Press release -
Opera Singer Rodney Earl Clarke Joins STAMMA's Patrons
STAMMA welcomes opera singer Rodney Earl Clarke as new Patron
Rodney Earl Clarke, a professionally trained baritone singer who refers to his stammer as a “constant companion” throughout his life, is the latest addition to STAMMA’s roster of patrons. He describes opera as a unique sanctuary and liberation, with music enabling him to transcend barriers of speech he faces.
Rodney, who was born in Greenwich and trained at The Royal Academy of Music, is a renowned opera singer and vocal coach who received the Richard Lewis/Jean Shanks award in 2001. His performance credits include The Broadway Sound BBC Prom with the John Wilson Orchestra, Jake in Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, Daddy Brubeck in Sweet Charity, Chief of Police Kismet ENO, Reverend Murdo Local Hero Chichester Festival and recently the Bishop of Digne in London’s West End production of Les Misérables.
Rodney said “I am filled with immense pride and excitement” about this appointment, and that being a Patron “allows me to use my platform and experiences to advocate for greater acceptance and understanding of those who stammer. In today's world, it is crucial that we embrace the diversity of human communication and recognise that stammering is simply a part of who we are. It is not a flaw or something to be fixed but rather a unique aspect of our identity."
"The way we speak should not determine how we are received or valued. That is why I wholeheartedly support the slogan “Its How We Talk”. Space needs to be made for those who stammer in every area of life so that every voice is valued and heard."
Jane Powell, CEO at STAMMA, said “We are delighted that Rodney has joined our illustrious panel of Patrons. He will bring to STAMMA not simply his unique voice, but also reach to a new audience."
As STAMMA Patron, Rodney joins authors Dame Margaret Drabble DBE, David Mitchell, Hannah Tovey and Owen Sheers together with broadcaster and former MP Ed Balls, the actor, rapper and podcaster Scroobius Pip, former Scottish International Rugby Captain Kelly Brown, sporting agent Jon Smith, businessman and broadcaster Arwel Richards, Baroness Janet Whitaker of the House of Lords, and renowned osteopath James Davies.
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Our Purpose
We exist to create a world that makes space for stammering. Where it's embraced as just a difference. Where no-one judges your stammer or the way you choose to deal with it. We’ll get there by bringing people together, whether they stammer or not, to propel a movement for change.
We will stand up for and embolden those who stammer, provide support and information, and challenge discrimination wherever we find it. We’ll fight for NHS speech and language therapy services for those want it. No matter how you talk, we're here for you.
Join us and help the public understand that stammering is not a sign of being drunk, dishonest, nervous or weak. It’s simply how some of us talk.
