He is a born and bred East Texan with a “musical†family, to say the least. Ed’s grandmother was an opera singer. His father was a member of an award-winning barbershop chorus and his mother sang in the church choir--sounds like Ed Rogers was bound to end up here.
Ed’s mother said that in the womb, her child would kick in steady rhythm (although the drums came much later) to what we can only guess was cadence of the song in his head. Showing an aptitude for musicianship and a sensitive ear, Ed was influenced early on by records his brother turned him on to…Pure Prairie League, Poco and Michael Martin Murphy among others. He also spent a summer in high school listening to the complete catalogue of the Beatles, picking up all the nuances and colorful themes that allows. By the end of Ed’s high school years he had jumped from the 60’s back to the punk rock of the 80’s including The Clash and The Pretenders, all of which can be heard in Ed’s unique blend of sound. At around the same time, Ed discovered Lightnin’ Hopkins, and was already incorporating the blues into his musical experience, which would come into play later on stage.
Ed spent his early professional time singing and playing with the Gypsy Troubadours until he formed the first incarnation of the Ed Rogers Band. Since then, he has released the album, “Misery and Gold†and played everywhere from local Fort Worth, TX to the campfires of the Kerrville Folk Festival--a place and space that unlocked an array of possibilities and to which he’s been loyal for 18 years.
As for the future, Ed says, “without anyone to listen and enjoy, there is no reason to play musicâ€. This statement is a proper representation of a likable man and talented performer who easily finds his way into the hearts and minds of his audience. Also, a theme to live by while Ed keeps on as an indestructible, Mother Nature’s son.
