Richard grew up in the nestled, warm low country of Denmark in South Carolina. His musical gift was apparent as of the tender age of three, when he began entertaining his eight older siblings and parents by playing and singing gospel classics. He later went on to study music and he holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance Degree from the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music as a cum laude graduate at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He is presently pursuing a double major, Master of Music in Choral Conducting and Master of Music in Vocal Performance from The Meadows School of the Arts of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. He is the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 Bruce Foote Scholar and has been awarded a full scholarship. Richard aspires to obtain a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Pedagogy.
He credits as his inspirations; his family members (especially his mother, Birdell Hughes, and his sister, Cynthia), his chorus teacher, Rosemary Griffin, the late Benny Cummings, the late, great jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, The Clark Sisters (especially Dorinda), Richard Smallwood, Bob Ralston, the late Luciano Pavarotti, and the inimitable Larnelle Harris, to name a few. The Lord has also allowed Mr. Odom to excel in the professional music arena.
His resume is quite extensive with differing professional and spiritual assignments, such as being the original vocal trainer and director of the Tri-City Singers from 1984-1990; Music Director for Off-Broadway Music Review "Sing Hallelujah!" (1986 - 1989); Founder and Executive Director of the Voorhees College Gospel Chorale (1980 - 1983); Annual clinician for African American Sacred Music Festival for Orangeburg - Wilkinson High School (1995 - Present); Co-founder and former director of Gaston County Missionary Baptist Association Mass Choir (1986 - 1999); National Organist of the National Convention of Gospel Choir and Choruses, Inc. (Thomas A. Dorsey Convention, 1996 - 2002); Music Coordinator for the Alumni Chorale of the National Convention of Gospel Choir and Choruses, Inc. (Thomas A. Dorsey Convention, 1996 - 2000).
He has recorded with Warner Brother's/Giant recording artist label's group called "Company" (1986 - 1994); with A. L. Jinwright Mass Choir (1993, 1997); was featured soloist with Christopher L. Gray and the Sing in the Spirit Music And Arts Seminar (1989); he was Musical Director for the stage play "World" (1986, 1996) and Director of that same off Broadway play (2000, 2004); and is currently background vocalist for the legendary R&B recording artist Stephanie Mills (1990 - 1995, 2007). Mr. Odom is presently doing consulting work, teaching voice and piano in Dallas, TX and is employed as director of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters Children’s Chorus. . He has also served as the director for the AMEN Choir of The Potter’s House in Dallas TX, of which he is a member where Bishop T. D. Jakes is his pastor. Presently, he is also music consultant for the music ministry of Keller Springs Baptist Church.
His professional memberships include National Officer/Delegate of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Inc; Hampton Minister's Conference and Church Organists Guild; Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and Musician/Vocalist for Youth Rally of the National Congress of Christian Education of the National Baptist Convention. His time is also spent volunteering with various community choirs and teaching vocal technique to up and coming recording artists.
His powerful tenor voice, formal training and widespread experience, combined with his generosity and passion for music make his talent truly unique. Influenced by Classical, Jazz, R&B and Gospel, Richard Odom has been blessed with an exceptional gift, which he shares with the world wherever he performs.
