Daniel Rodriguez Makes Only Oklahoma Appearance at NSU
Daniel Rodriguez, New York City’s “Singing Policeman,” provided comfort to Americans last September with his heartwarming rendition of the national anthem during a televised memorial service at Yankee Stadium. Now Oklahomans will have a unique opportunity to hear Rodriguez’ exquisite tenor voice in concert at Northeastern State University’s Center for the Performing Arts in Tahlequah on Monday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
This special Veterans’ Day commemoration features inspirational songs from Rodriguez’ debut album, “Spirit of America,” including God Bless America, America the Beautiful, and You’ll Never Walk Alone.
“We are thrilled to have a performer of such extraordinary
natural
talent visit our campus on a special occasion like Veterans’ Day,”
said NSU President Larry Williams. “He is living proof that out
of great tragedy come great blessings.”
Rodriguez’ Tahlequah concert will be his only Oklahoma appearance during his promotional tour, said Dr. Kathryn Robinson, Dean of the NSU College of Arts and Letters.
“Daniel Rodriguez is part of America’s healing process. He sings to soothe our souls,” said Robinson. “Right now he is in the beginning stages of being discovered as one of America’s great talents, and we have a rare opportunity to experience firsthand his marvelous gift of voice.”
For Americans, Rodriguez and the heroic sound of his voice have become powerful symbols of America’s strength. Compared to the great tenors Mario Lanza and Caruso, Rodriguez croons with equal ease in four languages, English, Spanish, Italian, and Latin.
This seven-year veteran of the New York Police Department earned public recognition before the September 11 attacks as the designated singer for the NYPD. After the terrorist attacks, he was assigned to ground zero for ten days and then sang at numerous funerals and commemorative ceremonies throughout New York.
His rapid rise to fame began with appearances on Late Night
With David Letterman, Good Morning America, and Live With Regis and Kelly.
His performance on HBO brought him to the attention of Tom Scott, Emmy
Awards musical director, who phoned him ten days after the attack asking
him to perform at the upcoming ceremony. Although the Emmys were
ultimately postponed when the U.S. bombed Afghanistan, Scott approached
Rodriguez about producing a record. Together they recorded God Bless America,
releasing it on Dec. 11, 2001 as a single with proceeds earmarked for
the Twin Towers Fund. His debut album followed in February, and he was
a featured performer at the Winter Olympics and at the White House in
March.
This special Veterans’ Day performance is the perfect entertainment opportunity to capture the patriotic spirit of America in song. Members of military veterans, law enforcement, and firefighter organizations will find this evening particularly inspirational as will patriotic Americans of all ages and walks of life.
Tickets for the Daniel Rodriguez concert at NSU are priced at $25, $35, and $50. To make reservations or for more information, call the NSU Central Ticket Office at 918.458.2323.