(February 6, 2023) America’s deep south has long since been a well-spring of the most moving soul and R&B. Petersburg, VA’s Rodney Stith adds his name to that long list of soul savants with “Heaven’s Door”, from the album The Soul Chronicles of Rodney Stith.
Rodney’s journey began while singing in his church’s choir and many Gospel groups during his youth. Thanks to the teachings of his uncle and grandfather, Stith soon mastered the guitar and piano. He’s a multiple award winning artist of the Grand Jury of Music at the Richmond International Film and Music Festival and a Critics Choice Award winner.
(February 6, 2023) America’s deep south has long since been a well-spring of the most moving soul and R&B. Petersburg, VA’s Rodney Stith adds his name to that long list of soul savants with “Heaven’s Door”, from the album The Soul Chronicles of Rodney Stith.
Rodney’s journey began while singing in his church’s choir and many Gospel groups during his youth. Thanks to the teachings of his uncle and grandfather, Stith soon mastered the guitar and piano. He’s a multiple award winning artist of the Grand Jury of Music at the Richmond International Film and Music Festival and a Critics Choice Award winner.
“Heaven’s Door” harkens back to the era of 1970’s classic soul from the moment the Hammond B-3 organ, horns and backing vocals are heard. Then comes Rodney with his smooth, smoky voice. The slow burner of a ballad tells the story of a lover who is seeking serenity with another. Rodney expresses his love in a laid-back but grooving style. This writer digs the sly paraphrasing reference to Tavares’ “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” within the chorus (“….heaven’s missing one of its angels…”)
The track and album is available via the DSG platform. Had this been a circa 1972 release, “Heaven’s Door” would have had Hi Records making a phone call to Rodney. It’s that good.
By Kevin Goins
Rodney Stith - "Heaven's Door"