Gloria Thompson Rodgers, Chicago’s 1st Lady of Blues, has been describe as a soul/Blues singer. She seamlessly weaves an eclectic mix of vocally driven Blues, combining classics, covers & originals. Her powerful vocals have been described as burnished alto and she’s supported by a cast of some of Chicago’s finest musicians. She’s been compared to Koko Taylor, Sarah Vaughn and Tina Turner and Dinah Washington.

History

Thompson Rodgers is the 2nd of 7 children. She was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. Her first audience was Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, at age nine. By age 17 she’d become a professional singer. Thompson Rodgers is a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, receiving almost as many accolades for songwriting as for singing. She’s an international performer that’s entertained audiences around the U.S., France, Latvia, UK, Japan, Greece, Spirit of Chicago and Norwegian Star Blues Cruise. Venues include every major blues club in and surrounding Chicago, hotels, special events, universities &, festivals.

Thompson Rodgers honed her chops on Chicago’s Southside, North side Downtown and the surrounding suburb, performing with a cast of veteran musicians. She’s opened for Buddy Guy, Little Milton, Jimmy Johnson, Watermelon Slim, Joe Louis Walker, & John Primer. Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and Watermelon Slim. She’s worked with Maurice Jon Vaughn, Eddie Shaw, A.C. Reed and John Primer in addition to touring with Dave Welds and Phil Guy. She & Phil Guy opened the club “Blues Bytes” in Riga Latvia, in 2001, where the Prime Minister came to experience her performance.

Influences

Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor, Etta James, Tina Turner, Ruth Brown, Sarah Vaughn, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, Albert King, Little Milton, Johnny Taylor, Denise LaSalle, ZZ Hill, Billie Holiday, Alberta Hunter, BB King, Lavern Baker, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and Bettye Wright.

Thompson Rodgers’ extensive repertoire enables her to blend a variety of songs into a set. She weaves the obscure with great classics & originals, blending the simple blues of Alberta Hunter to the soulful blues of Denise LaSalle. She’s as comfortable singing a smoldering ballad by Sarah Vaughn as she is getting down on a high energy shuffle by Little Walter or maybe just rocking the house with Wang Dang Doodle. Rich, strong vocals and an engaging personality holds her audience captive during performances whether the mood is soft and demure or sassy and in your face.

Centerstage describes her pipes as "gritty goes to church."

Chicago Blues Fest Magazine 2003

LPs released

Daddy's Girl-1994 / Steppin Out -1995/Ready -1998(featured artist) Liberated -2003/ GLORIA -2009

2009 Chicago Blues Music Festival Program

“She was fantastic, I knew she would be good but had no idea she could ever be that goo. What a talent…She’s hot on the trail to becoming one of this countries’ top female blues artist.”

CrossRoads Blues Society Liz Sarber

“Today there are many women belting out the Blues, and Chicago’s own Gloria Thompson Rodgers is one of the most exciting…The presence of contemporary artists like Gloria on Chicago’s Blues Scenen help ensure that the Windy City will remain the World Capital of the Blues for many years to come.”

Chicago Blues Fest Magazine 2003