Theodis Rodgers Jr

Theodis Rodgers Jr. is an acclaimed American jazz pianist, multi-keyboardist, composer, and music director from Chicago, Illinois. With a career spanning more than five decades, he has established himself as one of Chicago's most versatile and respected musical figures, working across jazz, R&B, funk, gospel, theater, television, and film. He is a proud member of the Hammond Organ Family of Artists.

Rodgers began his professional career early, landing his first music director role at just 20 years old when he directed Curtis Mayfield's 1980 tour. He went on to serve as music director and keyboardist for a remarkable roster of legendary artists, including Patti LaBelle, Angela Bofill, Jennifer Holliday, Sarah Vaughan, Ramsey Lewis, Freddie Hubbard, The Emotions, The Chi-Lites, The Manhattans, The Dells, Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, and Dennis DeYoung. He also spent more than 20 years as music director for the Ebony Fashion Fair, and has toured as pianist and conductor for Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show.

His film credits include a cameo alongside Sheena Easton in Indecent Proposal and co-writing the score for A Family Thing, starring Robert Duvall and James Earl Jones. His theatrical work as musical director and/or pianist spans productions including Dreamgirls and Jesus Christ Superstar, and he recently served as Associate Music Director for Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical Show at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace (2024).

An internationally seasoned performer, Rodgers has toured Russia with vocalist Tecora Rogers and the Chicago Spirituals, and in 2012 lived and performed in Beijing, China, where he also conducted master classes at the Beijing Contemporary Music Institute. His organ trio's appearance at the 2023 Chicago Jazz Festival stood as a landmark moment in a storied career.

In April 2026, Rodgers played a central role in Chicago's International Jazz Day celebrations — the city's first year as UNESCO's Global Host City. He curated and headlined a Hammond Organ Summit at the Haven Entertainment Center on 43rd Street, alongside organists Justin Dillard and Lloyd Wilson, as part of the citywide Neighborhood Jazz Club Tour. Later that week, his quartet performed at the Little Black Pearl Art Academy as part of Neighborhood Jazz Night, a tribute to jazz legends Ramsey Lewis and Herbie Hancock.

Rodgers also served as keyboardist for safronia, the world premiere opera by Chicago's first Poet Laureate, avery r. young, presented at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in April 2026 — a groundbreaking work blending blues, gospel, and funk that placed the Great Migration center stage.

Rodgers is set to serve as Music Director for Play On!, a major revival of the Tony-nominated musical retelling Shakespeare's Twelfth Night through the timeless jazz tunes of Duke Ellington, running September 18 – October 18, 2026, at Chicago Shakespeare Theater as part of the venue's 40th Anniversary Season.

Mr. Rodgers continues to perform regularly in Chicago and travels internationally with his piano and organ jazz trio. His album Hot Jazz is available on all streaming platforms.