Biography
Biography of Daniel Rodriguez, by Patty Grove
After 25 years of performing, Daniel Rodriguez became an "overnight sensation." It may seem that he was born with a silver microphone in his hand, but according to Daniel, this was far from the case. "Though my voice has a lot of natural sound and ability it was no picnic to get to where I am today," he recently stated in an interview.
It's a journey of hard work and sacrifice that began with a lead role in "Oklahoma" at age 12. While his friends were out playing sports, Daniel was working on his vocal technique with Elliot Dorfman. The work paid off for the teenager, as Daniel was able to perform in the recital area at Carnegie Hall several times before he was 20. But a separation from Dorfman and a need to support a growing family forced him to set aside his musical dreams, for a while at least.
During those often difficult years, he earned a living at various jobs including catering chef, a cabinet maker, cab driver, and six years with the post office. He decided he had to get back into music again, somehow, even if he didn't have time for auditions and casting calls. So he put his career into his own hands, by booking a venue, renting equipment and, selling his own tickets and printing his own programs. These performances evolved into an ensemble of musicians who are still together today, performing show tunes, opera, and sacred music around the greater New York area. Over 90 percent of their shows are fundraisers for philanthropic causes.
It was Daniel's next day job where he quite literally, moved on to center stage of his city, as a member of the New York Police Department. After singing at his own police academy graduation at Madison Square Garden, Daniel was assigned to the department's ceremonial unit, where he sang the national anthem at many civic events. He also sang for the Mets and Yankees, and was featured on CNN in June of 2001. On his regular beat, he was known for his kindness and compassion in emergency situations.
It was after September 11th, 2001, that Daniel's voice became a symbol of hope, and a prayer for healing for thousands. He sang at countless memorials for victims, including the "Prayer For America" service at Yankee Stadium, where Placido Domingo was also performing. That performance set off a chain of events, including an invitation for an audition with Mr. Domingo that forever changed Daniel's life. The audition led to 18 months of opera training in the Domingo/Vilar Young Artists Program. Daniel could now see his dreams becoming reality.
People around the country as well as the media were moved by the same performance that Placido saw, and requests for appearances came from Larry King, Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman and many others. Daniel sang "God Bless America" for the Yankees during the World Series. Manhattan Records released a single of "God Bless America" with all proceeds going to the Twin Towers Fund. Daniel sang at the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Indianapolis 500, and the National Memorial Day concert in Washington, D.C. and went out on the road to perform with symphonies, as well as fundraisers, all over the country.
Produced by jazz saxophonist, Tom Scott, Daniel's first full length CD, "The Spirit of America" showed the depth of Daniel's vocal talents and included classical, along with patriotic numbers. The songs represented the strength and resiliency of America, as well as the hills and valley's of his own life. "Into the Fire" paid tribute to all peace officers, firefighters, and military personnel who put their lives on the line every day. "America the Beautiful" and "Shenandoah" highlighted the physical beauty of the country, while "The House I Live In" painted a vivid portrait of the people.
In 2003, Tom and Daniel collaborated in the studio again, with a collection of love songs, "From My Heart." It featured Broadway favorites, Spanish songs, and contemporary love songs such as "Completely" (written especially for him by Diane Warren). There were also two soul-stirring Mario Lanza classics, and a passionate rendering of "Con Te Partiro."
At the invitation of the International Police Association, Daniel traveled to Monaco in November of 2004, where he sang for Albert II, Prince of Monaco, at a memorial for Princess Grace. He was barely back on the continent when he started preparing for his next project; hosting and performing throughout December in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Yuletide Celebration. A thrilling rendition of "The First Noel" was featured on the Orchestra's Yuletide CD. In 2005 Daniel hosted a similar Christmas concert series with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Those appearances were especially memorial for his public, as they were able to see a bit of Daniel's acting and dancing skills, in addition that his outstanding tenor voice, showcased in a professionally staged performance.
In 2005 Daniel released his long awaited inspirational album, "In the Presence." This collection revealed both his spiritual side and more of his artistic versatility with selections such as the powerful "How Great Thou Art, "Amazing Grace," a unique arrangement from the late Johnny Carl, and the graceful "An American Hymn" that became an instant favorite.
Another memorable appearance, was on ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Daniel shared his voice and his inspiration, as part of a fundraiser for the Vitale family of Long Island. Also in April of 2005 in Garden Grove California, he was the musical guest at the Crystal Cathedral's 50th anniversary, and also had a rare opportunity that evening to perform a solo concert inside the cathedral.
Perhaps Daniel's greatest, most recent vocal challenge, came in June, 2006, when he made his operatic debut as Canio in the Chelsea Opera Company's production of Paggliaci. New York Times reviewer Anthony Tommasini wrote: "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, he reprised the role with the Granite State Opera of New Hampshire, earning more stellar reviews. Seacoastonline.com reviewer Jeanné McCartin wrote that Daniel "displayed beautiful, controlled, powerful vocals you could sail on."
It is only the beginning of a professional career for Daniel and he has said, what happens next is between him and God. However, there's a bounty of wonderful gifts for him to share with his audiences now and just over the horizon. Stay tuned for his next 43 years.
