Bio

Born in a small Southeastern Michigan town with only one stoplight, Rod was strategically located to absorb Midwest Rock n Roll, Motown and Blues. His music reveals many musical layers from introspective roots, acoustic flavors, blues, to straight ahead rock n roll. 

Even though he might not be a household name in some circles, his legacy has been built not just with great songs, but also an unrivaled commitment to musical integrity and allegiance to his enthusiastic fan base. His ability to evolve in a constantly changing industry and connections to generations of listening audiences is a testament to his craft. 

It all began at the age of fourteen with a cheap second-hand guitar and amplifier, with some young local players and a desire to write songs. His debut album was released in 1984, and although it didn’t chart, it did put him in front of a larger audience. Two other releases happened in the late 80’s with similar results. Finally in 2004, after writing nearly 500 songs and performing at hundreds of small venues in several states, the album, “All American Blues”, was released to great reviews. Showcasing the title track, as well as, the swamp rocker, “Two Shoed Boogie” and a cover of Muddy Waters, “Hoochie Coochie Man”! 

In 2008, “After The Storm” was released showing all of Rod’s influences including now some country and gospel flavors. The radio friendly, “Close To You: and the solemn rock ballad, “ Bring You Back Home” have become standards. 

With the release of , “Guilty Of The Blues” in 2014 his status as a fine song craftsman was confirmed. “Black Widow”, “I-75 Highway Blues”, & the title song “Guilty Of The Blues” were all top ten songs on roots and blues radio charts. 

2017 saw the release of “Delta Time” which showcased several unique musical textures with radio charting “Life Of A Bluesman” and the title song, “Delta Time” taking us to the Mississippi Delta. Included on this album was the country rocker, “When I Loved You”, that rose to #1 on the APD Country Radio Chart. 

Even Covid couldn’t stop the 2020 release, “Long Road Back to Eden”, from producing four radio songs with, “Kentucky Mojo”, “Reverend Jones”, “Florida Shore”, and the title track “Long Road Back to Eden” all charting. 

In 2021, he teamed up with two-time Grammy Award Winner, Kevin McKendree to release, “Homebound Blues”, about the pandemic. It became another of Rod’s songs to chart. 

In November of 2022, he released the Holiday song, “It’s Christmas”, as well as the re-release of some previous songs, he finished the month at #3 for all Blues, R & B, and jazz radio charts. 

When asked about his legacy Rod states, “I’m an American artist writing & playing American music.” “It all starts with a good work ethic and surrounding yourself with good people.” The music is an honest representation of whatever I happen to be working on at the time.” “My roots influence always come out, you always return to who you really are!” “My legacy is a testament to the quality of the songs and that they have something that resonates with people!” “I believe I have been relevant and that my music is relatable.” “I never take that for granted, that is why I continue to make new music. I am hopeful about the future!” 

Rod’s music has been called, “Eric Clapton meets Bob Seger at Muddy Waters’ house.” But those who try to pigeon-hole his music will be left scratching their heads. Always a blues rocker at heart, his music also has shades of Soul, Motown, Rock, Gospel and Roots influence. 

He has shared the stage or recorded with members of The Allman brothers, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Bob Seger, Stevie Nicks, Delbert McClinton, Robert Cray, Cher & The Temptations, just to name a few. 

His list of awards & accolades are just as impressive. 

2023--Inducted into the Akademia Music Awards Hall of Fame, Los Angeles, CA. 

2023 -- Rampage Music Award for Best Blues Song, " Homebound Blues"

2022—2 Fairplay Red Carpet Awards (Europe/Netherlands) 

             Most Appreciated Artist of the Year (All Genres) 

             Best Original Rock Song, “Kentucky Mojo” 

2022---Academia Award for Best Blues Song, “Homebound Blues”, July 2022 

2021—World Songwriting Award Finalist for Best Blues song, “Homebound Blues”. 

Josie Music Award Nomination: Song of the Year, “Homebound Blues” and Guitar Player of the Year 

2020---“Artist of the Year”, Josie Music Awards 

2019---“Entertainer of the Year”, Josie Music Awards 

2018---“Blues Group of the Year”, Josie Music Awards 

Global Music Awards—Silver Medal Winner for the album, “Delta Time” 

2017---Nominated for “Blues Artist of the Year”, Josie Music Awards. In the month of September, “When I Loved You” was the #1 downloaded song for Country Radio. 

2009---Grindie Music Award for the album, “After the Storm: 

Rod and his band bring a dynamic, high energy live show to every stage they perform on. 

Contact info: Email: lightninrod@lightnin-rod.com, 517-403-7609

3 Time Josie Award Winner