Daniel Rodriguez
Encyclopedia
Daniel Rodríguez is an American operatic tenor
from New York City. He became known as "The Singing Policeman" in his former work with the New York City Police Department
, due to his role as one of the department's designated National Anthem
singers. In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, he received widespread attention with his rendition of "God Bless America
", which he sang at memorial events and on television. This led to an offer of formal training from Placido Domingo
. He has now recorded several albums, appeared in opera and in symphony concerts, and performs in support of numerous charities.
, New York, was the first of two children born to Carmen and Jose Rodríguez, who had emigrated
from Puerto Rico
as teenagers. Rodríguez' father and grandfather were both tenors, and other family members played various musical instruments. He cites the singing of Mario Lanza
as an early musical influence after seeing the movie The Great Caruso
.
At the age of ten, he began a serious study of music. His teen years were spent studying, and later as assistant director at the American Youth Repertory Company in Manhattan
, under the tutelage of Juilliard trained Elliot Dorfman. During his early years, he also studied with Juilliard's Aldo Bruschi, as well as Miraslov Markoff from the Moscow Ballet
and Opera
company. Rodriguez performed in Carnegie Hall at age 17.
After he married at 19 and had a son, Rodriguez put music on hold, as he worked at a series of jobs, including short-order cook, caterer, taxi driver, truck driver, and postal worker, before finally joining the police force. At age 25, he decided to get back into the music world, by performing in concerts he developed himself, and eventually organizing an ensemble of musicians called Broadway Magic, who performed around New York at retirement communities, churches, and for local charities.
singers in the NYPD's ceremonial division. New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani who had seen Rodríguez perform at various events, used his influence to arrange an audition for him at the Metropolitan Opera
. His lack of classical training proved an insurmountable obstacle, however, and the Met dismissed him after he had sung but two notes.
June 2001, Rodríguez was the subject of a Cable News Network special about a New York City police officer who sang at Carnegie Hall. He was driving to work over the Verrazano Bridge in New York City at the time of the September 11th terrorist attack, and was two blocks away from the World Trade Center
when it collapsed. "I lived the horrors of 9/11 and made peace with God several times that day, and said goodbye to my family once or twice, and realized I was meant to stick around and do something positive with my life." He would spend the next several months working at Ground zero
, interrupted only by requests to sing at official functions, memorials and media events. Performing at many post 9/11 events, he received much media attention for his performances of "God Bless America
". The Los Angeles Times
published article by Jeff Rivers of the Hartford Courant, who wrote: "Daniel Rodríguez put his arms around America and dried its tears with his voice."
He was soon appearing on news and talk shows including, The Today Show, The Early Show
, Larry King Live
, The David Letterman Show
, and Live with Regis and Kelly
. He was also interviewed in 2002 and 2005 by The Christophers
on their program titled Christopher Close-up.
Rodríguez has been quoted as saying "Watching the Twin Towers collapse didn't make me sing any better. But the passion for the music has changed and for what I represent: The comfort and the feeling of national pride that I bring now more than I did before." He performed at the September 23, 2001 "Prayer For America" concert, honoring the victims of the September 11 terror attacks. Placido Domingo
, who was also on the bill, heard him sing and invited him to attend the Domingo/Vilar Young Artists Institute in Washington D.C. for 18 months of opera study. After seven years as a police officer and then finally gaining national recognition as a singer, he explains "I wasn't a cop who started singing; I was a singer who became a cop...I've been given the gift to sing. I sing for those who have lost loved ones."
At Carnegie Hall's 111th season opening, October 2001, he sang "God Bless America," with the Berlin Philharmonic in a tribute to 9-11. He also signs his first recording contract in October 2001 offered by Manhattan Record Company's Arif Mardin
and Ian Ralfini. Rodríguez was the first artist to sign with newly re-activated Manhattan, a division of EMI. In Mardin's life story he describes Rodríguez as "golden voiced."
His debut performance before a worldwide audience occurred when he sang "God Bless America
" at the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics
in Salt Lake City, Utah
. June 13, 2002, saw his first public concert backed by full symphony orchestra. Titled "America's Tenors," Rodriguez shared the stage with Michael Amante, at Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Lucas Richman. August 2002, Rodriguez performed at the Hollywood Bowl
in "The Great American Concert: New York, New York" with John Mauceri
conducting.
Broadcast on ESPN
in 2003, he sang the National Anthem
at the Indianapolis 500
, and returned in 2008 to perform at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
for the Allstate 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup. In 2004, he was part of a concert hosted by CNN anchor Paula Zahn, and TV personality Pat Sajak
. along with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall in, in tribute to Fred Rogers, better known to children around the world, as Mister Rogers
.
With his emerging success as a singer of both popular and classical music, he retired from the New York City Police Department in May 2004, to pursue music full time. The following year he performed at a Memorial Mass at New York City's Cathedral of Saint Patrick
, for His Serene Highness Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
who died April 6, 2005. In 2004 Rodríguez performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
, as host of the Christmas Yuletide Celebration concert series, with Jack Everly
principal pops conductor. In 2005 he hosted the inaugural production of Holiday Spectacular at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
.
At the 50th anniversary of the Crystal Cathedral
in Garden Grove
, California
, in April 2005, he performed "Fill the World With Love," and "The Impossible Dream," broadcast worldwide on Hour of Power. He has been a frequent guest since his first appearance April 2002, that included a live interview with Dr. Robert H. Schuller
, with vocal performance of "God Bless America" and "The Lords Prayer." In June he performed his debut with the Boston Pops Orchestra
at Symphony Hall
. In 2005 he appeared at the West Point Cadet Chapel
at the United States Military Academy
, New York, performing with the cadets to record "into The Fire" for the CD/DVD "Stand Ye Steady: Songs of Courage and Inspiration." September of that year Rodríguez appeared as part of promotion of that CD/DVD on nationally broadcast QVC
, performing "Into The Fire."
September 11, 2006, Rodríguez appeared on The Tonight Show
with Jay Leno
where he performed “Amazing Grace
” accompanied by professional pianist, Mike Garson
. December 2008, he made a return appearance, performing at the 51st National Football & College Hall of Fame Foundation Annual Awards Dinner, that honored individuals as Lou Holtz
, U.S. Senator John Glenn
, T. Boone Pickens, and other college standouts and head coaches. In 2009, Rodríguez performs a number of concerts in tribute to legendary singer, Mario Lanza
. on the 50th anniversary of his death. September 2009 through May 2010 he begin a nationwide tour across America, performing in over 110 cites, with a repertoire of his life's journey through music. Rodríguez, accompanied by pianist, author, composer Gail Smith, followed by jazz pianist Jesse Lynch, will be joined by sopranos Marla Kavanaugh Rodríguez and her twin sister Marissa Dikkenberg.
