Detroit Jazz Hero
A resounding “yes!” arose from members of the jazz community when bassist and educator Rodney Whitaker was nominated as the 2023 Detroit Jazz Hero. Though he studied at Wayne State University, Rodney says his deepest lessons came on the bandstand from mentors Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave, Roy Brooks, Robert Gladstone, Donald Washington, Ralphe Armstrong, Herbie Williams, and Alma Smith along with Kenn Cox, whose motto was “Each one, teach one”. Whitaker has lived up to that directive, teaching multitudes, in incalculable manners.
He represents Detroit and East Lansing worldwide with his recordings, his Bebop Spartans Big Band, and his appearances, since bursting out nationally with Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison in 1991. His resounding tone, rock-steady time and dedicated work ethic earned him the bass chair in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and teaching opportunities at Julliard,, The New School, Duke University and Howard University.
After fruitful years in New York City, Rodney joined Michigan State University in East Lansing as professor of jazz double bass , and is now director of MSU’s Jazz Studies program which attracts students from all over the world, who come for a stellar team of educators, the meaningful experience of playing in Detroit, and Professor Whitaker’s education beyond the notes, about attitude and life. To wit: Whitaker, thanks to the Carr Center, has expanded on the legacy of pianist Geri Allen established the Gathering Orchestra in her memory to tackle challenging repertoire with a high bar for improvisation and performance excellence.
He does this because his jazz memories run deep, while his vision for the jazz future is bright. Says Jazz Hero Rodney Whitaker, “I want to raise 1,000 mentors. Those 1,000 mentors are obligated to raise 1,000 mentors. People pattern what they see. They pattern themselves after you when they experience you extending yourself. My first life mission is to be a good parent, and my second mission is to raise the next generation of committed and concerned musicians.” Missions accomplished – and ongoing!
By Linda Yohn
