Inspired by a home life filled with music, Rodney Holmes took up the drums upon joining the junior band in the 4th grade. By the time he reached high school in Westchester, New York, he'd already decided to become a professional musician.

When he graduated, although he'd earned a music scholarship to Long Island University he chose to go out on his own.

And influenced by the likes of such great jazz drummers as Max Roach, Art Blakey, Kenny Clark, and Tony Williams, as well as drummers like Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Holmes began getting jazz gigs and recording sessions.

Although he was not part of the inner circle in the New York music scene, Rodney Holmes' talent soon caught the attention of keyboardist, composer and musical visionary, Clyde Criner, who taught at LIU as well as at the New England Conservatory. Dr. Cryner took Rodney under his wing and put together a group featuring the young drummer. It was as if Rodney just fell out of the sky.

The group recorded two albums, [Clyde Cryner-Behind the Sun] and [The Color of Dark] on RCA/Novus before Criner passed away. Dr. Clyde Criner left an incredible impression on Rodney that was both musical as well as personal. Rodney wanted to keep Criner's progressive and innovative spirit alive.

After his stint with Criner, Rodney Holmes met and worked with Jean Paul Bourelly and Victor Bailey, and then joined the group, Special EFX, for two years.

With his own taste in jazz evolving toward more open music, Holmes then became a part of the Zawinul Syndicate with Keyboardist Joe Zawinul. It was also around this time that he was introduced to a Guitar player named Mitch Stein. This meeting would later turn into the foundation of a very unique electric trio called the Hermanators.

It was while on tour with Zawinul that Rodney Holmes ran into Carlos Santana in a Hotel. Santana had known about Holmes through Criner and the two decided that they'd play together at some point. And it wasn't long before Rodney received an invitation to join the Santana Band for the 1993 tour with Bob Dylan.

Rodney Holmes stayed with Santana through the end of the 1993 tour and credits the experience with giving him greater perspective on performing in rock venues to larger audiences. However, he had some other offers and other areas in jazz that he wanted to pursue.

So, Rodney Holmes joined the Brecker Brothers (performing on their 1994 Grammy winning album, Out of the Loop, and the song, "African Skies"). From that point, Holmes toured extensivley with the Brecker Brothers for two years.

Holmes also went on to perform/recorded with Steps Ahead, the incredible Wayne Shorter, Larry and Julian Coryell, Victor Bailey, Leni Stern, and New York guitartist, David Gilmore. Rodney Also went on to tour and record with Santana from 1997 to June of 2000.

Playing on the mega hit single "Smooth" with Rob Thomas of Match Box 20, Rodney is now a multi Grammy winner. Now Rodney is persuing new musical and artistic goals with his own music, as well as with other amazing artists.

Recently Rodney stunned the audience with his performance at the 2005 Modern Drummer Festival and the 2006 Meinl Drum Festival.

The following message from his family was shared after his passing on 11 July, 2026:

We are heartbroken and devastated to share that Rodney passed away on Saturday, July 11th, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Rodney inspired people around the world through his extraordinary musicianship, phenomenal drumming, brilliance, intelligence, kindness, infectious sense of humor, and genuine love for humanity.

Rodney was a multi-Grammy Award-winning artist, who performed, toured, recorded, and collaborated with many of the world’s finest musicians throughout his remarkable career. Entirely self-taught, he was not only a world-class drummer, but also an accomplished composer, producer, and creative visionary whose influence will continue to be felt for generations. Rodney was a rare talent, possessing the exceptional ability to perform at the highest level across virtually every genre of music.

Rodney was a true rock star in every sense of the word—both on and off the stage. He lived with passion, generosity, and authenticity, bringing laughter and inspiration to those fortunate to know him and experience his music. His legacy extends far beyond the notes he played; it lives in the countless lives he touched.

Rodney was deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support he received throughout his career from his family, friends, fellow musicians, fans, and followers. We ask that you help us honor and celebrate his life by continuing to listen to his music, watch his performances, and carry forward his passion that he poured into every beat.

Thank you for keeping Rodney’s spirit alive through the music he loved so dearly.

Cancer sucks and it is a cruel disease. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Rodney’s music and the love he shared with the world will live on forever.