August 2010, Rodriguez performed “God Bless the USA”, “You Will Not Walk Alone”, and “God Bless America” at a New York City
rally against the building of an Islamic mosque near Ground Zero
. February 2011, he performs at Opera Tampa's "Night of Stars" gala to honor Placido Domingo. 2011 brings a new repertoire of Jazz, with a series of performances with the Jesse Lynch Trio. 2011 also brings collaberation with Andy Cooney, and Michael Amante as "The New York Tenors" in a series of concerts.
. Other Capitol Hill performances were the National Memorial Day Concert
s in Washington D.C. in 2002 and 2006 with conductor Erich Kunzel
, and the "Celebration of Freedom" concert in January, 2005, honoring Bush's second inauguration as President. He performed at the 2011 National Memorial Day Concert in Washington DC under direction of Jack Everly
. He also appeared at the 2004 Republican National Convention
in New York City's Madison Square Garden
where he performed "Amazing Grace.". In June 2007, he performed the National Anthem at the Jefferson Memorial, next to Challenger
, for the delisting ceremony of the American bald eagle. As part of the 2007 Summer Music Festival, Rodríguez performed a solo concert, accompanied by classical pianist Victoria Ulanov, at the Washington National Cathedral
in Washington D.C.
hosted by Des O'Connor
and Melanie Sykes
, where he did an interview reflecting on events of September 11, 2001 as well as a performance of "Be My love," to a live studio audience. In November 2004, Rodríguez traveled to Monaco
at the invitation of the IPA (International Police Association), for their 10th Anniversary Gala. Along with the Pipes and Drums unit of the Chicago Police Department
, he sang at the royal palace for Albert II, Prince of Monaco
, and at a requiem mass for Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco. Beginning in 2004, he has performed in concert in New Zealand in numerous cities, including Wellington
, Feilding, and Dunedin
. Rodriguez traveled to Aichi, Japan for the 2005 Expo 2005
World's Fair, where he performed at the US Pavilion. He appeared in multiple Christmas tours during those years in the Netherlands. In 2008 he performed with Sharon Kips
and Jimmy Earl Perry during the Hour of Power Kerstconcerten. January 2009, he appeared on TV NZ for a live interview discussing events at the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President elect, Barack Obama
.
In 2009 Rodríguez also performed in New Zealand with his wife in a "Legendary Lanza" concert tour. In 2010 he performed in New Zealand at the Queenstown Winter Festival.
Pagliacci
in New York City with the Chelsea Opera
in June 2006. New York Times music critic Anthony Tommasini
wrote, "it was impossible not to respond to his portrayal. When he sang the touchstone aria,Vesti la giubba, venting Canio's grief and humiliation, you sensed that here was someone pouring out years of pent-up artistic longing." In 2007 Rodríguez performed again as Canio with Granite State Opera Company in New Hampshire
, where he was awarded "2007 Best Performance of a leading male", by Opera online magazine.
Paul Joseph Walkowski of Opera Online wrote of that performance by Rodriguez: “electrifying, pure magic, pure energy, pure emotion and blazing in glory. As Canio he stood in a class by himself: a star of easily recognizable magnitude and a force to be reckoned with on the opera stage.” In 2008 at the Opera of the Hamptons, Southampton, New York, Rodríguez sang the role of Turridu opposite international soprano Cristina Fontanelli
, in Pietro Mascagni
's one act opera, Cavalleria Rusticana
.
Rodríguez has made appearances for The City of Hope National Medical Center
, Duke University Hospital
Children's Center, and is a regular at fundraising events for The Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research, and the Hilton Head Celebrity Golf Tournament to benefit children's charities. He has performed for the annual New York Tunnel to Towers run to benefit the Stephen Siller children's foundation, and the Community Mayors Organization to benefit disabled children, where he is an honorary board member. He is a regular performer at Loma Linda University Medical Center
Children's Hospital annual fundraisers, and in 2009 performed in concert with Broadway soprano Laurie Gayle Stephenson.
Broadcast on PBS August 2002, titled "Spirit of America" a benefit concert for the Scoliosis Care Foundation taped at Caesars Atlantic City
, starred Daniel Rodriguez, guest performances by Linda Eder
, Arturo Sandoval
, Phoebe Snow
, and Aprile Millo
, orchestra conducted by Tom Scott
. In 2003 Rodriguez performed In Appleton Wisconsin
, at the International Community Partnerships Conference Security Through Stability featuring former Soviet Union
President and Nobel Peace Prize
recipient Mikhail Gorbachev
. The following year he traveled to New Zealand for his debut tour, where he sang at a benefit for victims of recent flooding in that country. In May 2005, Rodriguez sang at a fund raising concert on the second season of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
, and has appeared in concert to raise funds for the Pinellas Youth Symphony in Florida.
He has been a long time supporter of the United Service Organization with appearances at fundraisers, as well as visiting troops at military hospitals. In 2005, he began a project called "Songs for the Soldiers", to provide music in USO care packages for American troops overseas. He has donated thousands of his CDs and also raises funds for this effort by producing his own concerts. He also volunteers at the USO warehouses filling the care packages, and distributing them to the departing troops.
He performs at retirement communities, for police and firefighter support events, and for veterans causes, including appearances with the VA-National Medical Music Group. October 2006, New York City, Rodríguez kicked off World Children's Day at McDonalds, joined by 'Dancing with the Stars' winner Emmitt Smith
, runner-up Mario Lopez
, the Duchess of York
and other stars at anniversary event supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities. He performed "Aren't They All Our Children," written by 14-time Grammy award winner David Foster
in honor of World Children's Day at McDonald's. December 2008 Rodriguez performed in Stamford
, Connecticut
, joined by Police, U.S. Marines, and prominent stars from the World Wrestling Entertainment
to support a special "Toys for Tots
" event.
Rodríguez, named as "Goodwill Ambassador" also supports the work of "Heart for Children" located in Pretoria, South Africa and their sister organization located in the Netherlands. His concert tour "Kerstconcerten 2008" with Hour of Power in the Netherlands, as well as his 2008 CD release, I Believe, donates profits to benefit Hart Voor Kinderen. On February 14, 2010, Rodríguez was honored by the Sacramento Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution with the presentation, by Don Littlefield and Tom Chilton, of the NASSR Silver Good Citizenship Medal.
January 2011, Rodriguez performed with his family in Greymouth New Zealand for families of the 29 miners killed in underground explosions in November 2010.
