Daniel Rodriguez (born May 24, 1964) is an American operatic tenor from New York City. He became known as "The Singing Policeman" in his former work with the New York City Police Department, due to his role as one of the department's designated national anthem singers. In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, he received widespread attention with his rendition of "God Bless America", which he sang at memorial events and on television. This led to an offer of formal training from Plácido Domingo. Rodriguez has recorded numerous albums and appeared as lead tenor in several operas. He regularly appears in support of his chosen charities, as well as performing a full domestic and international concert schedule.
Early years
Rodriguez, born in Brooklyn, New York, was the first of two children born to Carmen and Jose Rodriguez, who had emigrated from Puerto Rico as teenagers. Rodriguez' father and grandfather were both tenors, and other family members played various musical instruments.That moving voice belongs to his son St. Petersburg Times, Monique Fields, published December 25, 2001. Retrieved September 27, 2012. He cites the singing of Mario Lanza as an early musical influence after seeing the movie The Great Caruso.voice of new Americans Tenor Daniel Rodriguez in concert. Retrieved December 27, 2008.Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival ; Retrieved on January 9, 2007. Retrieved December 3, 2008.
At the age of ten, he began a serious study of music."The Life Of The Former Police Officer From Brooklyn, Whom We Remember Singing God Bless America, Has Drastically Changed After Sept. 11"; Duarte, Patricia; Puerto Rico Herald; September 6, 2002; Retrieved on January 9, 2007. His teen years were spent studying, and later as assistant director at the American Youth Repertory Company in Manhattan, under the tutelage of Juilliard trained Elliot Dorfman.Magazine: Meet our authors . Retrieved November 6, 2010.Singing Cop in Stuart. Retrieved December 27, 2008. During his early years, he also studied with Juilliard's Aldo Bruschi, as well as Miraslov Markoff from the Moscow Ballet and Opera company. Rodriguez performed in Carnegie Hall Del Terzo recital hall at age 16.http://danielrodrigueznewsletter.com/carnegie-hall.php ; Retrieved on June 6, 2013http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2013/17/rodriguez_all_2013_04_18_q.html ; Retrieved on June 6, 2013http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76829/nyc-officer-daniel-rodriguez-has-spirit ; Retrieved on June 6, 2013
After he married at 19 and had a son, Rodriguez put music on hold, as he worked at a series of jobs, including short-order cook, caterer, taxi driver, truck driver, and postal worker, before joining the police force. At age 25, he returned to music, by performing in concerts he developed himself, organizing an ensemble of musicians called Broadway Magic, performing around New York at retirement communities, churches, and for local charities."Singing A Dreams" Shauna Marlette; Press Dakotan; November 12, 2009; Page See also: ; Retrieved on November 2, 2010Christmas Magic at St. Finbar's Church ; Retrieved on January 9, 2007Tenor Daniel Rodriguez in concert Voice Of New Americans. Retrieved January 9, 2007.
Career highlights Rodriguez entered the New York City Police Academy in 1995. After singing at his own graduation, he was chosen as one of the designated national anthem singers in the NYPD's ceremonial division.The Spirit of America: Album Review; Asner, Marie; The Phantom Tollbooth; 2002-25-09; Retrieved on January 9, 2007 New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani who had seen Rodriguez perform at various events, used his influence to arrange an audition for him at the Metropolitan Opera. His lack of classical training proved an insurmountable obstacle, however, and the Met dismissed him after he had sung but two notes.
In June 2001, Rodriguez was the subject of a Cable News Network special about a New York City police officer who sang at Carnegie Hall.CNN NEWSROOM Transcript, June 14, 2001; Retrieved on January 9, 2007 He was driving to work over the Verrazano Bridge in New York City at the time of the September 11 terrorist attack, and was two blocks away from the World Trade Center when it collapsed. "I lived the horrors of 9/11 and made peace with God several times that day, and said goodbye to my family once or twice, and realized I was meant to stick around and do something positive with my life." He would spend the next several months working at Ground zero, interrupted only by requests to sing at official functions, memorials, and media events.When tragedy meets capitalism; Murphy, Chuck; St. Petersburg Times; September 2, 2002; Retrieved on January 9, 2007 Rodriguez performed the national anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" at "Prayer for America" on September 23, 2001, at Yankee Stadium.CNN NEWSROOM Transcript, October 23, 2001; Retrieved on March 10, 2012 He once again sang the national anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" in the 75th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as a special tribute to the 9/11 attacks.
