RODNEY FRANKLIN

Rodney Franklin was born in Berkeley, California, in September 1958. He was taking jazz piano lessons by the age of six at Washington Elementary School. His Administrator at the school was Dr Herb Wong, a noted jazz journalist, DJ and teacher. Prior to signing with CBS in 1978, Rodney worked extensively with John Handy in San Francisco, and toured with Bill Summers, Freddle Hubbard and Marlena Shaw. His debut CBS Columbia album was 'In The Center' (released in 1978), a lushly orchestrated fusion album (not released in the U.K.) featuring 'On The Path', 'Life Moves On' and 'I Like The Music Make It Hot' (with Freddie Hubbard, Paulinho Da Costa and the Seawind Horns). 1980's 'You'll Never Know' saw some major chart success with 'The Groove' (U.K. Top 10), even creating a brief UK dance craze 'The Freeze' (instigated by the Lacy Lady disc jockey, Chris Hill). The album featured the artists Phyllis read more...