Tenor
The tenor is a type of male singing voice and is the highest male voice within the modal register. The typical tenor voice lies between C3, the C one octave below middle C, to the A above middle C in choral music, and up to high C in solo work. The low extreme for tenors is roughly B2...
from New York City. He became known as "The Singing Policeman" in his former work with the New York City Police Department
New York City Police Department
The New York City Police Department , established in 1845, is currently the largest municipal police force in the United States, with primary responsibilities in law enforcement and investigation within the five boroughs of New York City...
, due to his role as one of the department's designated National Anthem
National anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
singers. In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, he received widespread attention with his rendition of "God Bless America
God Bless America
"God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918 and revised by him in 1938. The later version has notably been recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature song ....
", which he sang at memorial events and on television. This led to an offer of formal training from Placido Domingo
Plácido Domingo
Plácido Domingo KBE , born José Plácido Domingo Embil, is a Spanish tenor and conductor known for his versatile and strong voice, possessing a ringing and dramatic tone throughout its range...
. He has now recorded several albums, appeared in opera and in symphony concerts, and performs in support of numerous charities.
Early years
Rodríguez, born in BrooklynBrooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, New York, was the first of two children born to Carmen and Jose Rodríguez, who had emigrated
Emigration
Emigration is the act of leaving one's country or region to settle in another. It is the same as immigration but from the perspective of the country of origin. Human movement before the establishment of political boundaries or within one state is termed migration. There are many reasons why people...
from Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
as teenagers. Rodríguez' father and grandfather were both tenors, and other family members played various musical instruments. He cites the singing of Mario Lanza
Mario Lanza
right|thumb|[[MGM]] still, circa 1949Mario Lanza was an American tenor and Hollywood movie star of the late 1940s and the 1950s. The son of Italian emigrants, he began studying to be a professional singer at the age of 16....
as an early musical influence after seeing the movie The Great Caruso
The Great Caruso
The Great Caruso is a 1951 biographical film made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was directed by Richard Thorpe and produced by Joe Pasternak with Jesse L. Lasky as associate producer from a screenplay by Sonya Levien and William Ludwig. The original music was by Johnny Green and the cinematography by...
.
At the age of ten, he began a serious study of music. His teen years were spent studying, and later as assistant director at the American Youth Repertory Company in Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
, under the tutelage of Juilliard trained Elliot Dorfman. During his early years, he also studied with Juilliard's Aldo Bruschi, as well as Miraslov Markoff from the Moscow Ballet
Moscow Ballet
The name Moscow Ballet has commonly been applied to a number of different ballet companies, these include the:*Moscow Ballet, A Russian ballet company...
and Opera
Opera
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
company. Rodriguez performed in Carnegie Hall at age 17.
After he married at 19 and had a son, Rodriguez put music on hold, as he worked at a series of jobs, including short-order cook, caterer, taxi driver, truck driver, and postal worker, before finally joining the police force. At age 25, he decided to get back into the music world, by performing in concerts he developed himself, and eventually organizing an ensemble of musicians called Broadway Magic, who performed around New York at retirement communities, churches, and for local charities.
Career highlights
Rodríguez entered the New York City Police Academy in 1995. After singing at his own graduation, he was chosen as one of the designated National AnthemNational anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
singers in the NYPD's ceremonial division. New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani who had seen Rodríguez perform at various events, used his influence to arrange an audition for him at the Metropolitan Opera
Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera is an opera company, located in New York City. Originally founded in 1880, the company gave its first performance on October 22, 1883. The company is operated by the non-profit Metropolitan Opera Association, with Peter Gelb as general manager...
. His lack of classical training proved an insurmountable obstacle, however, and the Met dismissed him after he had sung but two notes.
June 2001, Rodríguez was the subject of a Cable News Network special about a New York City police officer who sang at Carnegie Hall. He was driving to work over the Verrazano Bridge in New York City at the time of the September 11th terrorist attack, and was two blocks away from the World Trade Center
World Trade Center
The original World Trade Center was a complex with seven buildings featuring landmark twin towers in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. The complex opened on April 4, 1973, and was destroyed in 2001 during the September 11 attacks. The site is currently being rebuilt with five new...
when it collapsed. "I lived the horrors of 9/11 and made peace with God several times that day, and said goodbye to my family once or twice, and realized I was meant to stick around and do something positive with my life." He would spend the next several months working at Ground zero
Ground zero
The term ground zero describes the point on the Earth's surface closest to a detonation...
, interrupted only by requests to sing at official functions, memorials and media events. Performing at many post 9/11 events, he received much media attention for his performances of "God Bless America
God Bless America
"God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918 and revised by him in 1938. The later version has notably been recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature song ....
". The Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
published article by Jeff Rivers of the Hartford Courant, who wrote: "Daniel Rodríguez put his arms around America and dried its tears with his voice."
He was soon appearing on news and talk shows including, The Today Show, The Early Show
The Early Show
The Early Show is an American television morning news talk show broadcast by CBS from New York City. The program airs live from 7 to 9 a.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday; most affiliates in the Central, Mountain, and Pacific time zones air the show on tape-delay from 7 to 9 a.m. local time. ...
, Larry King Live
Larry King Live
Larry King Live is an American talk show hosted by Larry King on CNN from 1985 to 2010. It was CNN's most watched and longest-running program, with over one million viewers nightly....
, The David Letterman Show
The David Letterman Show
The David Letterman Show was a live morning NBC talk show hosted by David Letterman from June 23 to October 24, 1980. The show originally ran for 90 minutes, then 60 minutes from August 4 onward.-Background:...
, and Live with Regis and Kelly
Live with Regis and Kelly
Live! with Kelly is a syndicated American television morning talk show, hosted by Kelly Ripa. The show has aired since 1983 in New York City and 1988 nationwide. Tony Pigg has been the show's announcer since its inception...
. He was also interviewed in 2002 and 2005 by The Christophers
The Christophers
The Christophers are a Christian inspirational group that was founded in 1945 by Father James Keller. The name of the group is derived from the Greek word "christophoros", which means "Christ-bearer"...
on their program titled Christopher Close-up.
Rodríguez has been quoted as saying "Watching the Twin Towers collapse didn't make me sing any better. But the passion for the music has changed and for what I represent: The comfort and the feeling of national pride that I bring now more than I did before." He performed at the September 23, 2001 "Prayer For America" concert, honoring the victims of the September 11 terror attacks. Placido Domingo
Plácido Domingo
Plácido Domingo KBE , born José Plácido Domingo Embil, is a Spanish tenor and conductor known for his versatile and strong voice, possessing a ringing and dramatic tone throughout its range...
