Daniel Rodriguez
New York City Officer's Rise To Fame
(May 16, 2010, 2:00 pm)Former New York City police officer, Daniel Rodriguez has experienced a meteoric rise to fame. He was one of his department’s designated anthem singers on September 11, 2001, when fate intervened -- he rendered a capella performances of “God Bless America” and the National Anthem that proved far greater than a patriotic gesture. Ringing, heartfelt and beautiful, his performance stirred the hearts of the entire nation.
Since then, he has performed at venues ranging from 2002 Winter Olympics, to Disneyland, to The White House. A pillar of courage and faith, Daniel Rodriguez is truly an inspiration, who freely shares his deep appreciation for life, God and country.
Daniel Rodriguez, “America’s Beloved Tenor’s", third CD, “In the Presence”, Blix Street Records, showcases his rich, warm tenor voice on traditional spiritual and church songs. Selections include “American
Hymn”, “How Great Thou Art”, and two duets with Tony award winner, Lea Salonga; “Panis Angelicus” and “Pie Jesu”.
Daniel’s first album, “Spirit of America.” Manhattan Records, went #1 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart and his second CD, “From My Heart,” is a collection of richly contrasting love songs, inspired by the legendary American tenor Mario Lanza.
Faith has guided Daniel, whose rise has been a meteoric one for a young man who as a New York Police officer became one of the department’s official singers. History intervened for the now retired (June 2004) NYPD officer on September 11, 2001. His stirring a capella performance of “God Bless America” and the National Anthem seemed to be something far greater than graceful patriotic gestures. Ringing, heartfelt and beautiful, these songs became transcendent statements of solidarity, determination and hope that galvanized his fellow New Yorkers and Americans.
He has performed around the world including the 202 Winter Olympics and other sporting events. He starred in the PBS Memorial Day concert in Washington D.C. His stirring rendition of “America” has moved audiences at such diverse venues as Disneyland and the “Celebration of Freedom” Inauguration concert January 2005. He has sung for President Bush on numerous occasions during both terms and USO events.
The USO, Metropolitan Washington, presented Daniel with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The flag for his presentation was flown over Camp Freedom Iraq in Daniel’s honor and then flown to Washington for the March Awards Dinner.
With three CD’s under his belt, Daniel is looking to the future with the same inquisitive optimism that has brought him to this point. His goals include the Broadway stage, opera and acting. “I don’t want to limit myself”, he says. “For me, life is an experience, life is a ride; you can’t say I’m going to take this road, and that’s it.’ Life has twists and turns, and you have to be able to navigate through them. Always consult your higher power. And let yourself be led too. People say ‘What do you want to do? And I say, ‘Well, God knows what I’ll be doing. I just kind of follow the signs. There have always been doors that open for me, and it’s having the courage to walk through them and experience what’s behind them that has made life interesting and has gotten me where I am. It’s about enjoying the ride.”
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