Origin Artist

Visionary vocalist, Rockelle Whitaker, immersed since infancy in the music mecca known as Motown and the daughter of world renowned bassist, Rodney Whitaker, has Jazz deeply entrenched in her lineage, heart, and soul. At the age of 3, she embraced fell in love and became enchanted with the luminous idea that one day she would become a soul singing sister. Rockelle attended Michigan State University Jazz Studies program and performed with world renowned Jazz Orchestra I. To broaden her musical artistic expressions and develop vocal facility, Ms. Whitaker became a lead member of a church choir song and praise team. While rooted in gospel, blues and jazz, Ms. Whitaker expanded her talents and has recently instituted a song writing business for Jazz, R&B, and Alternative Music artists. Performing at several festivals nationally and internationally such as, Detroit Jazz Festival, Taichung Jazz Festival, Czech Jazz Festival, Cotton Club-Japan as well as national premier jazz clubs including Baker's Keyboard Lounge, The Dirty Dog Jazz Café, and Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola she has collaborated with artists such as: Greg Hutchinson, Antonio Hart, Wycliffe Gordon, Terrell Stafford, Bruce Barth, Randy Gillespie, Wes "Warmdaddy" Anderson, Rick Roe, Marcus Printup, Carl Allen, Rodney Whitaker, Chris Crenshaw, Victor Goines, Diego Rivera, Cyrus Chestnut, Rodney Green, and a host of other musicians. Ms. Whitaker conducts Master classes, participates in Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz for Young People School shows, vocal workshops, and large private vocal studio. Rockelle is most recently featured on several recording projects with Rodney Whitaker. While she can set the mood with a lush ballad or rock the house with a bebop or blues tune; her versatility, power and soulfulness showcases her passion for the craft, vocal range, the ability to transcend through any genre, and her signature sound.

RECORDINGS FEATURING Rockelle Fortin

Rodney Whitaker

Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill

Origin 82860

Rodney Whitaker

Common Ground: The Music of Gregg Hill

Origin 82780