New Patron Rodney Earl Clarke

26th July 2023

Meet our new Patron, renowned opera singer and vocal coach Rodney Earl Clarke.

Professional baritone Rodney Earl Clarke today joins STAMMA's roster of Patrons. Referring to his stammer as a "constant companion" throughout his life, Rodney found a unique sanctuary and liberation in music, and told us that opera enables him to transcend the barriers he faced with his speech.

Rodney was born in Greenwich and trained at The Royal Academy of Music. He has performed in shows including The Broadway Sound BBC Prom, with the John Wilson Orchestra; Gershwin's Porgy & Bess, under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle; and the West End production of Les Misérables; and was the first winner of the Richard Lewis/Jean Shanks Award in 2001.

The way we speak should not determine how we are received or valued.

Upon becoming a STAMMA Patron, Rodney said, "I am filled with immense pride and excitement. It 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".

He adds, "The way we speak should not determine how we are received or valued. That is why I wholeheartedly support the slogan 'It's 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 a new audience".

Rodney joins other STAMMA Patrons, including:

• Ed Balls, broadcaster and former MP
• Kelly Brown, former Scotland rugby captain 
• James Davies, renowned osteopath and former athlete 
• Dame Margaret Drabble DBE, author
• David Mitchell, author
• Scroobius Pip, actor, rapper and podcaster
• Arwel Richards, entrepreneur and broadcaster
• Owen Sheers, poet, playwright and author
• Jon Smith, sporting agent 
• Hannah Tovey, author
• Baroness Janet Whitaker, of the House of Lords.

Read all about the STAMMA Patrons on our Who We Are page.