Rodney Jerkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodney Jerkins
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Jerkins in 2011
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Rodney Roy Jerkins |
| Also known as | Darkchild |
| Born | July 29, 1977 Pleasantville, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Origin | Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day |
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| Years active | 1993–present |
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Rodney Roy Jerkins (born July 29, 1977), who is famous by his stage name Darkchild, is an American record producer, rapper, and songwriter. He is known for working with some of the biggest stars in music and creating many hit songs.
Jerkins has won two Grammy Awards and has been nominated 19 times. He helped create huge hits like "The Boy Is Mine" by Brandy and Monica, "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child, and "Telephone" by Lady Gaga. He also worked on songs for Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Toni Braxton, and Justin Bieber.
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How It All Began
Rodney Jerkins grew up in a musical and religious family in Galloway Township, New Jersey. His father, Frederick, was a pastor, and his mother was a housekeeper. He started playing the piano when he was only five years old. He often watched his father and older brother, Fred, play music at church.
Jerkins was a musical prodigy. A prodigy is a young person with amazing talent. At age 14, he was mentored by his hero, the famous producer Teddy Riley. However, Jerkins wanted to build his own music "empire," so he decided to make his own way. By the time he was 16, he was already working in a studio with famous singers like Patti LaBelle.
Making Music History
When he was 17, Jerkins started using the name "Darkchild." He signed a deal with EMI Music Corporation, a major music company. This was the beginning of his amazing career. He started working with artists like Joe, Mary J. Blige, and Brandy. His first huge projects included songs for Mary J. Blige and Whitney Houston.
Over the years, Jerkins has worked with a team of talented songwriters to create hit after hit. In June 2025, he was honored for his incredible work by being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Working with Superstars
Jerkins has produced and written songs for an incredible list of famous artists. Some of them include:
- Michael Jackson
- Mariah Carey
- Jennifer Lopez
- Britney Spears
- Destiny's Child
- Beyoncé
- Lady Gaga
- Justin Bieber
- Ariana Grande
- Katy Perry
- Janet Jackson
- Spice Girls
- TLC
- Sam Smith
In 2013, Jerkins was chosen to work on a special album for Michael Jackson called Xscape, which was released after the singer's death. Jerkins had worked on the title song with Jackson years before, between 1999 and 2001. He was the only producer who worked on both the original and the new version of the song.
Building a Music Empire
Besides making music, Jerkins has also started his own record labels. A record label is a company that helps artists record and sell their music. In 1999, he started Darkchild Records with Sony/Epic Records.
In 2006, he became a Vice President of A&R (Artists & Repertoire) at The Island Def Jam Group. The A&R department is responsible for finding new talent and helping artists develop. He also started a gospel music label called Darkchild Gospel with his brother, Fred Jerkins III, and another label called Alienz Alive.
Life Outside the Studio
Rodney Jerkins has been married to singer Joy Enriquez since April 4, 2004. They met when he was producing her first album. Together, they have four children.
In 2015, their five-year-old daughter, Heavenly Joy, showed off her own talents as a contestant on season 10 of America's Got Talent.
Notable Productions
Here are some of the most famous songs produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins:
- 1998: Brandy and Monica – "The Boy Is Mine"
- 1998: Whitney Houston – "It's Not Right but It's Okay"
- 1999: Destiny's Child – "Say My Name"
- 1999: Jennifer Lopez – "If You Had My Love"
- 2000: Toni Braxton – "He Wasn't Man Enough"
- 2000: Spice Girls – "Holler"
- 2001: Michael Jackson – "You Rock My World"
- 2002: Brandy – "What About Us?"
- 2004: Destiny's Child – "Lose My Breath"
- 2006: Beyoncé (featuring Jay-Z) – "Déjà Vu"
- 2008: Janet Jackson – "Feedback"
- 2008: The Pussycat Dolls – "When I Grow Up"
- 2009: Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé – "Telephone"
- 2011: The Black Eyed Peas – "Just Can't Get Enough"
- 2012: Justin Bieber – "As Long as You Love Me"
- 2014: Sam Smith – "Stay with Me"
- 2014: Michael Jackson - "Xscape"
- 2022: SZA - "Shirt"
See also
In Spanish: Darkchild para niños