He was soon appearing on news and talk shows including, The Today Show, The Early Show, Larry King Live, Late Show with David Letterman, "The Oprah Winfrey Show", and Live with Regis and Kelly. He was also interviewed in 2002 and 2005 on Christopher Close-up.The Christophers ; retrieved on November 2, 2008 SINGS FOR MS Daly, Erin Marie; GO Brooklyn, April 9, 2005 Issue; Retrieved on June 12, 20107LARRY KING LIVE: A Musical Tribute (transcript); November 22, 2001; Retrieved on January 9, 2007http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/345003 ; Manawatu Standard; March 8, 2008; Retrieved on Jan 7, 2012; Jordan, Isamu; The Spokane Spokesman Review; October 9, 2003; Retrieved on November 3, 2008 Rodriguez has been quoted as saying "Watching the Twin Towers collapse didn't make me sing any better. But the passion for the music has changed and for what I represent: The comfort and the feeling of national pride that I bring now more than I did before."Dave Lewis, Pandora Daniel Rodriguez Biography; Retrieved on March 31, 2007 He performed at the September 23, 2001 "Prayer For America" concert, honoring the victims of the September 11 terror attacks. Plácido Domingo, who was also on the bill, heard him sing and invited him to attend the Domingo/Vilar Young Artists Institute in Washington D.C. for 18 months of opera study.Americas Tenor Daniel Rodriguez to Enter the Washington Operas Vilar Young Artists Program, at the Invitation of Plácido Domingo; The Spirit Of America, Rodriguez's Debut Album For Manhattan Records, Shipped 100,000 units upon release date, February 12, 2002; PR Newswire; February 25, 2002; Retrieved on January 9, 2007From the Police Beat to the Tempo of Opera; Pierce, Lisa; The New York Times; March 9, 2003; Retrieved on March 27, 2008Prayer for America' embraces many faiths ; CNN.com transcript; September 23, 2001; Retrieved on January 9, 2007 After seven years as a police officer and then finally gaining national recognition as a singer, he explains, "I wasn't a cop who started singing; I was a singer who became a cop...I've been given the gift to sing. I sing for those who have lost loved ones."
At Carnegie Hall's 111th season opening, October 2001, he sang "God Bless America", with the Berlin Philharmonic in a tribute to 9/11.New York Daily News archives 2001/10/05; Retrieved on November 25, 2008 He also signs his first recording contract in October 2001 offered by Manhattan Record Company's Arif Mardin and Ian Ralfini. Rodriguez was the first artist to sign with newly re-activated Manhattan, a division of EMI. In Mardin's life story, he describes Rodriguez as "golden voiced".Light Millennium My Journey in the Music World by Arif Mardin; Retrieved on December 5, 2008
His debut performance before a worldwide audience occurred when he sang "God Bless America" at the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. June 13, 2002, saw his first public concert backed by full symphony orchestra at Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lucas Richman.Pittsburgh Post Gazette Classical Notes 3/16/02;Retrieved on November 28, 2008 August 2002, Rodriguez performed at the Hollywood Bowl in "The Great American Concert: New York, New York" with John Mauceri conducting.Beijing 2008 CN ; Retrieved on Feb 14, 2010; Retrieved on December 2, 2008sportsillustrated.cnn.com; Retrieved on March 19, 2010
Broadcast on ESPN in 2003, he sang the US national anthem at the Indianapolis 500, and returned in 2008 to perform at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Allstate 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup.2003 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report ; Indy500.com; May, 2003; Retrieved on April 29, 20071190 Kex news Raceday updates; Retrieved on December 5, 2008 In 2004, he was part of a concert hosted by CNN anchor Paula Zahn, and TV personality Pat Sajak. along with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall in, in tribute to Fred Rogers, better known to children around the world as Mister Rogers.Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Remembering Mister Rogers; Retrieved on December 7, 2008
With his emerging success as a singer of both popular and classical music, he retired from the New York City Police Department in May 2004, to pursue music full-time. The following year he performed at a Memorial Mass at New York City's Cathedral of Saint Patrick, for Rainier III, Prince of Monaco who died April 6, 2005. In 2004 Rodríguez performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, as host of the Christmas Yuletide Celebration concert series, with Jack Everly principal pops conductor. In 2005 he hosted the inaugural production of Holiday Spectacular at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.Performers to entertain at Circle of Lights . Retrieved November 25, 2008.Baltimore Symphony Orchestra website . Retrieved November 25, 2008.
He appeared at the 50th anniversary of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California in April 2005, broadcast worldwide on Hour of Power. He has been a frequent guest since his first appearance in April 2002.IBS intervaith An Easter Celebration from the Crystal Cathedral March 23, 2008 ; Retrieved on December 7, 2008Listing of episode 9/17/06 ; Retrieved on December 7, 2008Santa Barbara Independent David Lacy 9-11 hymn August 22, 2006 ; Retrieved on December 7, 2008cathedral Crystal Cathedral photos, text of 2002 interview; Retrieved on June 14, 2010aol television Episode 05/27/2007; Retrieved on December 7, 2008 In June, he performed his debut with the Boston Pops Orchestra at Symphony Hall. In 2005, he appeared at the West Point Cadet Chapel at the United States Military Academy, New York, performing with the cadets to record "Into the Fire" for the CD/DVD Stand Ye Steady: Songs of Courage and Inspiration. In September of that year, Rodríguez appeared as part of promotion of that CD/DVD on nationally broadcast QVC, performing "Into The Fire".Stand Ye Steady media highlights. Retrieved November 27, 2008.West Point Glee Club website . Retrieved January 6, 2009.The Trades review by R. J. Carter, published July 19, 2005. . Retrieved January 6, 2009.
On September 11, 2006, Rodríguez appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, wherein he performed "Amazing Grace" accompanied by professional pianist, Mike Garson.see Garson on The Tonight Show 9/11 September 2006; Retrieved June 14, 2010. In 2009, Rodriguez performed a number of concerts in tribute to legendary singer, Mario Lanza, on the 50th anniversary of his death. 2009 began a nationwide tour across America, performing in over 110 cites.Lyric Theatre show details; Retrieved on February 21, 2009Singing policeman to open Munster concert series, Times, August 30, 2009; Retrieved on September 7, 2009The Press Dakotan, November 12, 2009; Retrieved on December 1, 2009