God Bless America

A Salute to "Old Glory"

"God Bless America"

In the days that followed 9/11, we all needed our spirits lifted and many of us found our drug of choice in Daniel Rodriguez. The NYPD security officer's version of "God Bless America" was heard across the country on live television broadcasts bringing hope and inspiration when we needed it most.

Not since Kate Smith sang the Irving Berlin standard at the break of World War II has the song had as much impact on the American people. We needed our voices heard and Daniel's operatic tenor voice rose high and strong on our behalf.

Perhaps it was knowing that many of his colleagues had lost their lives and that so many others were struggling with the rescue/recovery efforts that made his rendition of this American classic so powerful and moving. Whatever the reason, it was a "blessing" that our country so desperately needed. ~Danny Grae, The Community Express

Speaking of our national anthem June 2012 with Fox news

"deeply rooted with meaning, and should be
sung by all those who believe in this country."

~Daniel

Darkness fell on America on September 11. Yet out of that darkness
rose a voice which has brought light and hope to millions - the round,
mellifluous tenor of New York's own "singing cop - Daniel Rodriguez.

This is a voice that sings with soul, for the singer's soul has suffered.

Rhapsody In Blue, by Paul J. Pelkonen, Mediabistro.com

Prayer for America September 23, 2001, Yankee Stadium

Ann Marie Maloney, Daniel Rodriguez, & Kim Royster performed the national anthem

"it was an honor to sing at the stadium for "Prayer for America." it was also a statement to the world that our people were resilient and would rise from the ashes of 9-11 and rebuild." ~Daniel

2005 God Squad program on Telecare

We were at the edge of our capacity to just go on. I've never been so spiritually broken and there were lots of nice speeches and sermons....but it was your voice, your voice that healed me and gave me hope and returned me to the feeling that no matter how broken I felt at the moment, things would work out and It was not only the greatest song of that service, it was the greatest prayer, and Thank You.

~Rabbi Michael Gelman Read 2005 interview

February 8, 2002

Photo: American troops in Afghanistan watching live performance of Daniel singing

"God Bless America" at opening ceremonies of the Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Memorable performances

"America the Beautiful" NY Yankee playoffs

"God Bless America" Memorial concert Washington DC

"Star Spangled Banner" Madison Square Garden

Daniel Rodriguez will probably always be known as "the singing cop." Mr. Rodriguez, then an officer with the New York City Police Department, comforted an anguished nation in the aftermath of 9/11 with his robustly operatic singing of "God Bless America."

Anthony Tommasini, New York Times, June 9, 2006

Additional facts:

Daniel sang the national anthem at his own graduation ceremony from the police academy in Madison Square Garden and was soon named one of the department's Ceremonial National Anthem Singers. That designation led to singing engagements across the country. Daniel also sang the national anthem at "Prayer for America" at Yankee Stadium on September 23, 2001.

"God Bless America," Daniel's first album, a 2 track single, with introduction by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, donated all profits of over $50,000 to the Twin Towers Foundation Fund.

"Spirit of America," Daniel's first full length album contains 12 songs, and includes both "God Bless America" and "America The Beautiful".

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