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Rodney Stepp - Taking Music Wherever There's a Demand

Written By Dave Lindquist

On schedule next year to release his first album since 1997, Rodney Stepp, 58, is ready to take his contemporary jazz sound wherever there's a demand.

He retired from his spokesman job with the U.S. Postal Service at the end of 2008, opening his calendar for music. He is producing albums for R&B vocalist Joon and pop singer Abri Mills in 2011.

"The timing is perfect," Stepp said. "I can go promote my music."

He's aiming for visits to Europe and Japan, places he performed during the 1970s as part of the backing band for chart-topping group the Spinners. Stepp traveled the world with the group known for hits "I'll Be Around" and "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love."

The Jackson 5 offered Stepp a spot in its touring band in the mid-'70s, and he says it was a mistake to not make the jump.

"My work ethic was phenomenal. I breathed, ate and slept music. I just believe Michael and I would have clicked creatively."

Similar to the late King of Pop, Stepp started his music career at a young age. He began piano lessons before he entered kindergarten, and he was a teen when he recorded a single as a member of the Diplomatics.

He grew up west of Crispus Attucks High School on Brooks Street, which now serves as the name of Stepp's recording studio on the Northside. While attending Attucks, he played saxophone under the guidance of noted instructor Russell Brown.

"Even as kids, people would tell us, 'You'll never make it,' " Stepp said. "But my mother and father were my two biggest fans."

Stepp, who also plays keyboards in cover band the Flying Toasters, is onstage Thursday through Saturday most weeks. He isn't front and center with the Toasters -- who spotlight 20-year-old vocalist Paige Richie.

"I've always said, 'I don't care who knows me, as long as my banker knows me.' "

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http://www.indystar.com/article/20101128/ENTERTAINMENT/11280315/Rodney-S...

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NEW YORK – On Wednesday, May 26th, Simple Life Records and Buzzr are kicking off Memorial Day
Weekend at Taj Ultra Lounge with “Emerge” – a cabaret-style music showcase and brand launch event. “Emerge” will feature 90 minutes of live entertainment from the Simple Life Records family -- including hip-hop artists Dre Young and P.B.C., international-selling jazz musician Rodney Stepp, reggae instrumentalist Perry Tole, and introducing the 70s-funk band Rapture, soul crooner Joon Walker, urban pop singer Abri Mills, R&B artist Damani Diallo, and rap duo Double. The company will unveil Simple Life Soul – a recording division focused on rhythm and blues, jazz, soul and adult contemporary artists. An additional and unique component of the event is the music technology demo – an exclusive look at an open social publishing platform that allows record labels, musicians, and visual artists to create dynamic, feature-rich websites at a fraction of the cost typically paid.

This after-work networking event will attract more than 200 professionals and consumers within the press, entertainment, and technology industries. Sponsorships are now available for companies who would like exposure to an audience with strong ties to the music and entertainment industries. Sponsorship opportunities include full integration on pre-promotional materials, on-site marketing, and customized opportunities.

Interested Sponsors please contact: Courtney at [P] 317.506.8685 [E] courtney@simpleliferecords.net