The Rodell Mccord Band

I was born in Memphis, Tn. I guess that was where I realized very early how rich music was in my life. It was all around. At home everybody played music, and walking down the street you couldn't help but soak up that spirit only Memphis has in the air. I've been singing ever since I could talk. When I was very young, I remember singing along with Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, George Michael, and whoever else had a top 80's pop hit. This is what mama listened to. When I was around 5 or 6, I discovered an Elvis Presley cassette in my father's tape collection. I remember looking at his picture, trying immediately to see myself somehow. I've always said, "When I found Elvis, I found myself". From that day on I found myself in a daydream of becoming a hypnotic crooner such as the king. My grandfather, Bill McCord, died when I was around 11. I never knew him. He led the life of a ramblin' rebel. He passed away in prison upon the verge of his release. For some reason, at that time more than ever, I dug into this mystery man. Who was he? How did he get in the trouble he had? Upon being so intrigued, with my grand-dad, I discovered that he was quite an artist. In his things were cassette tapes filled with songs he had written. This led me to the understanding of myself even further. I wanted to write music. I've always had a broad interest in genres. It kinda changes here and there throughout my life, but some of my favorite artist have been: Johnny Cash, Travis Tritt, Roy Orbison, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, John Fogerty,Waylon Jennings,The Eagles, Rob Thomas, The Black Crowes, and of course all of the city of Memphis. I kinda took from all sorts of sounds, new and old, to create the "Rodell" sound. Today's radio leaves me starving for genuine music, something a lot of artist that are popular now, lack. I guess that is why I'm always listening to the classics....they are still the best in my book! When I's 12, I finally got my first guitar. I had already learned three chords on my Dad's. Now I had my very own. I ate, drank, slept, and breathed for that guitar. A few years, and several songs later, I auditioned for a syndicated television program entitled " Elvis: Touch the Dream - A New Generation". They were interviewing people from ages 3-30 on how Elvis had inspired their life in some way. Although the show was only wanting an interview full of talking, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to sing. I was on the show, and the day it aired the producer Kathryn O' Reilly, of SPIN management, offered me a management contract. I signed, and next thing I knew they had me playing all around Memphis. I was around 16. I went to Nashville and recorded my first demo. I continued to write and develop my sound. At the peak of playing around my hometown, I opened for Ronnie McDowell at the Orpheum Theater. I was floored! I met all the guys who played and sang with Elvis Presley. Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, the Jordanaires,J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, I'm talkin' about living legends! A few years later, I ended up leaving Memphis, traveling with a carnival for a year or so. This was full of inspiration for my songwriting. After five years of being signed to my management deal, I was on my own. I moved to Baton Rouge, La, and started singing for all sorts of bands. Rock, Blues, Country, Swamp Pop, R&B, whatever. I feel I've paid my dues as a struggling artist. I've lived for the music, and am living for it still. Stage is another word for home to me. I think that's where I'm most comfortable, actually. I've written over a hundred songs, picking 30 of my best to record and promote. I am now in New Orleans, La living this life I lead. I spend my time networking, gigging, and recording on my Roland VS2000 home recording studio. I would like to see some of the "heart" put back into today's music industry. I dream of sharing my songs with the world. I'll always be here singing for whoever will listen. Enjoy. ~R.M.