# Elijah Rock (artist)

Elijah Rock is an American singer, entertainer and brain health advocate. he is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Elijah Rock Foundation Inc. known for his work in Jazz, Broadway, and The Great American Songbook.

## Early Life and Education

Rock was born in Cleveland, Ohio. where he developed an interest in music and theater at a young age. He began singing in the children's choir at Lee Heights Community Church and performed as a boy soprano with the Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus and Cleveland Opera Children's Chorus. He trained in classical voice, jazz, and musical theater, studying at institutions such as the Cleveland Institute of Music and Interlochen Arts Camp. He also trained at the Karamu House Theatre and became a soloist with the Albert McNeil Los Angeles Jubilee Singers.

## Career
### Music Career

Rock is a vocalist known for his baritone voice and performances in jazz, The Great American Songbook, and classical music. his sophomore album, Matters of the Heart, blends traditional jazz with romance, featuring originals like the title track and Gershwin for My Soul, co-written with Kevin Toney. Honoring legends like Nat King Cole and Billy Eckstine, the album aims to make classic jazz more accessible. His latest single, All I Need Is The Girl, is also featured on the album, adding to its collection of jazz interpretations.
Rock set to collaborate with Antonia Bennett, daughter of Tony Bennett, on his upcoming album, Memories Unleashed - Impulse 1.

### Theater and Acting Career

Rock has a background in musical theater, including playing the role of The Man in Blues in the Night, The Russian in Chess, The Sheriff in the West Coast premiere of Desperate Measures, Porgy in Porgy and Bess and Cab Calloway in I Only Have Eyes For You. where his performance was recognized for integrating acting, movement, and singing. He also starred as Roland Hayes in Breath and Imagination and received an NAACP Theatre Award for Best Male Equity Performer for his role. His portrayal of Roland Hayes in the same production was noted for its emotional depth and its depiction of the first internationally renowned African American classical singer.

### Brain Health Advocacy

Rock advocates for brain health and uses his platform to raise awareness about mental and cognitive well-being. He has emphasized the importance of preventative care and education regarding conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Rock also promotes the role of a healthy lifestyle, including mental and physical exercise, in maintaining brain health.
He is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Elijah Rock Foundation Inc. (TERF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. it focuses on advancing dementia research through music, performing arts, science, and technology, promoting brain health awareness, and providing financial assistance for long-term dementia care. His upcoming album Memories Unleashed - Impulse 1 is funded by grants from the Global Brain Health Institute, Alzheimer's Society, and the Alzheimer's Association. Various public events have also been supported by grants from the Global Brain Health Institute and the Alzheimer's Association.

## Personal Life

Eric is Married to Lesley Myricks.

## Discography

* Gershwin For My Soul LP (2016)
* Matters of the Heart LP (2021)
* Swoon EP (2022)
* Memories Unleashed: Impulse 1 LP (Upcoming, 2025)

## Notable Stage Roles

* Porgy and Bess – Porgy
* Desperate measures – The Sheriff
* Breath & Imagination – Roland Hayes
* Blues in the Night – The Man
* Hoodoo Love – Ace of Spades
* Words by Ira Gershwin – Crooner

## Film

* 3 BLIND SAINTS – Jamal
* FORTUNE COOKIE MAGIC TRICKS – Chris
* MASHED POTATOES – Ronnie
* CRENSHAW NIGHTS – Clarence

## Awards and Recognition

* Ovation Award (2016) – I Only Have Eyes For You
* NAACP Theatre Award (2014) – Best Male Equity Performer