Rodney Jerkins Is Music’s Gift That Keeps On Giving

The Songwriters Hall of Famer has spent his entire career working with the biggest stars in music, from Michael Jackson to Beyoncé. After 30 years, he’s still not finished.

This interview is part of “Pivotal,” a Q&A series where we highlight the defining moments that have shaped a star’s career — from breakthrough roles to game-changing milestones to epic moments that catapult them into the spotlight. Read our interview with Lynn Whitfield here.

Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins knows the life of a music producer is a short-lived one, career-wise, that is.

He wasn’t always sure he’d rack up a decade’s worth of hitmaking credits, let alone three. But the 48-year-old musical savant and prolific songwriter has more than earned his staying power in the industry by crafting era-defining tracks for only the most legendary names in music: Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Brandy — and that’s just scratching the surface.

Jerkins has also made his mark on today’s music scene, working with top contemporary artists like Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Sam Smith, H.E.R. and SZA. The list goes on and on. And so do the superproducer’s accomplishments.

With 19 Grammy nominations (and two wins), numerous Billboard Hot 100 hits, his Christian hip-hop label Alienz Alive, and more under his belt, Jerkins has contributed to some of the most influential music catalogs of our time. It’s only fitting, then, that the trailblazer added another milestone to his already impressive list of achievements this year: an induction into the esteemed Songwriters Hall of Fame — and just in time to celebrate his 30th anniversary in music.