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 five 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.
The Teen Years
Rodney first launched onto the national scene with – a high school ensemble led 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 . The music has been sampled by the likes of Egon and Koushik. Rodney attended and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, IN.
The Soul-filled 70s
The Spinners
Rapture
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 “” 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.
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, brothers Bruce Lismon on drums and Koknosh Lismon on bass, and Lloyd Joe Logan keyboards. The group's debut album “” 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 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 to embark on multiple music ventures. The duo launched 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 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.
