griffin hosted his own talk show, The Merv Griffin Show on Group W Broadcasting...
, Johnny CarsonJohnny CarsonJohn William "Johnny" Carson was an American television host and comedian, known as host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson for 30 years . Carson received six Emmy Awards including the Governor Award and a 1985 Peabody Award; he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987...
, Soundstage, Soul TrainSoul TrainSoul Train is an American musical variety show that aired in syndication from October 1971 to March 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared.As a nod to Soul Trains...
, Dinah Shore, Rock Concert, Midnight Special, Mike Douglas, Night Dreams, an NBC Special hosted by David Nelson, and the Grammy Awards live in 1976 and 1977.
Rapture
- After ending his tenure with The Spinners, Rodney returned to Indianapolis to lead a new band with a spirited sound: Rapture. Rapture's roots stem back to Indianapolis in the 1970s when the music scene was teeming with a number of soul musical acts – but none was more widely acclaimed than Rapture. Original group members Rodney Stepp, Jay Majors, Harry Eaton, Herman Walker, Jr., Lonnie Williams Rodney Vorhis, Greg Russell, and Tony Hayes each brought a rich resume of musical experience and passion to Rapture. These musicians all started their careers as teenagers, playing in popular local bands including the Diplomats, the Sonic Sounds, the Implements, and the Soul Perfections. And most went on to play behind top artists like The Spinners, New Birth, Leroy HutsonLeroy HutsonLeroy Hutson is an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, arranger, producer and instrumentalist, best known as former lead singer of the R&B band, which came to fame vocal group, The Impressions....
and Betty WrightBetty WrightBessie Regina Norris, better known by her stage name, Betty Wright , is a Grammy winning Miami-based soul and R&B singer-songwriter, who won fame in the 1970s with hits such as "Clean Up Woman" and "Tonight Is the Night"...
.
- In 1978, Rapture auditioned for a production deal on the newly revived American Recording Company. Leaving behind families and jobs to pursue their dreams, the band members embarked for California; however, within six months, the band's projects were shelved and the group members returned to Indianapolis, performing for another two years before disbanding.
The Funky 80s
After Rapture, Rodney independently began creating music again. In 1984 he was back on the scene, this time with an international dance hit titled “Break Out” on the Chique record label.Rodney also incorporated Brooks Street Music (now Rodney Stepp Music Productions) – a recording studio and music production house. Rodney started in his basement in 1984 with two of his childhood buddies, Pheldon Majors and James Walker, Jr. Named after the street in Indianapolis where he grew up, Brooks Street Music has moved out of the basement and has grown into a viable, thriving, state-of-the-art production and recording studio.
The Booming 90s
In the 90s Rodney expanded his company into the corporate music arena. Brooks Street Music became a creative production house providing music for radio jingles, TV advertisements, film, and corporate presentations. His corporate clients have included The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., The Indiana PacersIndiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
, The Kentucky Lottery
Kentucky Lottery
The Kentucky Lottery, consisting of various games of chance, is a government-regulated form of gambling. The Lottery began in April 1989 after a November 1988 vote in which over 60% of voters cast ballots in favor of it. On April 4, 1989, ticket sales began with first day sales of over $5 million...
, The Hoosier Lottery
Hoosier Lottery
The Hoosier Lottery is run by the government of Indiana. It is the only US lottery that uses the state's nickname, rather than the state name itself, as its name. It is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association...
, Hardees, Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn is a brand of hotels, formally a economy motel chain, forming part of the British InterContinental Hotels Group . It is one of the world's largest hotel chains with 238,440 bedrooms and 1,301 hotels globally. There are currently 5 hotels in the pipeline...
, ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
, WXIN (Fox 59), Corporate Creations and United Airlines
United Airlines
United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees (which includes the entire holding company United Continental...
.
The Millennium and Today
At the end of 1999, Rodney Stepp teamed with four talented and seasoned musicians to form Rodney Stepp & BSB – Steve Cooper on trumpet, flugelhorn and EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument), brothers Bruce Lismon on drums and Koknosh Lismon on bass, and Lloyd Joe Logan keyboards. The group's debut album “Steppin' Out” received national recognition and play on smooth jazz format stations.The recognition for his music was coupled by recognition for his community service. Rodney was the recipient of The United States Congressional Record Award in July 2005 as well as receiving the Distinguished Citizens Award from the City of Indianapolis, Mayor Bart Peterson
Bart Peterson
Barton "Bart" R. Peterson is the former mayor of the U.S city of Indianapolis, Indiana. A Democrat first elected in 1999, he was defeated in 2007 in a bid for a third term in what was widely viewed as a huge upset.A lifelong Indianapolis resident, Peterson graduated from North Central High School...
and the Distinguished Hoosier Award from the Governor of Indiana, Mitch Daniels
Mitch Daniels
Mitchell Elias "Mitch" Daniels, Jr. is the 49th and current Governor of the U.S. state of Indiana. A Republican, he began his first four-year term as governor on January 10, 2005, and was elected to his second term by an 18-point margin on November 4, 2008. Previously, he was the Director of the...
.
In fall 2010, Rodney Stepp teamed up with Kareem Lee, President and CEO of Simple Life Records to embark on multiple music ventures. The duo launched LeStep Licensing in January 2010. LeStep Licensing is a music solutions agent providing pre-recorded and custom-scored tracks to clients in film, TV, advertising, website, video game, branding and other multimedia markets. Rodney is one of the flagship artists on the Simple Life Soul brand of the record label. Rodney writes and produces music for his label-mates Joon Walker and Abri Mills, as they prepare to release their debut albums in 2012. He also plans to market his own unreleased soul grooves and release his first album in over a decade, expected in 2012.
Discography
| Song/Album | Artist | Label | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starts with a Dream | Erica Edmonds | Higher Power Records | Producer, Writer, Musician |
| Steppin' Out | Rodney Stepp & BSB | BSM Records | Artist, Producer, Writer |
| Spinners Live Album | The SPINNERS | Atlantic Records | Musician, Hammond B3 Organ Solo on "Mighty Love" |
| We're On Our Way LP | The Pentecostal Ambassadors | Tyscot Records | Musician |
| Breakout / Ride - 12" Single | Rodney Stepp | Chique Records | Artist, Producer, Writer |
| Say You Believe - Single | Deliverance | Tyscot Records | Producer, Arranger, Musician |
| I Destroyed Your Love | Klas | Circle City Records | Co-Producer, Musician |
| Fret Not | Sharon Johnson | Tyscot Records | Producer, Musician |
| Hum Bug Parts 1 & 2 | The Diplomatics | Lamp Records | Artist, Producer, Writer |
| Young Girl - Single | Jazzie Cazzie & The 8 Sounds | Knaptown Records | Artist, Producer, Writer |
| To Get Over You | Da'ron | Chi-Sound Records | Writer, Musician, Co-Producer |
| Only Jesus - Single | Deliverance | Tyscot Records | Producer, Arranger, Musician |
| Soul City - Single | Jazzie Cazzie & The 8 Sounds | Knaptown Records | Artist, Producer, Writer |
| Making Love With You - 12" Single | Ultra High Frequency | Chique Records | Producer, Musician |
| Sideline - 12" Single | Ultra High Frequency | Chique Records | Producer, Musician |
| Bubble Gum Rappers - 12" Single | Tribulation | Chique Records | Co-Producer, Musician |