, who was also on the bill, heard him sing and invited him to attend the Domingo/Vilar Young Artists Institute in Washington D.C. for 18 months of opera study. After seven years as a police officer and then finally gaining national recognition as a singer, he explains "I wasn't a cop who started singing; I was a singer who became a cop...I've been given the gift to sing. I sing for those who have lost loved ones."
At Carnegie Hall's 111th season opening, October 2001, he sang "God Bless America," with the Berlin Philharmonic in a tribute to 9-11. He also signs his first recording contract in October 2001 offered by Manhattan Record Company's Arif Mardin
Arif Mardin
Arif Mardin was a Turkish-American music producer, who worked with hundreds of artists across many different styles of music, including jazz, rock, soul, disco, and country...
and Ian Ralfini. Rodríguez was the first artist to sign with newly re-activated Manhattan, a division of EMI. In Mardin's life story he describes Rodríguez as "golden voiced."
His debut performance before a worldwide audience occurred when he sang "God Bless America
God Bless America
"God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918 and revised by him in 1938. The later version has notably been recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature song ....
" at the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics
2002 Winter Olympics
The 2002 Winter Olympics, officially the XIX Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event that was celebrated in February 2002 in and around Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. Approximately 2,400 athletes from 77 nations participated in 78 events in fifteen disciplines, held throughout...
in Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197...
. June 13, 2002, saw his first public concert backed by full symphony orchestra. Titled "America's Tenors," Rodriguez shared the stage with Michael Amante, at Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The orchestra's home is Heinz Hall, located in Pittsburgh's Cultural District.-History:...
conducted by Lucas Richman. August 2002, Rodriguez performed at the Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is a modern amphitheater in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles, California, United States that is used primarily for music performances...
in "The Great American Concert: New York, New York" with John Mauceri
John Mauceri
John Francis Mauceri is an American conductor, producer and arranger for theatre, opera and television. For fifteen years, he served on the faculty of Yale University. He was a protege of Leonard Bernstein...
conducting.
Broadcast on ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
in 2003, he sang the National Anthem
The Star-Spangled Banner
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from "Defence of Fort McHenry", a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships...
at the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
, and returned in 2008 to perform at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana in the United States, is the home of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Brickyard 400....
for the Allstate 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup. In 2004, he was part of a concert hosted by CNN anchor Paula Zahn, and TV personality Pat Sajak
Pat Sajak
Pat Sajak is a television personality, former weatherman, actor and talk show host, best known as the host of the American television game show Wheel of Fortune.-Early life:...
. along with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall in, in tribute to Fred Rogers, better known to children around the world, as Mister Rogers
Mister Rogers
Fred McFeely Rogers was an American educator, Presbyterian minister, songwriter, and television host...
.
With his emerging success as a singer of both popular and classical music, he retired from the New York City Police Department in May 2004, to pursue music full time. The following year he performed at a Memorial Mass at New York City's Cathedral of Saint Patrick
St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York
The Cathedral of St. Patrick is a decorated Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral church in the United States...
, for His Serene Highness Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco , styled His Serene Highness The Sovereign Prince of Monaco, ruled the Principality of Monaco for almost 56 years, making him one of the longest ruling monarchs of the 20th century.Though he was best known outside of Europe for having married American...
who died April 6, 2005. In 2004 Rodríguez performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is a major American orchestra based in Indianapolis, Indiana.Annually, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs 200 concerts for over 350,000 people. It is the largest performing arts organization in Indiana. The ISO is currently one of only 18 American...
, as host of the Christmas Yuletide Celebration concert series, with Jack Everly
Jack Everly
Jack Everly is an American conductor and music arranger who serves as Principal Pops Conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and National Arts Centre Orchestra as well as Music Director for the Symphonic Pops Consortium.Born...
principal pops conductor. In 2005 he hosted the inaugural production of Holiday Spectacular at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, often referred to simply as the Meyerhoff, is a music venue that opened September 16, 1982 at 1212 Cathedral Street in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The main auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,443 people, and is home to the...
with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a professional American symphony orchestra based in Baltimore, Maryland.In September 2007, Maestra Marin Alsop led her inaugural concerts as the Orchestra’s twelfth music director, making her the first woman to head a major American orchestra.The BSO Board...
.
At the 50th anniversary of the Crystal Cathedral
Crystal Cathedral
The Crystal Cathedral is a Protestant Christian church building in the city of Garden Grove, in Orange County, California, United States. It is the headquarters and principal place of worship for Crystal Cathedral Ministries, a church founded in 1955 by Robert H. Schuller and affiliated with the...
in Garden Grove
Garden Grove, California
Garden Grove is a city located in northern Orange County, California. The population was 170,883 at the 2010 census. State Route 22, also known as the Garden Grove Freeway, passes through the city running east-west. The city is known outside the Southern California area for being the home of Robert H...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, in April 2005, he performed "Fill the World With Love," and "The Impossible Dream," broadcast worldwide on Hour of Power. He has been a frequent guest since his first appearance April 2002, that included a live interview with Dr. Robert H. Schuller
Robert H. Schuller
Robert Harold Schuller is an American televangelist, pastor, speaker, motivator and author. He is principally known for the weekly Hour of Power television program which he began in 1970. He is also the founder of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, where the Hour of Power program...
, with vocal performance of "God Bless America" and "The Lords Prayer." In June he performed his debut with the Boston Pops Orchestra
Boston Pops Orchestra
The Boston Pops Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in playing light classical and popular music....
at Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall usually refers to:* Symphony Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, USAIt may also refer to:Concert Halls* Allentown Symphony Hall in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA* Phoenix Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona, USA...
. In 2005 he appeared at the West Point Cadet Chapel
West Point Cadet Chapel
The Cadet Chapel at the United States Military Academy is a place of Protestant denomination worship for many members of the United States Corps of Cadets. The chapel is a classic example of gothic revival architecture, with its cross-shaped floor plan, soaring arches, and ornate stone carvings...
at the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
, New York, performing with the cadets to record "into The Fire" for the CD/DVD "Stand Ye Steady: Songs of Courage and Inspiration." September of that year Rodríguez appeared as part of promotion of that CD/DVD on nationally broadcast QVC
QVC
QVC is a multinational corporation specializing in televised home shopping. Founded in 1986 by Joseph Segel in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, United States, QVC broadcasts in five countries as QVC US, QVC UK, QVC Germany, QVC Japan and – QVC Italy to 200 million households...
, performing "Into The Fire."
