Rodney Whitaker, a University Distinguished Professor of Jazz Bass and director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University and Carmen Bradford, associate professor of jazz voice both got their start because someone believed in them.
For Whitaker, that someone wasn’t just one, but several influential Detroit jazz musicians in the late 19th century. For Bradford, that someone was jazz legend William “Count” Basie.
These mentors allowed Whitaker and Bradford to grow into the musicians and educators they are today. And now, both are returning the favor by supporting students in MSU’s renown Jazz Studies program as they prepare for their careers in the music industry.
Carmen Bradford: Me and Count Basie
At just 22 years of age, Carmen Bradford was discovered and hired by jazz legend Count Basie. Bradford had to be patient in waiting for the opportunity to sing for Basie — a practical lesson she passes on to her students. But once it arrived, the moment was unforgettable.
“I came off stage and I said, ‘Well, what did you think?’ And he said, ‘I’m going to hire you,’” Bradford said. “Just like that! It was shocking.”
She went on to be the featured vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra for nine years and has continued to perform with them throughout her career. Among dozens of career highlights at top clubs and theaters around the world, one of Bradford’s Grammy nominations is for guitarist and singer George Benson’s album “Big Boss Band.” She and Benson performed their duet “How Do You Keep the Music Playing” on the “Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
Bradford’s solo career flourished with critically acclaimed albums like “Finally Yours,” “With Respect,” and “Home with You.” She has performed and/or recorded with Patti Austin, Tony Bennett, James Brown, Benny Carter, Freddie Cole, Lena Horne, Wynton Marsalis, Willie Nelson, Lou Rawls, Doc Severinsen, Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson and many more. She has performed with multiple symphonies such as Dallas, Detroit and Philadelphia, with upcoming concerts always on the books.
While Bradford previously served on the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, her return to higher education is in large part because of what she saw in the music students at MSU. As a visiting artist, she was able to make multiple trips to East Lansing last year.
“The big bands and jazz orchestras: They blew me away. They truly did. And they are some of the sweetest young people I’ve met in a long time. They made me feel very welcome,” Bradford said. “Out of all the schools that I’ve visited and performed with their big bands — and I’ve been to many — this was an epic experience. It was just lovely.”
Whitaker recruited Bradford to teach full-time at MSU after her experience as a visiting artist in 2023, with the intention of starting an arm of the jazz program focused on vocal music.
“I think it says a lot about Carmen Bradford as a person that, while performing almost nonstop with the top orchestras around the world and singing with the best singers of our times, she is dedicated to bringing up the next generation of musicians the right way,” said Whitaker. “She has the mentoring mindset that defines our program along with the real-world experiences to help students succeed. She is a tremendous addition to our jazz faculty at Michigan State.”
A recipient of the Los Angeles Jazz Society’s Jazz Vocalist Award, Bradford is considered by many as jazz royalty. Her body of work — including a 2024 Grammy Award and four more nominations — displays versatility, technical brilliance and a solid place in jazz history. With a career of more than 40 years filled with performances with top big bands, orchestras and a who’s who of jazz and pop artists, Bradford continues to contribute to the jazz world and will bring that wealth of knowledge to the students of MSU.
“When students work with me, I’m going to push them. And I’m going to encourage them,” she said. I want them to know that all their heart’s desires are in reach — with a little practice, of course.”
Rodney Whitaker: Each one teach one
Growing up in Detroit, Whitaker remembers the mentors who taught him the art of jazz: those who encouraged him to perform with heart, those who instilled confidence and those who taught him he could make a living doing what he loved.
Now, he’s returning the favor as a University Distinguished Professor of Jazz Bass, with the African American proverb, “Each one teach one,” guiding him. The phrase originated in the U.S. during slavery, when African Americans were denied access to education.
“When someone knows something, it’s their responsibility to teach others,” Whitaker said.
Some of Whitaker’s mentees and proteges include:
- Endea Owens, bassist for the house band on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”
- Markus Howell, saxophonist who tours with Michael Bublé
- Luther S. Allison, pianist who was recently featured in the New York Times
- Jocelyn Gould, guitarist who won a Juno Award for Jazz Album of the Year – Solo, and was nominated a second time in 2024. The Juno Awards are the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys."
This success isn’t solitary: Whitaker said the university’s investment in the jazz program — and the community that exists between students and alums — is a major reason why “If you’re living in New York City and tell a musician you studied jazz at MSU, you’ll get to play with them.” It also plays a role in the jazz program finishing in the top three in every competition they’ve entered over the last 20 years.
In September 2024, Whitaker, who is also an internationally renowned recording artist, was elected into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, joining the ranks of artists, scholars, scientists and leaders of one of the oldest learned societies in the United States.
“Professor Whitaker personifies the importance Michigan State places on excellence in arts education and practice, both on campus and off,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “His mentorship of music students and his ambassadorship for jazz mark him as an artist-educator well deserving of this prestigious honor.”
Considered one of the leading bass performers and teachers of the jazz double bass in the nation, Whitaker has toured all over the world with artists such as Diana Krall; Crosby, Stills and Nash; Dizzy Gillespie and more. He also has performed with leading symphony orchestras worldwide. His works have been featured on more than 100 recordings, including two film scores.
Whitaker has presented master classes, clinics and workshops at conferences, universities, festivals and schools. He is a consultant for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and played a key role in the development of the jazz education department for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Ensembles. His former students have gone on to perform with jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Pat Metheny, Count Basie Orchestra and Stefon Harris. In addition to his work as a University Distinguished Professor at MSU, Whitaker is special assistant to the dean’s office in the College of Music, directing the college’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts.
“For over 20 years, Professor Whitaker has grown the jazz program at MSU into one of the finest in the nation, and he has done so with innovation, collaboration and a mentoring philosophy that has enabled graduates to sustain successful music careers while enriching the music community worldwide,” said James Forger, dean of the College of Music.
While Whitaker and Bradford both revel in the success of their students, the thrill of performing also keeps them going. Both will perform in the College of Music’s annual “Jazzy Little Christmas” concert Saturday, Dec. 14. A much-anticipated seasonal favorite, it’s no surprise the show is sold out.