Daniel Rodriguez

As it did for all Americans, history intervened for Daniel Rodriguez on September 11, 2001. Like his colleagues, the seven-year veteran of the New York Police Department stepped up in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on America, going above and beyond the call of duty to help restore a sense of stability and community. But Rodriguez had something unique to offer in this difficult time– the magical effect of his remarkable tenor voice. In a matter of days, his stirring a cappella performances 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 fellow Americans. Daniel Rodriguez became “America’s tenor.”

Inspired by the voice of the legendary tenor, Mario Lanza, the Brooklyn native earlier had captured the imagination of the public when former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani introduced him at a New York Yankees game, where he captivated the crowd with his rendition of the National Anthem. The wave of acclaim that greeted his appearances after 9/11 only confirmed that first impression. In the fall of 2001, Rodriguez signed a recording contract with Manhattan Records, a division of Capitol Jazz & Classics. The tenor makes his album debut February 12, 2002 with the release of The Spirit of America, produced by Tom Scott. This follows on the heels of his first single “God Bless America” (with a spoken introduction byformer New York City Mayor Giuliani) and a new song, "We Will Go On.” The single was released on December 11, 2001 on the three-month anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, with proceeds from its sales going to the Twin Towers Fund. Both songs are included on The Spirit of America.

In recent months, Rodriguez has stirred television audiences with appearances on The Today Show, Live with Regis & Kelly, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Late Show With David Letterman, The World Series, and ABC TV’s New Year’s Eve 2002 with Peter Jennings as well as performances on CNN and at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center. Rodriguez also won the admiration of operatic superstar Plácido Domingo, who has invited Rodriguez to study with him at the Washington Opera Company for three months beginning in March 2002.

Rodriguez reached a personal crossroads when he turned 30, and, like many promising singers, needed an income to support his dream. Daniel decided to become a member of the New York Police Department. His vocal talent immediately impressed his superiors. When he and his police academy classmates graduated in March 1996, he was asked to sing the National Anthem at the ceremony in front of two thousand policemen in Madison Square Garden. In addition to his other duties (as a beat patrolman, then later as a police security officer at the Manhattan South precinct), Rodriguez became one of the official singers for the NYPD, performing at departmental retirement parties, groundbreakings and other events, as well as public events, such as singing the National Anthem at a New York Jets-New York Giants football game. Daniel most recently performed at the 2002 Olympics on February 8th in Salt Lake and will perform at the White House on March 4th for President Bush.

An Evening with Daniel Rodriguez