THEODIS RODGERS JR.
Piano and Keyboards
Theodis Rodgers Jr. is an American Jazz pianist and multi-keyboardist from Chicago, Illinois. He has worked in theater, television, and motion pictures as a performer, composer, arranger, producer, and music conductor/director both nationally and internationally. Theodis has appeared on countless album recordings. He has been music director/ keyboardist for Curtis Mayfield, Patti LaBelle, Angela Bofill, Jennifer Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Ramsey Lewis, Freddie Hubbard, The Emotions
and Dennis De Young.
Theodis is a former member of the funk/rock band Love Craft. He also tours as a pianist/conductor for Sandy Hackett’s “Rat Pack Show.” Mr. Rodgers’ film credits include a cameo appearance with Sheena Easton in the movie “Indecent Proposal.” He also co-wrote music for the movie “A Family Thing, ” featuring actors Robert DuVall and James Earl Jones.
Theodis has recently concluded a multi-city tour of Russia with a vocalist, Tecora Rogers, and the Chicago Spirituals with performances in concert halls and cathedrals across the country. He has also performed at the Hat Jazz Club in St. Petersburg, Russia.
In 2012, Theodis lived and performed in Beijing, China. He appeared regularly at Beijing’s China Wing Hotel and The East Shore Live Jazz Cafe. He also conducted Masterclasses at the Beijing Contemporary Music Institute. Recently, Theodis has appeared along with Classical pianist George Cooper and Ragtime pianist Reginald Robinson in a self-penned concert series called” From Mozart to Monk.”
His theatrical performances as a musical director and/or pianist include productions of “Ain’t Misbehavin,” Tony Award winner Hinton Battle’s “Largely Live,” “Dreamgirls,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Mr. Rodgers currently lives and performs regularly in Chicago, Illinois, and travels internationally with his Jazz trio.
Some of his recent Chicago performances include: The Quarry, Room 43, Norman’s Bistro, Andy’s Jazz Club, The Jazz Showcase, and Winters Jazz Club.
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