Greenville, South Carolina (Top40 Charts/ Chocolate
Thunder Official Website) - Aretha Franklin. Tina Turner. Etta James.
Linda Rodney! Linda, who performs under the name of Chocolate Thunder, is determined to reach the success levels of these blues, rock, jazz, and R&B divas, and with her amazing voice and dynamic stage presence, her destiny is written in the stars.
Beginning on April 10, 2009, the thunder will roar as diva Linda Rodney aka Chocolate Thunder brings her blues/jazz/R&B music show to numerous venues and festivals in South Caronlina and Tennessee. These initial tourdates are setting the stage for the release of Rodney's sophomore CD slated for sometime in May, 2009.
Current tourdates include
April 10, 2009 Burgundy Blues and Jazz Anderson, SC 9PM
May 1, 2009 International Dogwood Festival Winchester, TN 7:15PM
May 2, 2009 Black Cowboy Festival Rembert, SC 8PM
May 7, 2009 Anderson Courthouse Square Anderson, SC 6PM
May 9, 2009 South Carolina Poultry Festival Leesville, SC 8PM
June 26, 2009 Hyatt Regency Hotel Plaza Deck Greenville, SC 6PM
More Tourdates TBA. Check web sites for updates.
Born and living in Greenville, South Carolina, Linda traveled the paths in her music career through the "College of Hard Knocks". "That is why I sing the blues," she affirms. At a very young age, Linda was immersed in the music her parents, grandparents, other relatives, and friends listened to, ranging from Patti LaBelle and Shirley Cesar to Muddy Waters and the Grand Dame of rockin' soul Aretha Franklin. The church mentored the young Linda while she polished her vocal prowess singing with the children's choir, and wowed church parishioners with her powerful and mature vocal capabilities.
Linda's career has always involved performing on stage. She acted for several years while on the roster of JTA Talent in nearby Charlotte, NC, and also modeled for eight years with the Millie Lewis Agency in Greenville, SC. But Linda's first love was always music, particularly the blues. "You see, I not only can sing the blues, but I also know why we sing it," is the credo that Linda emulates through her moving performances.
After expanding her vocal skills training with opera singer Sarah Reece, she hit the club, festival and event markets in South Carolina, crossed the continent to perform in California, and traveled overseas to perform in Paris, France. Linda's music career is filled with treasures including performing with numerous bands such as the Main Street Blues Band, Palmetto Blues Boys, and the Blues Beat Band. Eventually, Linda stepped out on her own and formed her own band, performing under the moniker Chocolate Thunder. Over the years, she has shared the stage and opened for legendary artists including Little Pink Anderson, Elmore James, Jr., Sandra Hall, and B.B. King. People began to notice Linda, not just for her sonic but soulful voice, but for her incredible stage presence. "Every show I give 100% no matter what," she says. "I want to present myself as being professional, fun, and self-assured."
In 2007, Linda entered the studio to record her own tunes as a result of numerous fan requests. Although it can be difficult to write truly original blues songs, Linda flawlessly succeeds as evidenced on her debut CD release "Barkin' Up the Wrong Tree." The demand for Linda's music continues to grow and she is currently readying her sophomore CD for the masses with an anticipated release date planned for May, 2009. Linda will be touring at festivals and venues to support her new musical calling card. "I love to give it all I got. In the past years of pursuing my career in singing the blues, it has been a beautiful and unforgettable ride."
Chocolate Thunder (The Southern Wonder)
https://www.cthunder.com
https://www.myspace.com/chocolatethunder1
See Chocolate Thunder on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrRdRQky68c
