Rodney Stepp

Rodney Stepp (born September 29, 1952) 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 noteable artists. Affectionately known as “The Doctor,” Rodney's musical finesse has gained this mulit-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 Egon (for his Curse of the Evil Badger LP) and Koushik.

Rodney attended and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, IN.

The Soul-filled 70s

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 Ali's "When We Were Kings" 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 Sledge, Etta James, Bill Withers, and James Brown. 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 Love.” He also re-joined the group in 1990 when they opened for Jay Leno at Caesars Palace, 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 Griffin, Johnny Carson, Soundstage, Soul Train, 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 Hutson and Betty Wright.

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 Pacers, The Kentucky Lottery, The Hoosier Lottery, Hardees, Holiday Inn, ESPN, WXIN (Fox 59), Corporate Creations and United Airlines.

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 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.

Discography

References

• Know Your Entertainers: http://www.rodneystepp.com/media_press/media-1986-10-18.pdf
• Eternal Funk - review of "Soul and Funk: The Naptown Sound": http://maryleepappas.blogspot.com/2005/04/eternal-funk-review-of-soul-and-funk.html
• Former Keyboardist for R&B legends The Spinners Receives Congressional Award Among Many Honors: http://www.rodneystepp.com/media_press/press-2005-07-28.pdf
• See Rodney Stepp Play Zaire in 1974: http://blogs.indystar.com/sounds/2010/12/02/see-rodney-stepp-play-zaire-in-1974/