Madam speaker, today I pay tribute to two members of the Michigan State University faculty who have contributed to the rich artistic landscape of our great state and helped shape the next generation of musical talent, all set to a distinctive jazz beat. As a young recording artist in Detroit, Rodney Whitaker likely never imagined he would one day build and lead one of the most distinguished jazz degree programs and performing faculties in the world. But the legendary bassist known for his distinctive, bear sized tones, today serves as director of jazz study at MSU, a program he has transformed into a world class training … (20:27–20:39)
CLAIM
Asserts that Rodney Whitaker built and leads one of the most distinguished jazz degree programs and performing faculties in the world.
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