Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A Nashville musician with a local connection is garnering international attention for his first CD, a self-titled album, “Jason Rogers,” featuring a selection of country tunes.
Rogers, was born in Presque Isle and grew up on both sides of the border, having moved to New Brunswick at one point where his father was employed by McCain Foods, before finding his way to Tennessee.
“My father worked for McCain’s, my mother worked for the Salvation Army. When they retired to Florida, I opted to pursue a musical career, eventually moving to Nashville,” said Rogers.
Music has been a part of Rogers’ life since he was a child. At the age of 2, he began entertaining friends and family with tunes like “Rhinestone Cowboy.” By 16, he began writing his own material. A chance encounter at a music store during his honeymoon trip to Hawaii proved to be the turning point for the young musician, now age 32.
“My wife and I went into this little music shop and I got to jamming with this guy. He liked my music and gave me the name of a Nashville producer. The rest, as they say, is history,” said Rogers.
Since then, Rogers has been recognized for his song-writing skills, winning the Song of the Year contest in 2006, an international competition supporting VH-1’s Save the Music Foundation, for his song, “Breathe Into Me.” His album is now gaining international attention, with articles appearing in “Country Music & Dance in Scotland & N/Ireland,” as well as “Country Weekly” magazine, on sale in the U.S. June 8-15.
“I’ve done many interviews, with several articles set to run beginning this month. They’re using one of my songs people can download for free,” said Rogers, adding he hoped friends and family in the area would have an opportunity to check out the piece in “Country Weekly,” a publication he said was popular in the area.
Songs on the album range from sentimental ones, including his award-winning tune, “Breathe Into Me,” upbeat songs such as “It Ain’t Bragging” and “The Good Ole Days,” as well as a traditional country tear-jerker entitled “Cold Here In Montana.”
Rogers said he wanted to include a bit of everything, to capture a wider audience.
“I wrote several of the songs myself, some were written in collaboration with other songwriters, while some were entirely another’s work. I think it’s a good mix. I really enjoyed recording them and hope folks enjoy listening to them as well,” said Rogers. “It took me four years to make the album.”
Life in Nashville has provided Rogers with a world of song ideas, from time spent playing music to the experiences of being a new dad.
“My daughter, Isabelle Grace Rogers, was born September 22. Parenthood has taken some getting used to, but I love it,” said Rogers. “And I continue to plug away with my music. I’m doing my thing and enjoying every minute of it.”
Rogers decided to ‘go green’ with his album. Now that he has a child, he understands the need to preserve the environment for future generations.
“The CD’s made all-green with all-recycled products. I was impressed with the whole idea,” said Rogers.
Lyrics for all 12 songs are included with the CD, produced by Martin Young of Music City Productions, www.musiccityproductions.tv. In addition to writing and recording, Rogers also served as executive director on the project.
Released earlier this year, Rogers said response has been positive.
“It’s getting good ratings — right up there with Kelly Pickler,” said Rogers.
For more information on Rogers or his album, visit www.cowboyjason.com. For a free download, visit www.countryweekly.com from June 8 to June 21.
“I just want to thank all my friends and family for being so supportive over the years. I’d also like to thank my fellow musicians and folks in the industry who’ve helped me and guided me along the way. I wouldn’t be here without all of them,” said Rogers.
Photo courtesy of Jason Rogers
JASON ROGERS, formerly of Presque Isle, recently released his first CD of country music. Here, he’s pictured taking a break during a recording session in Nashville. For more information on the artist and his recordings, visit www.cowboyjason.com.
