Rodney E. Pardey
Encyclopedia
Rodney Erin Pardey AKA Michael Valentine (born September 14, 1976 in Las Vegas
, Nevada
) is a singer-songwriter
for the alt-country group Romance Fantasy and a part-time professional poker player. Pardey is the eldest son of two-time WSOP bracelet holder and world-class seven-card stud
player Rodney H. Pardey
. He is also the inspiration for the song, "The Ballad of Michael Valentine", by the Las Vegas band The Killers.
, later of The Killers, on drums. Some of the band's well-known songs include: "I Ain't Ever Gonna Change My Ways", "Blackheart", "Whiskey and Wine", "Mama, Don't Say a Word (Home Used To Be)", and "I Get Down".
In September of 2007, Romance Fantasy opened for The Killers three times as the band travelled through Texas.
In the spring of 2008, Romance Fantasy was a sanctioned band at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
event at the 1998 World Series of Poker
(WSOP). Despite having never entered a tournament before, Pardey managed to finish fourth taking home $24,030. Pardey finished 52nd in the $10,000 no limit
Texas hold 'em
main event of the 2005 WSOP
, earning $173,880.
As of 2009, his total live tournament winnings exceed $210,000. His four cashes as the WSOP account for $205,680 of those winnings.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
) is a singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
for the alt-country group Romance Fantasy and a part-time professional poker player. Pardey is the eldest son of two-time WSOP bracelet holder and world-class seven-card stud
Seven-card stud
Seven-card stud is a variant of stud poker. Until the recent increase in popularity of Texas hold 'em, seven-card stud was the most popular poker variant in home games across the United States, and in casinos in the eastern part of the country. Two to eight players is common, though eight may...
player Rodney H. Pardey
Rodney H. Pardey
Rodney Herm Pardey is an American professional poker player, currently residing in Seattle, WA. Pardey is the father of professional poker player and singer/songwriter Rodney E. Pardey and Ryan J. Pardey....
. He is also the inspiration for the song, "The Ballad of Michael Valentine", by the Las Vegas band The Killers.
Romance Fantasy
In 2002, Pardey formed and fronted the band Romance Fantasy, which featured Ronnie Vannucci Jr.Ronnie Vannucci Jr.
Ronald Dante "Ronnie" Vannucci, Jr. is the drummer of the American rock band The Killers. He is also involved in a side project called Big Talk.-Personal life:...
, later of The Killers, on drums. Some of the band's well-known songs include: "I Ain't Ever Gonna Change My Ways", "Blackheart", "Whiskey and Wine", "Mama, Don't Say a Word (Home Used To Be)", and "I Get Down".
In September of 2007, Romance Fantasy opened for The Killers three times as the band travelled through Texas.
In the spring of 2008, Romance Fantasy was a sanctioned band at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
Poker
At the age of 21, Pardey entered the $1,500 seven-card studSeven-card stud
Seven-card stud is a variant of stud poker. Until the recent increase in popularity of Texas hold 'em, seven-card stud was the most popular poker variant in home games across the United States, and in casinos in the eastern part of the country. Two to eight players is common, though eight may...
event at the 1998 World Series of Poker
1998 World Series of Poker
-Preliminary events:-Final table:-Other High Finishes:NB: This list is restricted to top 30 finishers with an existing Wikipedia entry.-External Links:*...
(WSOP). Despite having never entered a tournament before, Pardey managed to finish fourth taking home $24,030. Pardey finished 52nd in the $10,000 no limit
Betting (poker)
In the game of poker, the play largely centers on the act of betting, and as such, a protocol has been developed to speed up play, lessen confusion, and increase security while playing...
Texas hold 'em
Texas hold 'em
Texas Hold 'em is a variation of the standard card game of poker. The game consists of two cards being dealt face down to each player and then five community cards being placed face-up by the dealer—a series of three then two additional single cards , with...
main event of the 2005 WSOP
2005 World Series of Poker
The 2005 World Series of Poker opened play on June 2, continuing through the Main Event No Limit World Championship starting on July 7. The conclusion of the Main Event on July 15 marked the close of play, and the largest prize in sports and/or television history at the time was awarded to the...
, earning $173,880.
As of 2009, his total live tournament winnings exceed $210,000. His four cashes as the WSOP account for $205,680 of those winnings.