Rodney Clark

Rodney Clark- Musician

A I have been fortunate to have a wide range of experiences as a trumpet player working with pop acts, theater productions, and jazz artists. Below are some of the noteworthy musical associations that I have had:

I have performed with national recording artists in live venues including the Mills Brothers, Leslie Uggams, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore, Jim Nabors, Ben Vereen, Gladys Knight, Jerry Butler, Ben E. King, Lloyd Price, The Spinners, The O’Jays and The Temptations to name a few.

As a studio session musician in Chicago, I have played on LPs with numerous national recording artists such as The Chi-Lites, The Impressions, The Manhattans, Gene Chandler, and recorded soundtracks for commercial jingles.

I have performed in the orchestras with Broadway theater companies like Aint MisBehavin’, The Wiz and Your Arms Too Short To Box with God, both locally and on tour.

Here are some of the jazz artists I have worked with over the years: Clark Terry, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, The Chicago Jazz Ensemble (directed by Bill Russo), the Burgess Gardner Orchestra, Ensemble Stop Time, Barbara Morrison, James Moody, Frank Wess, Ernie Andrews, David “Fat Head “ Newman, Houston Pearson, Monty Alexander, Freddy Cole and Malachi Thompson’s Africa Brass. I co-lead a big band in Chicago – Jazz Unlimited Orchestra.

As an educator, I have been a music instructor in the Chicago Public Schools; my students and performing groups have garnered top honors at citywide and state contests. I have also had many students who have gone on to study music at college or university; some are now performing musicians, as well as music teachers at high schools and colleges. My teaching assignment is at Hyde Park Academy High School where I am Music Department Chair.