Rodney Bryant
MOMENT IN HISTORY
Rodney Bryant
Early Beginnings
Rodnie Bryant was raised in a “very religious” and musical home. In his youth, he learned music theory alongside his older sister at the Wurlitzer Music Company and later took private lessons. His musical repertoire draws from the classical and jazz music he studied and the gospel music he sang every Sunday.
Raised in Indianapolis within walking distance of the fairgrounds, Rodnie has always enjoyed attending the big event with his family and friends.
Career
In 1995, the Indiana State Fair asked him to coordinate “Gospel Music Day,” which features both local and national gospel music talents. Since the first program, which had 400 attendees, Gospel Music Day has grown to host an audience of nearly 4000 every year. Rodnie takes pride in producing an event that is “wholesome, good and able to service an entire family.”
In addition to the musical collaborations, he has planned for this year, Bryant is also getting used to performing in a new prestigious capacity. He was recently elected representative (director) of the Indianapolis Metro Chapter of the GMWA.
Established in 1967 by the late gospel icons Rev. James Cleveland and Albertina Walker, the GMWA is often recognized as the premiere international gospel music organization, with tens of thousands of members and chapters in most states, Europe, the Caribbean and Asia. The organization is best known for its annual conventions, which are held in different cities and draw an average of 15,000 to 20,000 to workshops and performances.
Mentored by “musical giants” in Indianapolis, such as Robert Turner, Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, and Delores “Sugar” Poindexter, Rodnie soon gained national recognition as a gospel musician and recording artist. His accomplishments include a Grammy Award nomination in 1998, and winning Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence Awards for both “Choir of the Year” and “Song of the Year.” His music became a staple among church choirs in many congregations both locally and beyond.