Buffalo, NY native Rod Bonner has been destined for a career in music from an early age. Classically trained at the age of 4, and a homegrown product of his church, Rod began his illustrious music career in middle and high school, participating in all bands and receiving a number of musical achievement awards. However, Rod’s true passion for music and desire for his own musical voice began when he was introduced to the genres of Jazz, R&B, Funk and Neo-Soul. These addictive styles ignited a flame that has guided Rod’s 20+ year music career, both as a touring musician, producer, and solo artist.
Since the tender age of 17, Rod has had the privilege to not only tour with 3-time Grammy Nominated Saxophonist Najee, but to also hold the position of Najee's musical director over his 11 year tenure. Rod has had the opportunity to travel the world with Najee, as well as songwriter/singer Will Downing, and to perform with various artists including Pieces of A Dream, Noel Gourdin, Alissia Benveniste, Jon B, H-Town, Alex Bugnon, Phil Perry, Meshell Ndegeocello, Meli’sa Morgan, The Voice’s own Cami Clune, American electronic producer and DJ, Grabbitz, and Howard Hewitt (just to name a few). Rod's impressive touring resume has allowed him to obtain the knowledge, experience, and maturity necessary to excel in almost any role in the ever-changing music industry.
Recently, he was given the opportunity to be a part of national recording artist Doja Cat’s Grammy performance in which he played talk box, which was an electrifying and memorable experience. Throughout his 11 years of touring, Rod earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Business at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. There, he embedded himself in the study of performance through ensembles, master classes, recordings, and even traveling to represent the school.
An incredible producer and writer, Rod’s production style and credits have formed a vast catalog that far exceeds his age. He is currently on two albums nominated for an NAACP Image Award for production in the genre of “Best Smooth Jazz Album,” and has production credits for gospel artist Alexis Spight’s first single, “Steady,” which topped gospel charts and even received recognition on BET’s “106 & Park.” One of his recent accomplishments was co-producing a song entitled “Focus” off K-Pop super-group NCT 127’s latest album, “Sticker.” The album set records when it went double platinum in one day and is still breaking the charts with numerous #1 accolades across various categories. Rod has recorded countless live albums, singles, and features throughout a wide span of genres, proving that he was born to create, whether on a stage or in a studio.
Over the past 3 years, he has performed as a contemporary R&B and smooth jazz pianist and has even made a reputable name as a Talk box artist. Rod has recently formed his own unit, self entitled "Rod Bonner" which highlights the roots of funk, R&B, neo-soul, and jazz and is currently a recording engineer out of the world renowned studio "GCR Audio" owned by Buffalo's own "The Goo Goo Dolls" working with some of Buffalo's up and coming artists and creatives.
