Rodney Franklin is an American jazz pianist and composer known for his blend of jazz fusion, smooth jazz, and pop elements in his compositions. Gaining prominence in the late 1970s, Franklin's style is characterized by his melodious keyboard playing and innovative arrangement. He is best known for his hit "The Groove," which reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Franklin's music has left a significant mark on the jazz fusion genre, demonstrating the potential for jazz to cross over into mainstream pop.