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, Waymond Tisdale, Mary Wison, and other notable artists.  Affectionately known as “The Doctor,” Rodney's musical finesse, charisma, and personality make this mulit-talented artist captivating and unforgettable.

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.

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 and Night Dreams, an NBC Special hosted by David Nelson.

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, Mike Jones, 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 with Earth Wind & Fire under the newly revived American Recording Company.  Leaving behind families and jobs to pursue their dreams, the band members embarked for California.  Mismanagement of the band's time and talent would extinguish Rapture’s flame within 6 months, seemingly making them another soul music casualty. The band's projects were shelved and the group members returned to Indianapolis, performing for another two years before internal rifts and dissatisfaction would finally disband Rapture. 

The Funky 80s

After Rapture disbanded, 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 – 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, 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.

Rodney regained ownership of Rapture's music catalog and 20 years later connected with Kareem Lee, music entrepreneur and president of Simple Life Records, to release Rapture's music and story.  In Fall 2010 Simple Life Records will release the funky dance grooves and faint-inducing falsettos of this obscure American soul group. Last seen performing in 1981, Rapture is revived with “Happy Days”, their debut album featuring the hit singles “Happy Days” and “The Message.”

Rodney currently is the keyboardist for a widely-popular local rock group, The Flying Toasters.  He is also working on his next contemporary jazz and inspirational project for release in Spring 2010.