The History: There are very few trendsetters in R&B today; some being Usher, R. Kelly, John Legend, Alicia Keys, etc. Here today lies the dawning of a new artist to stand among the ranks of these remarkable pieces of talent. Born Rodell Denard Jones, Ro was raised in the Greater Washington Area and the suburbs of Maryland. Growing up listening to “Old School” greats like Al Green, Luther Vandross, and Rick James, Ro grew to fall in love with music. During years of going through the foster care system, Ro became accustomed to playing various instruments such a s the bass guitar, drums, and his favorites, the piano and keyboard. In high school, Ro discovered his immense singing abilities and used them to his advantage at various talent shows during the school years. Soon Ro started favoring the music of more recent artists like Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, En Vouge, N2U, Dave Hollister, and Cee-lo Green. Ro has since then created a passion to pursue a music career to add to the collection of “good” music that exists in the world. With refreshingly original lyrics, rolling melody and beats using real instruments rather than looped tracks, and a powerful, smooth, soulful voice, Ro is poised to make his mark on the industry and create a new reality in music, not just R&B.
His Sound: The theme behind Ro's music is that he is trying to create diamond worthy music. The old saying is “diamonds are forever”, so Ro wants to create timeless music that will be refreshing always. He takes traditional ways of doing songs and adds a twist to it, whether by adding a certain instrument or singing a spectacular, but unheard of riff. Ro has a true singer's voice equipped with a great vocal range, the type that can mend your heart and break it at the same time. Ro has been referred to as a one man Dru Hill or Boyz II Men with the piano skills of John Legend and Alicia Keys. He also writes all of his own music along with writing for others, male and female alike. Ro believes in creativity and originality when creating his music and when he feels he can do something himself rather than relying on a sample or an outside source, he does it.
Places He's Performed: American Idol Season 4, Tribute to the troops on Times Square, Famecast.com Top 5 Finals in Austin, TX, the famous S.O.B.'s in NY, Phish Tea Lounge, Amateur Night at The Meeting Place, Republic Gardens, Platinum Night Club, The Fudgery, Concerts for the National Youth Advisory Board, Martini's Lounge, Recession's Lounge, The Italian Inn, Lee's Lounge, Gladys Knight's Chicken & Waffles, various college talent shows, various weddings.
