Throughout the month of May, the GMA is celebrating all things roots music including Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and Country Gospel. We had the opportunity to sit down with roots artist Mike Rogers and hear about his history with this soul-centered genre of music.
About Mike Rogers
Best known for his drumming skills, Mike Rogers shocks many when they see and hear him playing guitar and singing. Little do they know that guitar was his first instrument. Born and raised in Myrtle Beach, SC, Rogers, whose father Tom was a fiddle player, took an interest in music at a very early age. By the end of high school Rogers was playing drums for a Nashville recording artist and in 2003 he was moving to Nashville to play drums with Country artist Craig Morgan. By 2010 Rogers was recruited by Bluegrass legend Doyle Lawson to join his group Quicksilver. That’s when he moved from behind the drums and to the front of the stage playing acoustic guitar and singing lead and background vocals. Since then, Mike has made a name for himself in the Country, Gospel and Bluegrass genres. Most recently, he became a member of Ricky Skaggs’ group Kentucky Thunder as well as his own group Brothers of the Heart. (Along with Jimmy Fortune, Bradley Walker and Ben Isaacs.)
Tell us about your history with roots music.
I would say my history with roots music can go back to my Dad and him listening to Bluegrass music when I was growing up. I have to admit, one of my favorite artists was Ricky Skaggs. The music was just so perfect and had so much heart!
What defines roots music?
For me, I think roots music is traditional.
How is roots music influencing culture today?
Roots music has and does have a big impact on culture today. Music and the songs being written being the biggest recipient of that impact. I would like to think that the songs I write (and sing) reflect my love for Roots music.
For someone new to roots music, where is a good place to start?
If you want to go wayyyyy back, start with Bill Monroe. (One of my favorties) and then I would move to maybe some James Taylor. If yah really want to experience it, come to Nashville and visit the Station Inn! That’ll give yah a crash course in roots music!
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