Rodney Jerkins: Dream The Impossible Dream | E53

Rodney Jerkins is one of the most successful music producers of all time – he has worked with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.He has been nominated for 18 Grammy Awards and has won 2 – for the Record of the Year and Best R&B song. He is also an incredible songwriter and musician. His journey to excellence is incredible so tune in to hear more!(00:00) Rodney’s backgroundBorn in Pomona, New Jersey (Dad was a pastor, mom a housekeeper)Rodney is the fourth childHis mom was very sick while pregnant with himMom worked for wealthy familiesListening to rap music in secretAt 10, he decided to be a producerAt 13, started making and selling songs to local artistsDad became his managerRodney was forced to play the piano(10:52) Never stop dreaming, never stop believingAt 11, he started working and saving for Akai MPC 60Went with his dad to a sellerRodney copied the manual and read it every day (Rodney's dad realized his talent and broke his insurance policy to and bought him a machine)The visit to Toledo, Ohio that changed Rodney's life foreverRodney was blown away and inspiredNever stop dreaming, never stop believingAs a child, Rodney wanted to work with Michael JacksonDream the impossible dream40-day family road trip(27:20) From washing dishes to working with James JonesSaving to buy the equipmentAt 10, he asked for a job at local dinner (washing dishes)Went to a mall and asked for a job at Foot Locker (Dug Smith let him stock the shelves)At 15, went to ManhattanJames Jones from Uptown records (Rodney sent him a tape with a letter – James LOVED the music)James Jones calls him to come to New York and work with himAt 16, dropped out of school and went to New York (Rodney's dad allowed him to go after his dreams) (38:42) The biggest deal is not always the best dealAt 17, offered a 1.8 million dollars contract from EMIAt the same time, a 2.2 million dollar offer from SonyClosed the deal with Brian Jackson (bigger money doesn’t mean a better deal)Rodney bought his mother a car and a house for his parents at 17 years oldWanted to be a blessing to themThe story about Randall’s grandmother(50:04) Strike while the iron is hotDoing local demos in South JerseyA group hired him to make a demo for the Impact music convention (playing music for Teddy Riley)Drove 6 hours to Future Recording Studios in Virginia BeachInvitation to come and learn during the summerThe internship is very important for successHaving interns and giving them a chanceThe right mentor is essentialRandall’s experience with internsAdvice to internsAbout Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution.Coaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X