September 11, 2006, Rodríguez appeared on The Tonight Show
The Tonight Show
The Tonight Show is an American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. It is the longest currently running regularly scheduled entertainment program in the United States, and the third longest-running show on NBC, after Meet the Press and Today.The Tonight Show has been hosted by...
with Jay Leno
Jay Leno
James Douglas Muir "Jay" Leno is an American stand-up comedian and television host.From 1992 to 2009, Leno was the host of NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Beginning in September 2009, Leno started a primetime talk show, titled The Jay Leno Show, which aired weeknights at 10:00 p.m. ,...
where he performed “Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace
"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn with words written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton , published in 1779. With a message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God,...
” accompanied by professional pianist, Mike Garson
Mike Garson
Mike Garson is an American pianist, most notable for his work with David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Billy Corgan, Free Flight, and The Smashing Pumpkins.- Early career :...
. December 2008, he made a return appearance, performing at the 51st National Football & College Hall of Fame Foundation Annual Awards Dinner, that honored individuals as Lou Holtz
Lou Holtz
Louis Leo "Lou" Holtz is a retired American football coach, and active sportscaster, author, and motivational speaker in the United States...
, U.S. Senator John Glenn
John Glenn
John Herschel Glenn, Jr. is a former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States senator who was the first American to orbit the Earth and the third American in space. Glenn was a Marine Corps fighter pilot before joining NASA's Mercury program as a member of NASA's original...
, T. Boone Pickens, and other college standouts and head coaches. In 2009, Rodríguez performs a number of concerts in tribute to legendary singer, Mario Lanza
Mario Lanza
right|thumb|[[MGM]] still, circa 1949Mario Lanza was an American tenor and Hollywood movie star of the late 1940s and the 1950s. The son of Italian emigrants, he began studying to be a professional singer at the age of 16....
. on the 50th anniversary of his death. September 2009 through May 2010 he begin a nationwide tour across America, performing in over 110 cites, with a repertoire of his life's journey through music. Rodríguez, accompanied by pianist, author, composer Gail Smith, followed by jazz pianist Jesse Lynch, will be joined by sopranos Marla Kavanaugh Rodríguez and her twin sister Marissa Dikkenberg.
August 2010, Rodriguez performed “God Bless the USA”, “You Will Not Walk Alone”, and “God Bless America” at a New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
rally against the building of an Islamic mosque near Ground Zero
Ground zero
The term ground zero describes the point on the Earth's surface closest to a detonation...
. February 2011, he performs at Opera Tampa's "Night of Stars" gala to honor Placido Domingo. 2011 brings a new repertoire of Jazz, with a series of performances with the Jesse Lynch Trio. 2011 also brings collaberation with Andy Cooney, and Michael Amante as "The New York Tenors" in a series of concerts.
Capitol and presidential performances
In May 2002 Rodríguez performed in Washington D.C. at the National Law Enforcement Officers memorial, where President Bush paid tribute to him with the following words: "I want to thank Daniel Rodríguez for lending his fabulous voice in tribute after tribute to the greatness of America. He performed at Ford's Theater Gala Celebration in 2002, attended by President George W. BushGeorge W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
. Other Capitol Hill performances were the National Memorial Day Concert
National Memorial Day Concert
The National Memorial Day Concert is a free annual concert performed on the west lawn of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., in celebration of Memorial Day since 1989...
s in Washington D.C. in 2002 and 2006 with conductor Erich Kunzel
Erich Kunzel
Erich Kunzel, Jr. was an American orchestra conductor. Called the "Prince of Pops" by the Chicago Tribune, he performed with a number of leading pops and symphony orchestras, especially the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra , which he led for over 44 years.-Early life and career:Kunzel was born to...
, and the "Celebration of Freedom" concert in January, 2005, honoring Bush's second inauguration as President. He performed at the 2011 National Memorial Day Concert in Washington DC under direction of Jack Everly
Jack Everly
Jack Everly is an American conductor and music arranger who serves as Principal Pops Conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and National Arts Centre Orchestra as well as Music Director for the Symphonic Pops Consortium.Born...
. He also appeared at the 2004 Republican National Convention
Republican National Convention
The Republican National Convention is the presidential nominating convention of the Republican Party of the United States. Convened by the Republican National Committee, the stated purpose of the convocation is to nominate an official candidate in an upcoming U.S...
in New York City's Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
where he performed "Amazing Grace.". In June 2007, he performed the National Anthem at the Jefferson Memorial, next to Challenger
Challenger
-Land vehicles:* Challenger trucks, a Canadian maker of heavy trucks* One of several British Army tanks:** Cruiser Mk VIII Challenger, in service during World War II** Challenger 1 tank, in service from the late 1980s to early 21st century...
, for the delisting ceremony of the American bald eagle. As part of the 2007 Summer Music Festival, Rodríguez performed a solo concert, accompanied by classical pianist Victoria Ulanov, at the Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral, officially named the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. Of neogothic design, it is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world, the second-largest in...
in Washington D.C.
International appearances
September 11, 2003, Rodríguez was seen on the British TV show Today with Des and MelToday with Des and Mel
Today with Des and Mel was a British television series hosted by Des O'Connor and Melanie Sykes. The show featured celebrity guests, phone-in competitions and chat between the hosts. It was produced by Carlton Television, at The London Studios...
hosted by Des O'Connor
Des O'Connor
Des O'Connor, CBE is an English comedian and singer. A former talkshow host, he was the presenter of the long-running Channel 4 gameshow Countdown for two years...
and Melanie Sykes
Melanie Sykes
Melanie Ann Sykes is an English television presenter and model.-Career:Melanie Sykes was born to an English father, and an Anglo-Indian mother. She first came to public attention as the bikini-clad girl in the Boddingtons beer advertisements with the broad "Northern" accent in the mid-1990s...
, where he did an interview reflecting on events of September 11, 2001 as well as a performance of "Be My love," to a live studio audience. In November 2004, Rodríguez traveled to Monaco
Monaco
Monaco , officially the Principality of Monaco , is a sovereign city state on the French Riviera. It is bordered on three sides by its neighbour, France, and its centre is about from Italy. Its area is with a population of 35,986 as of 2011 and is the most densely populated country in the...
at the invitation of the IPA (International Police Association), for their 10th Anniversary Gala. Along with the Pipes and Drums unit of the Chicago Police Department
Chicago Police Department
The Chicago Police Department, also known as the CPD, is the principal law enforcement agency of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States, under the jurisdiction of the Mayor of Chicago. It is the largest police department in the Midwest and the second largest local law enforcement agency in the...
, he sang at the royal palace for Albert II, Prince of Monaco
Albert II, Prince of Monaco
Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco is the head of the House of Grimaldi and the ruler of the Principality of Monaco. He is the son of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and the American actress Grace Kelly...
