When he hears himself described as a “popular national recording artist,” Rodnie Bryant responds with a bashful smile and looks around the room, pretending to see if those words are being used to describe someone else.
“Popular and national? If you say so,” he says, laughing.
Bryant’s humility might be appreciated, but his success in the gospel recording industry cannot be denied.
An Indianapolis native, Bryant has been in involved in the music scene for over 30 years as a director, producer and music arranger. He is best known as founder and director of The Christian Community Mass Choir, which has achieved major success since the late ‘90s with albums such as “He’s a Keepa’,” “My Father’s Business” and “Change of Seasons.” The group toured nationally with headliners such as Karen Clark-Sheard, Ricky Dillard and Donald Lawrence.
As a director, Bryant has led the Indiana University Voices of Hope, the Indianapolis Symphony Choir and the Gospel Day celebration for the Indiana State Fair.
He has also introduced well-known gospel ensembles such as the singers Yet Unseen, dance group Krash Krew and Indy’s Youth Gospel Music Camp Choir. In addition, he has been nominated for Grammy, Stellar and Soul Train Awards, and has won the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Excellence Award.
“I’m thankful that God has shown favor on my ministry and allowed it to inspire people over the years,” Bryant said.
Known affectionately by many of his peers as “the musician’s musician,” Bryant’s season of success is far from over, judging by the busy itinerary he must maintain and the series of projects he has on the radar this year.
He stays busy with his involvement in programs that benefit community organizations such as the recent Spring Sing Gospel Concert fundraiser for kids hosted by the Indiana Foster Care and Adoption Association.
Next week he will join the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir in presenting the Celebration of Gospel festival at the Madame Walker Theatre.
Featuring a variety of classic, traditional and contemporary selections, the event will be structured as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and an opportunity to build unity through song.
“He enjoyed all of the great gospel singers of his day, and we believe this event will provide a great representation of the faith he exemplified in his life,” Bryant said. “This is also a concert for the entire city, and we will have a 100-voice choir made up of people from churches all over the community.”
Anyone who would like to be part of the community choir is invited to come to rehearsal this Sunday, Jan. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Walker Theatre, 617 Indiana Ave.
“All you have to do is show up,” Bryant added.
Also featured during the evening will be the Broad Ripple High School Gospel Choir.
Michael Pettry, executive director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, agreed that the concertwill be a great way to honor King’s legacy.
“It will include a range of gospel standards and more current songs that will appeal to people of all ages,” Pettry said. “This is really an event not to be missed if you enjoy gospel music.”
Pettry added that he and the symphonic choir are also excited about working with Bryant.
“Rodnie is one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever known,” he said. “His talent is legendary, but he is also a truly great person.”
In addition to the musical collaborations he has planned for this year, Bryant is also getting used to performing in a new prestigious capacity. He was recently elected representative (director) of the Indianapolis Metro Chapter of the GMWA.
Established in 1967 by the late gospel icons Rev. James Cleveland and Albertina Walker, the GMWA is often recognized as the premiere international gospel music organization, with tens of thousands of members and chapters in most states, Europe, the Caribbean and Asia. The organization is best known for its annual conventions, which are held in different cities and draw an average of 15,000 to 20,000 to workshops and performances.
It is believed that about 75 percent of songs that appear on Billboard’s gospel chart are written, produced or performed by GMWA members.
Bryant would like to see the GMWA have more of an impact here by developing local gospel talent. Among other activities, the Indianapolis chapter will host open workshop and rehearsals for local artists during the last weekend of every month. Each workshop will be hosted at a different church.
The first will take place from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29 at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, 4050 Millersville Road.
Bryant says the sessions will be informational and developmental.
“We would like to see the GMWA have a stronger presence in the Indianapolis community,” he said. “One important way to reach that goal is by engaging the youth and giving new artists an opportunity to share their gifts.”
For more information about the Indianapolis Metro Chapter of the GMWA, call (317) 500-GMWA, send an email to indychapterGMWA@gmail.com or visit IndyChapterGMWA on Facebook.
