//
//
//
Rod Tate is a smooth/contemporary jazz and R&B saxophonist/songwriter, based out of his
hometown, St. Louis, MO. Rod is a full time musician that performs as a solo act, duo(2 Smooth with
guitarist Gregg "Happy Guitar" Haynes) and with his 5 piece band.
Rod attended Normandy High School in St. Louis Missouri. He was part of the music program under
the direction of Bob Boedges. He was a member of the Jazz (Norseman), Concert, and Marching
bands. In his senior year he was awarded the Louis Armstrong Jazz award, which is given each year
to the senior who shows great promise in the jazz arena.
After high school, Rod attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He was part of the music
program under the direction of Brett Stamps, where his focus was Jazz performance . He was a
member of the Jazz bands, combos, studied theory and the business of music. During his college
days, is when his love of jazz intensified, in particular Traditional/Straight Ahead Jazz.
As a performer he has opened for contemporary jazz group Spyra Gyra, Pieces of A Dream, Chuck
Loeb, Bob Baldwin, Marion Meadows, Phil Perry, Ramsey Lewis, Legendary Poet Sonia Sanchez
and Lonnie Liston Smith. He has opened for Gospel artist Richard Smallwood and Gospel jazz
keyboardist Ben Tankard, comedian /actor Tommy Davidson, Tavis Smiley, as well as, Hall of famer,
Ozzie Smith.
Rod has appeared on B.E.T.'s segment of Jazz Discoveries. He has appeared on St. Louis'
Fox(Channel 2) morning show. He has appeared on St. Louis' Show Me St. Louis on KSDK(Channel
5).
Rod's music can be heard or has been heard on The Weather Channel, Music Choice, DMX Music
and many radio stations across the world.
Rod was named smooth jazz artist of the month on EchoSmoothJazz.com
Rod was named smooth jazz artist of the month on Whitester Radio-Smoothjazz.com
As an artist, performer, and musician. Rod's goals are to continue to learn, grow, and to touch lives
positively through his musical expressions. As a songwriter, Rod's motto is: " This music is intended
to soothe your soul and speak love to your spirit ". Rod also aspires to have his music in movies,
commercials, and television programming.
Below is a partial list of Organizations/Corporations/Clubs that Rod has performed for :
*The Gatesworth *Partners For Progress *The St. Louis Rams *The Demetrious Johnson
Foundation *The Joe Torry Foundation *JFK Construction *US Bank *Mt. Pleasant Winery *Hidden
Lake Winery *President Casino *Ameristar Casino *Harrah's Casino *Westborough Country Club
*Marriot Hotel *Hilton Hotel *New Town *Cafe' Bellagio *Cafe' Napoli *Finale *The Loft *St. Louis
Jazz Cafe *The Pageant *MO Black Expo * The Cabanne House *Club Divinity *Victorian House Of
Agape *Anheuser Busch *Clear Channel Broadcasting *Bonneville Broadcasting *Missouri History
Museum *St. Louis Galleria *The Robert's Bros. *Plaza Motors *St. Charles Princess Cruises
Rod's music has aired on DMX, Music Choice, The Weather Channel, Internet smooth jazz stations
and many college & commercial stations around the country.
ROD TATE bio
//