Home » Jazz Musicians » Melinda Rose Rodriguez

Melinda Rose Rodriguez

At just 28 years old, Melinda Rose Rodriguez has already established herself as a rising star in the jazz world. She began her professional music journey at The New England Conservatory of Music and completed her degree with distinction at Florida International University under the guidance of Dr. Lisanne Lyons. Since high school, Melinda has been honored with four Downbeat Music Awards and two YoungArts awards.

Her performance credits are extensive, including appearances at the Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, Litchfield Jazz Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival, and international venues in Bermuda, Japan, and Puerto Rico. Melinda has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Michael Feinstein, Fred Hersch, Cyrille Aimee, and Jane Monheit, and has frequently collaborated with jazz luminary Kevin Mahogany.

In early 2019, Melinda secured first place in the International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition held in Washington, D.C. and debuted with the Legendary Count Basie Jazz Orchestra. Her teaching experience includes roles as a teaching artist at the University of Illinois, Millikin University, and Illinois Wesleyan University while pursuing her master's degree in performance.

2020 marked a milestone with her performances at iconic venues like Birdland Jazz Club in New York City and Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago. She also won the Ben Tucker Jazz Award and the Johnny Mercer Award at the American Traditions Vocal Competition in Savannah, GA. Melinda appeared on Season 17 of NBC's "The Voice," where she collaborated closely with Kelly Clarkson.

Post-pandemic, she was honored with the People's Choice Award at the 2022 American Traditions Vocal Competition and debuted with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, Melinda made history as the first commercial vocalist for the US Army Blues Big Band, a unique role within The United States Army Band’s 51-year history.

Melinda was also a finalist and fourth place winner at the 2024 American Traditions Vocal Competition. In June 2023, she recorded her debut album, I'm On My Way, featuring a blend of original compositions and jazz standards. Released in July 2024, the album has garnered widespread acclaim.

Awards

1st Place winner in the International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition

2 time Ben Tucker Jazz award in The American Traditions Vocal Competition 2020 & 2024

Johnny Mercer award winner in The American Traditions Vocal Competition 2020

Peoples Choice Award winner The American Traditions Vocal Competition 2022

4th Place winner in The American Traditions Vocal Competition 2024

4 time Downbeat student music award winner for Outstanding Soloist

Melinda Rose Rodriguez and Frenchy Romero: I'm On My Way

Read "I'm On My Way" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
November 7, 2024

Longtime friends from their Miami days, vocalist Melinda Rose Rodriguez and pianist Frenchy Romero offer their debut collaboration, I'm on My Way. It is a ten-track collection of known fare, as well as original compositions from Rodriguez. The album is a festive musical playground for the two artists, both of whom will be performing in elite U.S. Army Bands in jny: Washington, DC. Curtains rise with “Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," an easy-swinging appetizer with Rodriguez ...

Album Review

Melinda Rose & Frenchy Romero: I'm On My Way

Read "I'm On My Way" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

by Dan Bilawsky
August 22, 2024

A co-led date from vocalist Melinda Rose and pianist Frenchy Romero seemed to be preordained. The two grew up mere blocks away from each other in Miami, connected as teens and bonded immediately over a love for jazz, and developed a strong rapport at a weekly jam session. As their lives moved forward, they stayed in touch and played out during breaks in their undergraduate days, kept the gigging going when they were each in graduate school in Illinois, and ...

Melinda Rose has a gorgeous, pure, velvet yet strong voice that is so refreshing to listen to. Her voice evokes vocal images of Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O'Day but with her own personal styling. - Robert Nicosia Music Man

“A dream.. for any jazz vocalist fan.”- Robert Nicosia Music Man

"As a songwriter, Rodriguez writes melodically, with lyrics very personally connected to her own experience. The selections ... spoke to love’s disappointments, with a twist of wry to be heard, as well as bits of cleverness amidst the youthful angst. In a varied set there was plenty to admire. Rodriguez has been off to a good start."