Topper

Topper’s longevity is unheard of in the music business. The band has been touring and recording for over 40 years, remaining as vital and exciting as they have been from the beginning of their incredible, long run. Originally formed in Atlanta, GA, as an eight piece horn driven funk/jazz/fusion recording project for Philadelphia International Records in the late seventies, Topper was poised to become a supergroup along the lines of Earth,Wind & Fire, The Commodores, KC & The Sunshine Band and Tower Of Power. When negotiations with record company management broke down, the group began playing live venues worldwide, continuing to write, record and release original music on their indie record label, Ring Records. Bandleader, guitarist, vocalist, frontman, David Rodé has kept Topper going non-stop since 1978, performing all over America, Europe & the Caribbean. The band spent 1979-80 supporting the legendary Drifters on two European tours & two summers in Myrtle Beach, NC. Topper spent the late ’80s in Las Vegas doing resident gigs at The Mint & Palace Station casinos.They performed at A-list nightclubs in the USA throughout the ‘70s-‘90s until these venues made way for lucrative casino live venues in the Southeast & Midwest. Currently Topper is limiting their performances to the Southeastern USA but will travel anywhere there is the budget for their premium product! In their travels, Topper has hung out and jammed with celebrities such as; Jerry Lee Lewis, Ozzy Osbourne, Dickie Betts, The Drifters, The Cornelius Brothers, The Contours and more, with audio and video recordings to prove it! The band is multi format, presenting their show; “Voices Of Rock & Soul!” acoustic show; “Voices-Unplugged!” and David’s solo act, “Topper-Solo!” Topper utilizes a huge repertoire of Classic Rock, Soul, Reggae, Funk, Blues, Dance, Americana and Speciality songs spanning the decades, as well as Original songs from their recordings that are tailored for virtually type of event: Concerts, festivals, country clubs, casino live venues, nightclubs, fairs, corporate and private sector events.

The past several years have brought many changes to the group. While the world was shut down during the Pandemic, Topper continued to create, rehearse and stay active at Topper Soundstage & Studios in North Georgia. Topper’s 21 track album, All A Part Of The Show has been their crowning achievement during the unprecedented shutdown of live venues around the world. The album features new songs written by songwriters, David Rodé & Pete George, collaborations with producers & artists in Topper’s inner circle, as well as live and reimagined versions of some of the bands most popular, previously released songs.

The album is a Concept / Collaboration / Compilation project that continues to stream on all worldwide platforms, as well as charting on radio stations internationally.

The album’s cornerstone song & music video, Carry The Load addresses the loss of vocalist, songwriter, Topper franchise member, Pete George and David’s girlfriend, vocalist, publicist, merchandise manager, Miami Lively. Pete suffered a major stroke,November of 2021. Shortly afterword, Miami was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma and underwent immunotherapy. Pete’s incredible vocals on Topper’s recordings and music videos will live on. He is currently receiving therapy and rehabilitation in a nursing home in Meridian, MS. Miami, triumphantly went through 18 months of immunotherapy, is cancer free and will eventually return to the stage. She has inspired everyone with her amazing positive attitude and information posts on social media to her many followers.

Topper continues to perform at the highest level with a fantastic, revamped 4 piece lineup and their 6 piece specialty act, “Topper & The VYBBE-Through The Decades!”, featuring flautist, keyboards, Claudia Maurer and Neo Soul/Jazz vocalist, Venae Ellis. The show goes on!