, and at a requiem mass for Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco. Beginning in 2004, he has performed in concert in New Zealand in numerous cities, including Wellington
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range...
, Feilding, and Dunedin
Dunedin
Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. It is considered to be one of the four main urban centres of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city by territorial land area until...
. Rodriguez traveled to Aichi, Japan for the 2005 Expo 2005
Expo 2005
Expo 2005 was the World's Fair held for 185 days between Friday, March 25 and Sunday, September 25, 2005, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, east of the city of Nagoya. It was a Specialized International Exhibition under the scheme of the 1972 protocol of the Convention relating to International Exhibitions...
World's Fair, where he performed at the US Pavilion. He appeared in multiple Christmas tours during those years in the Netherlands. In 2008 he performed with Sharon Kips
Sharon Kips
Sharon Kips is the winner of the first edition of X Factor , 24 February 2007. She was constantly praised highly throughout the show, with high compliments from three of Holland's music experts Henk Temming, Marianne van Wijnkoop and Henkjan Smits...
and Jimmy Earl Perry during the Hour of Power Kerstconcerten. January 2009, he appeared on TV NZ for a live interview discussing events at the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President elect, Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
.
In 2009 Rodríguez also performed in New Zealand with his wife in a "Legendary Lanza" concert tour. In 2010 he performed in New Zealand at the Queenstown Winter Festival.
Opera performances
Rodríguez made his operatic debut as Canio in Ruggero Leoncavallo'sRuggero Leoncavallo
Ruggero Leoncavallo was an Italian opera composer. His two-act work Pagliacci remains one of the most popular works in the repertory, appearing as number 20 on the Operabase list of the most-performed operas worldwide.-Biography:...
Pagliacci
Pagliacci
Pagliacci , sometimes incorrectly rendered with a definite article as I Pagliacci, is an opera consisting of a prologue and two acts written and composed by Ruggero Leoncavallo. It recounts the tragedy of a jealous husband in a commedia dell'arte troupe...
in New York City with the Chelsea Opera
Chelsea Opera
-History:Chelsea Opera was founded in April, 2004 by Leonarda Priore and Lynne Hayden-Findlay, both singers, who sought to create more performance opportunities within the tri-state area. Musical direction since inception has been provided by Conductor Carmine Aufiero...
in June 2006. New York Times music critic Anthony Tommasini
Anthony Tommasini
-Early years:Tommasini was born in Brooklyn around 1948 and raised on Long Island. He was admitted to Oberlin College's Conservatory of Music, but chose to matriculate at Yale University in order to obtain a broader liberal arts education...
wrote, "it was impossible not to respond to his portrayal. When he sang the touchstone aria,Vesti la giubba, venting Canio's grief and humiliation, you sensed that here was someone pouring out years of pent-up artistic longing." In 2007 Rodríguez performed again as Canio with Granite State Opera Company in New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
, where he was awarded "2007 Best Performance of a leading male", by Opera online magazine.
Paul Joseph Walkowski of Opera Online wrote of that performance by Rodriguez: “electrifying, pure magic, pure energy, pure emotion and blazing in glory. As Canio he stood in a class by himself: a star of easily recognizable magnitude and a force to be reckoned with on the opera stage.” In 2008 at the Opera of the Hamptons, Southampton, New York, Rodríguez sang the role of Turridu opposite international soprano Cristina Fontanelli
Cristina Fontanelli
Cristina Fontanelli is an American actress and opera singer who has performed in Tokyo, Paris, Milan, Cairo, Dubai, Hong Kong, Istanbul and Uganda.-Early life:...
, in Pietro Mascagni
Pietro Mascagni
Pietro Antonio Stefano Mascagni was an Italian composer most noted for his operas. His 1890 masterpiece Cavalleria rusticana caused one of the greatest sensations in opera history and single-handedly ushered in the Verismo movement in Italian dramatic music...
's one act opera, Cavalleria Rusticana
Cavalleria rusticana
Cavalleria rusticana is an opera in one act by Pietro Mascagni to an Italian libretto by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci, adapted from a play written by Giovanni Verga based on his short story. Considered one of the classic verismo operas, it premiered on May 17, 1890 at the Teatro...
.
Personal life
Daniel is married to Marla Kavanaugh, a soprano who has performed around the world in concert and in opera. She was born in Dunedin, New Zealand and began her stage career at the age of five. Daniel and Marla have a permanent residence in New York, and travel the world performing together. They have one daughter born in New Zealand in 2009. Daniel has a son and daughter from his first marriage. He lists fishing as his favorite pastime, and is also an experienced scuba diver.Philanthropy and charity work
Rodríguez has made appearances for The City of Hope National Medical Center
City of Hope National Medical Center
City of Hope National Medical Center, is a private, not-for-profit clinical research center, hospital and graduate medical school located in Duarte, California, United States...
, Duke University Hospital
Duke University Hospital
Duke University Medical Center is a 924-bed academic tertiary care facility located in Durham, North Carolina. Since its establishment in 1930, the hospital has grown from a small regional hospital to an academic medical center...
Children's Center, and is a regular at fundraising events for The Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research, and the Hilton Head Celebrity Golf Tournament to benefit children's charities. He has performed for the annual New York Tunnel to Towers run to benefit the Stephen Siller children's foundation, and the Community Mayors Organization to benefit disabled children, where he is an honorary board member. He is a regular performer at Loma Linda University Medical Center
Loma Linda University Medical Center
Loma Linda University Medical Center is a teaching hospital on the campus of Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, United States. The medical center serves as a level I trauma center for San Bernardino County and the rest of the Inland Empire. It is one of two closest trauma centers for...
Children's Hospital annual fundraisers, and in 2009 performed in concert with Broadway soprano Laurie Gayle Stephenson.
Broadcast on PBS August 2002, titled "Spirit of America" a benefit concert for the Scoliosis Care Foundation taped at Caesars Atlantic City
Caesars Atlantic City
Caesars Atlantic City is a luxury hotel, casino, and spa resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Like Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, it has an ancient Roman theme. Atlantic City's second casino, it opened in 1979 as the Caesars Boardwalk Regency. The . casino has over 3,400 slot machines, and is one of...
, starred Daniel Rodriguez, guest performances by Linda Eder
Linda Eder
Linda Eder is an American singer and actress. She made her Broadway debut in the musical Jekyll & Hyde, for which she received 1997 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Nominations, as well as the Theatre World Award for Best Actress in a Musical...
, Arturo Sandoval
Arturo Sandoval
Arturo Sandoval is a jazz trumpeter and pianist. He was born in Artemisa, in the newest renamed Artemisa Province, Cuba....
