User:Rodtalks/Rodney saulsberry

Rodney Saulsberry (born July 11, 1956) is an American voice-over artist, actor, singer and author. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate is one of the top voice-over talents in the country and he became a bestselling author with the release of his first book, You Can Bank on Your Voice: Your Guide to a Successful Career in Voice-Over’s, and his latest book, Step Up to the Mic: A Positive Approach to Succeeding in Voice-Over’s.

Family background

His father, Thomas Saulsberry Jr. was a singer in a group called the Downbeats on the Motown label. His mother, Dorothy Saulsberry worked for General Motors. He is married to Helen Saulsberry with whom he has one daughter, Traci Alexis Saulsberry. He also has two siblings, Thomas Saulsberry III and Teri Hayman.

Voice-Over career

Saulsberry’s distinctive announcers voice is literally everywhere. He has announced promos for the ABC hit Dancing With The Stars, and the ABC critically acclaimed Charlie Brown Christmas Specials. The Grammy Awards and the Country Music Awards for CBS. He has also been the in show announcer for the 34th NAACP Image Awards and the Essence Awards specials on FOX Television. Movie fans have heard Rodney’s voice on several trailers promoting some of their favorite films that include, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Tupac Resurrection, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Friday After Next, Drumline, Undercover Brother, The Best Man, Dumb & Dumberer, Finding Forrester, Soul Food, Crooklyn, and many more. Black Enterprise Magazine called Saulsberry: “The voice of choice for behind-the-scenes-narration.” Saulsberry is the voice of Twix Candy Bars, Zatarain's, and Instant Tax Service. Other commercial campaigns include, Verizon, White Castle, 7UP, Burger King, Pine Sol, and Domino’s Pizza. He can also be heard reading the audio books I Want to Tell You (OJ Simpson) and Raging Heart (Sheila Weller) as well as narrating the critically acclaimed, Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar and E! Entertainments True Hollywood Story, about Motown R&B singer, Marvin Gaye. Animation is another strong suit for this versatile voice actor. Saulsberry is the voice of Heavy Duty in the new G. I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra Video Game, Joe Robbie Robertson on the hit cartoon series Spider-Man and James Rhodey Rhodes in the animated feature film, The Invincible Iron Man. Chyron in the Animatrix, and Fasto on the Adult Swim cartoon, Minoriteam.

To perfect his craft, Saulsberry is no stranger to hard work. In an interview with Black Enterprise Magazine, he said: “At breakfast, I read cereal boxes out loud. Driving down the street, I read street signs. I listen to news radio and repeat word for word what’s being said. I vocalize as if I were going to sing. And when I’m watching trailers in the theater, I’m repeating it all quietly.”

Music career

Talking is not the only way this crooner has used his instrument. Rodney lent his melodious baritone singing voice to a jubilant ensemble of background singers on a spirited recording of Hakuna Matata on The Lion King soundtrack. He continued his animation musical journey singing on two numbers from The Prince of Egypt soundtrack, When You Believe and Playing With The Big Boys. As a soloist, he has recorded three rhythm and blues albums that have produced two Billboard charting singles, I Wonder and Look Whatcha Done Now. He has performed on Soul Train. His music videos have played in heavy rotation on VH1 and BET.

Discography

2009: Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar 2008: Better Than Before—Rodney Saulsberry-- Album 1998: Prince of Egypt—Hans Zimmer—Movie Soundtrack 1995: TTD’s Vibrator-- Terence Trent D’ Arby 1994: The Lion King—Hans Zimmer—Movie Soundtrack 1994: I’ll Do Anything—Hans Zimmer—Movie Soundtrack 1993: Lea Salonga--Album 1992: A Very Special Christmas—David Foster 1992: Love Doesn’t Matter—Night and the City—Movie Soundtrack 1987: Who Do You Love—Rodney Saulsberry-- Single 1984: Rodney Saulsberry-- Album

Acting career

Saulsberry first set foot on west coast soil when he came to town with a national touring company of Your Arms Too Short To Box With God after a successful Broadway run. The musical was an instant hit in the Los Angeles area and led to an illustrious television acting career for Rodney that included guest starring roles on Taxi, Mash, Gimme a Break, 227, Hill Street Blues and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. He also enjoyed series regular status on the soap opera, Capitol and a recurring role on The Young and the Restless. Saulsberry played the lead role of Grady Fliggins in the Oscar winning short film, Violet, 1981. Most recently he has appeared on episodes of Monk and Without a Trace.

Filmography

2011: Beginners 2009: Michael Jackson Life of a Superstar 2007: The Comebacks 2007: The Invincible Iron Man 2004: The Old Negro Space Program 1989: Tango and Cash 1984: The Philadelphia Experiment 1981: Violet

Broadway

The First [Original, Musical] Dates of Production Nov 17, 1981 - Dec 12, 1981 Performer: Rodney Saulsberry [Minister]; Understudy: Rodney Saulsberry [Jackie Robinson]

Bibliography You Can Bank on Your Voice: Your Guide to a Successful Career in Voice-Overs (ISBN 978-0974767802)

Step Up to the Mic: A Positive Approach to Succeeding in Voice-Over’s (ISBN 978-0974767895}

EXTERNAL LINKS

Official Website Rodney Saulsberry at the Internet Movie Database The Voice-Over Biz with Rodney Saulsberry on NPR

Today, Rodney and his wife Helen live in Agoura Hills, California. Rodney is an avid golfer.