Rod MacDonald is a professional singer/songwriter of contemporary music with more than 30 years' experience, was a major figure in the Greenwich Village folk revival in the 80s, and remains a vital force in the folk community.
Raised in a small Connecticut town, Rod graduated from the University of Virginia followed by Columbia Law University. During his final year at Columbia, he struggled with the decision of choosing between a career in journalism or a career in music. The business world was not an option, and subsequently Rod realized that music was his passion and his background in journalism would be an invaluable asset.
Influenced by early Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and others of that genre, and drawing on his experiences in law, journalism and music, Rod's balladeer style artfully wove together journalistically insightful lyrics and poetic imagery to form compelling, entertaining, thought-provoking -and often deliciously satirical commentaries on numerous topics. Rod became one of the most highly recognized songwriters in the area, performing at The Bottom Line, Speakeasy and other well-known venues. He co-founded the Greenwich Village Folk Festival, became very involved in the Cornelia St. Exchange, a collaboration of singer/songwriters, released his first cd, ""No Commercial Traffic"", and was the first American folk singer to tour the newly liberated Chech Republic.
""...an ambitious, daring writer, creating catchy songs rich with ideas...a creator classics."" (The Boston Herald)
His 2nd release, ""White Buffalo"", featuring the title song and legendary medicine man of the Oglala Sioux, Frank Fool's Crow, on the cover, was heralded as ""one of the towering achievements in modern folk music. You may have never heard the title track, but you'll feel as if you have. It's a memorable song from a gifted artist."" (The Boston Herald/Dan Gephart)
Frequently entwining a fine thread of spirituality into his more serious topics, much of Rod's music embraces his obvious passion and personal commitment to communicating political and social events that effect and shape our world's societies.
""one of the preeminent folk musicians of his time, rivaling the likes of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen."" The Tampa Tribune
In 1995, Rod decided to move to south Florida to help take care of his father, whose health was declining. After many years criss-crossing the country and abroad, Rod wanted to share his father's remaining years.
Regularly appearing at festivals, clubs and concert venues, he was named 2001's ""Best Local Acoustic Performer"" in Broward and Palm Beach counties by New Times, and in 2002, one of the ""Ten Magnificent Musicians of Palm Beach County"" by the Palm Beach Post.
Rod's 2003 release, ""Recognition"", included the thought-provoking song, ""My Neighbors In Delray"" a contemplative commentary about how easily the 911 terrorists housed in Delray Beach, only blocks away from his home, were able to so unobtrusively blend into the south Florida culture and lifestyle-all the while plotting their subversive activities. The song earned a Top Folk Finalist award in the 2003 USA Songwriting Competition.
Although Rod has 28 of his original songs in the Smithsonian Folkways collection, it may be a misnomer to tag him as a ""folk singer."" His material is eclectic and covers many different musical styles and genres. His songs are fiercely original and express his views and opinions, but he is non-judgmental in that he prompts his audiences to come to their own conclusions. His advanced guitar technique, unwaveringly crystal clear voice, and positive attitude separate him from legions of other singer/songwriters-past and present.
In addition to maintaining an aggressive touring schedule in North America and abroad, Rod enjoys conducting 8-week lecture series and performance lectures at several Florida Atlantic University locations through FAU's Lifelong Learning Society. He also periodically conducts ""Songwriting for Self-Expression"", a self-styled 8-week workshop series which has received excellent reviews from both the media and his students.
Currently finishing work on his 9th cd, Rod says sinply, ""something to touch your heart .. something to awaken your spirit .. something to tickle your funny bone .. something to make you a little more conscious of your role in life. All of this sounds very serious, but it's really what I feel my job is.""
Calling Rod MacDonald a ""folk singer"" may be ""way to 60's for someone of Rod's stature...let's call him a mobile renaissance man who tells stories in song.""(Rick Grant-2008 Review)
Rod MacDonald is represented by LJ McCormack Agency
Ph: (770) 607-8189 * laurie@ljmccormackagency.com
ljmccormackagency.com
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Charlie Thomas
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10/25/2008 10:06:52 PM
Alright, i've been meaning to get back here and see if you added some more for quite some time now and boy was it worth the wait for your latest - awesome tune man - write on man, telling it like it is!!!
T Bone
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Cat Ize
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9/20/2008 9:39:45 PM
Welcome to The Peaceful Revolution brother
Nice tune!
Peace,
cat
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