, Phoebe Snow
Phoebe Snow
Phoebe Snow was a fictional character created by Earnest Elmo Calkins to promote the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. The advertising campaign, based on a live model, using impressionistic techniques and a fictional character, was one of the first of its kind.-The advertising...
, and Aprile Millo
Aprile Millo
Aprile Millo is an American operatic soprano of Italian and Irish ancestry who is particularly admired for her interpretations of the works of Giuseppe Verdi. Possessing a spinto voice of power, warmth and temperament, Millo became one of the most celebrated opera singers of the late twentieth...
, orchestra conducted by Tom Scott
Tom Scott (musician)
Tom Scott is an American saxophonist, composer, arranger, conductor and bandleader of the west coast jazz/jazz fusion ensemble The L.A. Express.-Biography:Scott was born in Los Angeles, California...
. In 2003 Rodriguez performed In Appleton Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, at the International Community Partnerships Conference Security Through Stability featuring former Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
President and Nobel Peace Prize
Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.-Background:According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize shall be awarded to the person who...
recipient Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev is a former Soviet statesman, having served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991, and as the last head of state of the USSR, having served from 1988 until its dissolution in 1991...
. The following year he traveled to New Zealand for his debut tour, where he sang at a benefit for victims of recent flooding in that country. In May 2005, Rodriguez sang at a fund raising concert on the second season of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is a reality television series providing home renovations for less fortunate families and community schools etc...
, and has appeared in concert to raise funds for the Pinellas Youth Symphony in Florida.
He has been a long time supporter of the United Service Organization with appearances at fundraisers, as well as visiting troops at military hospitals. In 2005, he began a project called "Songs for the Soldiers", to provide music in USO care packages for American troops overseas. He has donated thousands of his CDs and also raises funds for this effort by producing his own concerts. He also volunteers at the USO warehouses filling the care packages, and distributing them to the departing troops.
He performs at retirement communities, for police and firefighter support events, and for veterans causes, including appearances with the VA-National Medical Music Group. October 2006, New York City, Rodríguez kicked off World Children's Day at McDonalds, joined by 'Dancing with the Stars' winner Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith
Emmitt James Smith, III is a retired American football player who was a running back in the National Football League for fifteen seasons during the 1990s and 2000s. Smith played college football for the University of Florida, where he was an All-American; thereafter, he played professionally for...
, runner-up Mario Lopez
Mario López
Mario Michael Lopez, Jr. is an American actor who has appeared on several television series, in films, and on Broadway. He is best known for his portrayal of the character A.C. Slater on Saved By The Bell, which he also portrayed as a regular on Saved by the Bell: The College Years...
, the Duchess of York
Duchess of York
Duchess of York is the principal courtesy title held by the wife of the Duke of York. The title is gained with marriage alone and is forfeited upon divorce. Four of the twelve Dukes of York did not marry or had already assumed the throne prior to marriage, therefore there have only ever been eleven...
and other stars at anniversary event supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities. He performed "Aren't They All Our Children," written by 14-time Grammy award winner David Foster
David Foster
David Walter Foster, OC, OBC , is a Canadian musician, record producer, composer, singer, songwriter, and arranger, noted for discovering singers such as Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Charice Pempengco; and for producing some of the most successful artists in the world, such as Céline Dion, Toni...
in honor of World Children's Day at McDonald's. December 2008 Rodriguez performed in Stamford
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, joined by Police, U.S. Marines, and prominent stars from the World Wrestling Entertainment
World Wrestling Entertainment
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an American publicly traded, privately controlled entertainment company dealing primarily in professional wrestling, with major revenue sources also coming from film, music, product licensing, and direct product sales...
to support a special "Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which donates toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major William L...
" event.
Rodríguez, named as "Goodwill Ambassador" also supports the work of "Heart for Children" located in Pretoria, South Africa and their sister organization located in the Netherlands. His concert tour "Kerstconcerten 2008" with Hour of Power in the Netherlands, as well as his 2008 CD release, I Believe, donates profits to benefit Hart Voor Kinderen. On February 14, 2010, Rodríguez was honored by the Sacramento Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution with the presentation, by Don Littlefield and Tom Chilton, of the NASSR Silver Good Citizenship Medal.
January 2011, Rodriguez performed with his family in Greymouth New Zealand for families of the 29 miners killed in underground explosions in November 2010.
Honors and awards
- 2002 Disney Humanitarian award.
- 2003 The first Raul JuliaRaúl JuliáRaúl Rafael Juliá y Arcelay was a Puerto Rican actor.Born in San Juan, he gained interest in acting while still in school. Upon completing his studies, Juliá decided to pursue a career in acting. After performing in the local scene for some time, he was convinced by entertainment personality Orson...
Award, by the Puerto Rican Family Institute, in appreciation of his charitable work.
- 2004 Monaco IPA Association Humanity Award
- 2007 Queens Centers for Progress Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic spirit and commitment to making a difference in the life of all Americans.
- 2007 Ellen Harden Woolworth Medal for Patriotism by the Daughters of the American RevolutionDaughters of the American RevolutionThe Daughters of the American Revolution is a lineage-based membership organization for women who are descended from a person involved in United States' independence....
- 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award from the USO for his work on the Care Package Program.
- 2008 Honored by "Stars" page for inclusion on USA Patriotism site.
- 2009 Selected as Goodwill Ambassador for Hart voor Kinderen for his humanitarian efforts
- 2009 National Award Recipient: Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Broward County Chapter
- 2010 SAR Silver Medal for Good Citizenship: Sacramento Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Career timeline
- 1976 - Acceptance at The American Youth Repertoire Company in Manhattan to study music and performance
- 1980 - First Carnegie Hall recital
- 2001 - Invitation by Plácido Domingo to study with him, after hearing his voice at "Prayer for America."
- 2001 - Signs first recording contract with EMI/Manhattan Record Company for a single, plus two full albums
- 2001 - Release of 2-track single album "God Bless America"
- 2002 - First vocal performance on a national stage at Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City Utah.
- 2002 - "Spirit of America" album released and goes to #1 on Billboards Classical Crossover chart
- 2002 - PBS broadcasts "Spirit of America" concert from Caesars Atlantic City
- 2002 - First public symphonic concert, Heinz Hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
- 2002 - Performance in concert tribute to New York, at the Hollywood bowl
- 2004 - Sang at the Republican National Convention in New York City, Madison Square Garden.
