Roddy Chong is a remarkably accomplished Asian American artist who has performed as a band member, backup vocalist, and choreographer for Shania Twain’s “COME ON OVER” and “UP!” world tours, and as the violinist for Celine Dion’s “LET’S TALK ABOUT LOVE” international tour. For a season, Roddy actually toured with Shania and Celine AT THE SAME TIME. Roddy has performed for the President of the United States, the Queen of England, the Pope, Oprah, and Bono. His musical touring and guest spot credentials also include Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Ban, Lonestar, SheDaisy, Jars of Clay, Kelly Clarkson, Elton John, Brian McKnight, and Katharine McPhee among many others.
Roddy has consistently distinguished himself as a cross-cultural, trend-setting artist. The easily recognizable “Asian Fiddle Player” in the country music industry is a prime example. He kiddingly calls this defying of ethnic expectation “Country and Eastern,” and often stands as the sole minority in his career pursuits. Roddy captivates his audiences with his boundless energy and radiant presence. When not on the road with today’s music megastars, Roddy actively pursues his film career in Los Angeles.
Even though Asian Americans consist of less than 1% of all stage, movie, and television acting, Roddy has had standout roles in theatre (“Stir-Friday Night”) as well as on film/TV (“Payback"/"Prison Break"). He has appeared in a variety of national TV commercials, and on high-rating TV specials coinciding with the aforementioned Grammy award-winning artists - including the Super Bowl Half Time Show.
Where does Roddy Chong’s relentless determination come from?
“Being from a Chinese-American family, there is discipline inherent in our culture, but I have also been inspired by the many heroes of the African American Culture and I draw character qualities from these mentors such as Oprah and Denzel Washington. The progressing African American human spirit parallels the forward movement of my own Asian American spirit,” says Roddy. Roddy Chong graduated with a B.A. in Telecommunications and African American Studies from Indiana University and in 1998 enjoyed visiting and serving with his sister who was a missionary doctor in Kenya, Africa for two years.
Roddy’s bold moves have afforded him several opportunities to inspire and motivate others by sharing the principles of his vivid story from the perspective of the creative artist. He shares insights on various topics such as: “ATAP: All Things Are Possible”, “Roddy Karate: Four Tools You Need to Move Forward”, and “Your Distinctions are Your Strengths." Roddy Chong currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
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