Rodney Jerkins: Dream The Impossible Dream | E53 | In Search Of Excellence podcast

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Episode description

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Episode description

Rodney Jerkins is one of the most successful music producers of all time – he has worked with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.

He has been nominated for 18 Grammy Awards and has won 2 – for the Record of the Year and Best R&B song. He is also an incredible songwriter and musician. His journey to excellence is incredible so tune in to hear more!

(00:00) Rodney’s background

Born in Pomona, New Jersey (Dad was a pastor, mom a housekeeper)

Rodney is the fourth child

His mom was very sick while pregnant with him

Mom worked for wealthy families

Listening to rap music in secret

At 10, he decided to be a producer

At 13, started making and selling songs to local artists

Dad became his manager

Rodney was forced to play the piano

(10:52) Never stop dreaming, never stop believing

At 11, he started working and saving for Akai MPC 60

Went with his dad to a seller

Rodney copied the manual and read it every day (Rodney's dad realized his talent and broke his insurance policy to and bought him a machine)

The visit to Toledo, Ohio that changed Rodney's life forever

Rodney was blown away and inspired

Never stop dreaming, never stop believing

As a child, Rodney wanted to work with Michael Jackson

Dream the impossible dream

40-day family road trip

(27:20) From washing dishes to working with James Jones

Saving to buy the equipment

At 10, he asked for a job at local dinner (washing dishes)

Went to a mall and asked for a job at Foot Locker (Dug Smith let him stock the shelves)

At 15, went to Manhattan

James Jones from Uptown records (Rodney sent him a tape with a letter – James LOVED the music)

James Jones calls him to come to New York and work with him

At 16, dropped out of school and went to New York (Rodney's dad allowed him to go after his dreams)

(38:42) The biggest deal is not always the best deal

At 17, offered a 1.8 million dollars contract from EMI

At the same time, a 2.2 million dollar offer from Sony

Closed the deal with Brian Jackson (bigger money doesn’t mean a better deal)

Rodney bought his mother a car and a house for his parents at 17 years old

Wanted to be a blessing to them

The story about Randall’s grandmother

(50:04) Strike while the iron is hot

Doing local demos in South Jersey

A group hired him to make a demo for the Impact music convention (playing music for Teddy Riley)

Drove 6 hours to Future Recording Studios in Virginia Beach

Invitation to come and learn during the summer

The internship is very important f