Rodney Simon, Blues Drummer, Dies

Rodney Simon, a drummer who spent more than a decade in the Denver music scene, died on October 25 in Oklahoma City. The 68-year-old native of Houston played drums for over 40 years and left a mark on the local blues community before his final move to the Midwest.

Simon arrived in Denver around 2008. He quickly joined the jam circuit, running sound and networking with other musicians. He later became a regular member of several local groups, including the Erica Brown Band, Shelvis and the Roustabouts, and the Gretchen Troop Band. His daughter, Cici, noted that he influenced many musicians, including former students Andre Hayward and Corey Stoot, whom he encouraged to pursue music full-time.

Erica Brown, a veteran of the Denver blues scene, recalled meeting Simon when she was searching for a new drummer. She had been given his name after Scotty Rivera left to join Eddie Turner. Brown asked Simon to play at Herb's Hideout, but a scheduling mix-up meant he never took the stage. Despite this, Brown paid him for the gig. Simon often told people about that experience, praising her for being a straightforward person. Brown said she felt honored by his words during a difficult period in her career.

Simon’s health declined significantly over the last ten years. He was diagnosed with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease approximately a decade ago and spent eight years on dialysis, which led to anemia. During that time, he also developed diabetes. According to his daughter, he suffered five strokes and three mini-strokes last year. He had managed high blood pressure for most of his life. After entering long-term care to recover, he was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer shortly before his death.

Simon was raised in a large musical family originating from Louisiana. His father, Alvin Simon, is recognized as the first zydeco musician in Texas. Rodney moved to Oklahoma City with his wife, Diann, in recent years. He continues to be survived by Diann and two other children, Nicholas Wilson and Whitney Lawhorn.

Funeral services were held on October 31 in Oklahoma City and on November 2 in Houston. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses for his wife. A celebration of life is planned, though the date has not yet been announced.

Cici Simon described her father as a constant source of music in their home. She said, “Life with my dad was a big jam session. We just played music all the time. He inspired so many people, and it’s just so awesome, the outpouring of love that I’m hearing and seeing.”