Rodney Stepp

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, Hardee's, Holiday Inn, ESPN, WXIN (Fox 59), Corporate Creations and United Airlines.

Rodney first launched onto the national scene with The Diplomatics (dba The Diplomats) – 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.