Rodney Cunningham

From Performing Art Centers and Symphony Orchestras to African World Festivals and sharing the stage with star Paul Anka, Rodney Cunningham has raised the bar for other gospel singers with his ability to showcase his musical messages of faith. His high energy performances take his audiences on a faith-based musical roller coaster of both inspiration and perspiration.

After performing with David Peaston and Marvin Sapp in the production "When Men Sing", Rodney stated, "Singing with these kinds of talented people forced you to push the envelope of your abilities. It was intense, but I knew I had to hold my own with them. In the end, we all blended, and it worked out well for everyone."

Rodney's first recording, entitled "Just Because", was released in 1989, which featured his brothers. In 1997, he released his CD "Your Love Is All I Need", which was his next step in the professional Gospel arena. It was launched with the creative talents at Babyface's keyboardist Cornell Thigpen, Boyz 2 Men keyboardist Ben Love, and Eric Benet producer Demante Posey. Stellar Award Winner and singer Ricky Dillard of New G says, "Rodney's voice brings healing and deliverance to all of his listeners."

In 2002, he released his CD and Video "LIVE" at the Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. "You know, the most difficult part of this business is not the singing, it's the selling," says Rodney. "Having to finance the whole project yourself drains so much of your energy. I feel there would be more gospel artists out there to showcase if there weren't so many financial hurdles to jump over."

Rodney's most recent CD as a featured soloist was with director Mark Hubbard and the United Voices for Christ of Chicago. The CD was produced by Richard Smallwood and Donald Lawrence of the Tri-City Singers. "It was interesting to work with those guys," says Rodney. "They're able to bring out something different in an artist's performance; they really know their stuff."

Cunningham's work includes collaborations with artists Shirley Caesar, Ted and Sheri, John P. Kee, Donnie McClurkin, Luther Barnes, The Williams Brothers and the late O'landa Draper. He was a supporting actor in the 1984 NBC TV special "What Will It Take", guest star on the TV Christmas special "Look-In" on WISN, Milwaukee and has been a performed on Carnival Cruise Lines.
He served under the leadership of Bishop William T. Smith at All Nations Pentecostal Church of Holiness. Currently, Rodney is a member of Greater New Birth Church, under the leadership of Bishop R. J. Burt. He took a leap of faith in 2001 and stepped out into full-time ministry. Since then, he has traveled to Spain for two weeks, giving a concert each day throughout the duration of his visit.

Currently, Rodney is a member of Mark Hubbard and the United Voices for Christ of Chicago. He is a featured soloist on Mark Hubbard's new project, along with Ted & Sheri, DeWayne Woods, Richard Smallwood and Donald Lawrence. He is the minister of music at Macedonia Baptist Church and Euphrates Pentecostal Church in Milwaukee (organist) and he serves as the Assistant of the Youth Chorale at his home church, Greater New Birth.
Ministry is no stranger to Rodney's family. His mother is the pastor of Euphrates Pentecostal Church, in Milwaukee, Wisconson and his father is an ordained deacon. He has three brothers, Tony, James Jr., and Fabian, the latter two of which are his younger siblings.

It's difficult for anyone to say what heights Rodney Cunningham will reach in his musical ministries, but his heavenly voice is sure to lift many hearts and make the world a better place.