Rodney Whitaker (born February 22, 1968) is an American jazz double bass player and educator.

Born in Detroit, Whitaker attended Wayne State University, and studied with Robert Gladstone, principal bass with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and trumpeter Marcus Belgrave.

[1] He achieved recognition performing with Terence Blanchard's Quintet and then with Roy Hargrove.

[3] His score for the film China, directed by Jeff Wray, was released on PBS in 2002.

He has also worked with Detroit Symphony Orchestra to develop a jazz education department, and conducts their Civic Jazz Orchestra, as well as being on the faculties of University of Michigan and Juilliard School.