- 2004 - Performed in Monaco for Albert II, Prince of Monaco and members of the royal family
- 2005 - Sang at the Celebration of Freedom" concert at the inauguration of U.S. President G. W. Bush
- 2005 - Release of album "In The Presence" with Blix Street Records
- 2006 - Operatic debut as Canio in Pagliacci with Chelsea Opera Company, New York
- 2007 - "Best performance 2007" by Operaonline, as Canio in Pagliacci, Granite State Opera, New Hampshire
- 2008 - Performance in Cavalleria Rusticana, sings role of Turridu, Opera of the Hamptons, New York
- 2009/2010 - 117 city concert tour across America
- 2011 - Begins series of concerts as member of "The New York Tenors"
Daniel Rodríguez
| Title | Year | Label | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| God Bless America | 2001 | Manhattan | Two track single, God Bless America God Bless America "God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918 and revised by him in 1938. The later version has notably been recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature song .... arranged and produced by Tom Scott Tom Scott (musician) Tom Scott is an American saxophonist, composer, arranger, conductor and bandleader of the west coast jazz/jazz fusion ensemble The L.A. Express.-Biography:Scott was born in Los Angeles, California... : We Will Go On arranged and produced by Joe Mardin Joe Mardin Joe Mardin is a music producer, arranger and engineer from New York City. He is a Berklee College of Music graduate and is the son of producer Arif Mardin... . A spoken introduction by then-New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Record profits donated (over $150,000) to the Twin Towers Fund to benefit survivors of the September 11 attacks |
|
| Spirit of America | 2002 | Manhattan | Produced by Tom Scott: Joe Mardin Joe Mardin Joe Mardin is a music producer, arranger and engineer from New York City. He is a Berklee College of Music graduate and is the son of producer Arif Mardin... produced track We Will Go On. Album Goes to #1 on the Classical Billboards chart |
|
| From My Heart | 2003 | Manhattan | Produced by Tom Scott. Includes duet The Prayer The Prayer "The Prayer" is most commonly known as a duet between Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. This duet is the second single from Dion's Christmas album These Are Special Times and first from Bocelli's album Sogno, and was released as a promotional single on March 1, 1999."The Prayer" won the Golden Globe... with Kristin Chenoweth Kristin Chenoweth Kristin Chenoweth is an American singer and actress, with credits in musical theatre, film and television. She is best known on Broadway for her performance as Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown , for which she won a Tony Award, and for originating the role of Glinda in the musical... |
|
| Be My Love | 2003 | Manhattan | Produced by Tom Scott. Internationally released, includes duet The Prayer The Prayer "The Prayer" is most commonly known as a duet between Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. This duet is the second single from Dion's Christmas album These Are Special Times and first from Bocelli's album Sogno, and was released as a promotional single on March 1, 1999."The Prayer" won the Golden Globe... by Isobel Cooper Isobel Cooper Isobel Cooper , known professionally as Izzy, is an English Operatic pop soprano singer.Born in Much Wenlock in Shropshire, she trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.... |
|
| In The Presence | 2005 | Blix Street Records | Produced by David Rideau, Daniel Rodriguez, Terry Rindal. Includes duets with Lea Salonga Lea Salonga Lea Salonga-Chien is a mezzo-soprano singer and actress from the Philippines well known for originating the lead role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, for which she won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Theatre World awards.She was the first Asian to play the roles of Éponine and... , Panis Angelicus Panis Angelicus Panis angelicus is the penultimate strophe of the hymn Sacris solemniis written by Saint Thomas Aquinas for the Feast of Corpus Christi as part of a complete liturgy of the Feast including prayers for the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours.... and Pie Jesu Pie Jesu Pie Jesu is a motet derived from the final couplet of the Dies irae and often included in musical settings of the Requiem Mass. The settings of the Requiem Mass by Luigi Cherubini, Gabriel Fauré, Maurice Duruflé, John Rutter, Karl Jenkins and Fredrik Sixten include a Pie Jesu as an independent... |
|
| I Believe (international version) | 2008 | Limited international release produced by Hour of Power, The Netherlands. www.hourofpower.nl/ Ex.Producer Louis Pool, Herman de Vaal. Includes duet The Prayer with Marla Kavanaugh. Recorded live in Grote Kerk Apeldoorn December 2007, by HofBV, Haren. Profits to support "Hart voor Children" organization in Pretoria South Africa. | ||
| I Believe (U.S. version) | 2009 | Blix Street Records | Released in the United States in 2009, produced by Louis Pool. |
Various with Rodríguez tracks
| Title | Year | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Classical Music of America | 2002 | EMI Music Special Markets, ASIN: BoooEMDV4Q | Rodriguez track God Bless America |
| New Found Freedom | 2003 | Higher Octave | produced by Tom Scott Tom Scott (musician) Tom Scott is an American saxophonist, composer, arranger, conductor and bandleader of the west coast jazz/jazz fusion ensemble The L.A. Express.-Biography:Scott was born in Los Angeles, California... . Rodriguez track Everything must change |
| Yuletide Celebration | 2004 | Produced by Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is a major American orchestra based in Indianapolis, Indiana.Annually, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs 200 concerts for over 350,000 people. It is the largest performing arts organization in Indiana. The ISO is currently one of only 18 American... ; Rodriguez track Oh Holy Night |
|
| A tribute to Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor.... |
2004 | Capitol Records | Rodriguez tracks God Bless America, America The Beautiful America the Beautiful "America the Beautiful" is an American patriotic song. The lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates and the music composed by church organist and choirmaster Samuel A. Ward.... |
| Stand Ye Steady | 2005 | Curtain Call Productions | Rodriguez track "Into The Fire Into The Fire Into the Fire is a 2005 Independent drama film from first-time director Michael Phelan that stars Sean Patrick Flanery, JoBeth Williams, and Melina Kanakaredes.-Plot:... " |
| The Best of Johnnie Carl | 2006 | Produced by the Crystal Cathedral Crystal Cathedral The Crystal Cathedral is a Protestant Christian church building in the city of Garden Grove, in Orange County, California, United States. It is the headquarters and principal place of worship for Crystal Cathedral Ministries, a church founded in 1955 by Robert H. Schuller and affiliated with the... , Rodriguez track On Eagles Wings |
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| The Sounds of Freedom and Faith | 2007 | Produced by the Crystal Cathedral, Rodriguez tracks America the Beautiful, An American Hymn | |
| The Very Best Musical Moments of the Hour of Power | 2008 | Produced by the Crystal Cathedral. Rodriguez track Nearer My God To Thee | |
| Amazing Grace | 2011 | JQZ Musiekproducties - QCD 3375 | Released In the Netherlands. Executive Producer Jan Quintus Zwart. Compilations Martin Zonnenberg. Distributed by Sabra Harderwijk (NL) |