Rodney Simon, Denver Blues Drummer, Dies at Oklahoma City Residence

Rodney Simon, a drummer who spent more than ten years playing in Denver bands, died on October 25 in Oklahoma City. The musician, who was born in Houston, passed away after a decade of battling chronic health conditions.

Simon moved to Denver around 2008. He integrated into the local music scene quickly, running sound systems and joining established groups. He performed with the Erica Brown Band, Shelvis and the Roustabouts, and the Gretchen Troop Band. He also played regularly on the jam circuit.

Erica Brown, a former bandmate, recalled the time Simon auditioned for the Erica Brown Band. He was scheduled to play at Herb's Hideout but missed the session due to a scheduling error. Brown said she paid him anyway. Simon told people about the incident for years, praising her as a straight-up chick. Brown said she felt honored by his story because she was figuring out her next moves after the band broke up.

Simon had been playing drums for more than 40 years before his death. He came from a large musical family originating in Louisiana. His father, Alvin Simon, was the first zydeco musician in Texas. Simon influenced many musicians, including Andre Hayward and Corey Stoot, who were his students in Houston. His daughter, Cici, said her father inspired countless people and that life with him was a big jam session where they played music constantly.

Simon's health declined about ten years ago when he was diagnosed with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease. He underwent approximately eight years of dialysis, which led to anemia. During that period, he developed diabetes. Last year, he suffered five strokes, including three mini-strokes and one major stroke. He had managed high blood pressure for most of his life. He entered long-term care to recover and was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer shortly before his death.

A GoFundMe page was established to help his wife, Diann, with funeral expenses. The page described his final battle as incredibly fierce. Simon leaves behind his wife, his daughter Cici, and two other children, Nicholas Wilson and Whitney Lawhorn.

Funeral services took place on October 31 in Oklahoma City and November 2 in Houston. A celebration of life is planned but has not been announced yet.