Article Date: 11/5/09
Source: This Week – Canada East

Click Here to view the original article

With a father who worked for McCain foods, Jason Rogers knows the value of the international market and it is his aim to make his mark on the world with his brand of country music. Born in Presque Isle, Maine and raised in New Brunswick, Rogers is getting airplay now in India and France, among other places.

“I guess I’ve always been performing, playing at church, playing piano and guitar,” said Rogers from Nashville. His father was the piano player at the Wesleyan church in Bristol, and Rogers started playing there and in other churches in that area of New Brunswick.

Attending Carlton North Senior High School, Rogers was active in music.

“The music teacher didn’t like me, I didn’t learn to read the music, I just copied what I heard.”

He said music came naturally to him and he won several school contests.

“I was a shy little boy, but when my hands touched the piano, there I’d be,” he said of the music taking over him. “I always won first place.”

Rogers said growing up in New Brunswick had a strong influence on him.

“More than the musical part. People up there are different. Strong values, strong ethics.”

He said being taught respect and learning great qualities gave him a strong, stable foundation for the music industry. His father’s work led to the family moving to the United States.

“When I moved to Chicago, I didn’t have the blues in me.”

He said he learned to like that form of music over time. It wasn’t as friendly and open as New Brunswick.

“If you waved at someone, they might think you’re pulling a gun.”

After they moved again, he found Texas to be a lot like Canada. The people were straight forward and to the point, but he couldn’t handle the summer heat. The more aggressive American nature was something he had to learn.

“That’s something I didn’t grow up with. I learned that more in Chicago.”

With thousands of singers in Nashville, all wanting the same thing, he said he realized he couldn’t always help others and he had to push himself.

Rogers said the simplest little things can derail a career if one’s word isn’t kept. He was in Nashville six or seven years he said before he was offered a recording contract.

While pursuing the dream in Nashville he put together a three song demo. He said it was mainly for himself, he could at least have something to listen to and look back on when he was older. Then he sent one song into a contest. Breathe into Me, from the demo recorded with Martin Young, Clint Black’s guitar player, won the 2007 Country Song of the Year contest. He was offered several record deals before settling on Cashbox in August of this year and releasing his debut self-titled CD. He said some labels were too small, others wanted too much control. Cashbox offered him the artistic freedom he was looking for. His debut was produced by Young and engineered by Ricky Coble, who has worked with Black and Toby Keith.

He wrote some of the songs on the CD and recorded five from other music publishers.

“I had plenty of songs. In Nashville, they say it’s good to use other’s songs for variety.”

The current single is It Ain’t Braggin’ . A video was shot for the song in Nashville in October at the Silverado bar and will be sent out to television in January 2010. Rogers has been featured in country music magazines in the United Kingdom and was a featured rising star in Country Weekly in June.

Rogers’ music is sold on download sites like iTunes and the Wal-Mart site. The physical CD is sold in some Irving stores in New Brunswick and from his website.(www.jasonrogerscountry.com)

After making his CD tour debut in the Carolina’s in 2010, Rogers will be going up to Edmonton .

“Four years ago, nobody played me,” he said. Now he is able to work full-time at his music. Despite the growing success in diverse corners of the world, Rogers would love to come back to tour Maine and New Brunswick. Family and friends are still important.

Country singer with Maine roots making a name

Article Date: 10/25/09
Source: Portland Press Herald – Portland, ME

Click Here to view the original article

Growing up in the St. John River Valley in both Maine and Canada, Jason Rogers used to entertain house guests with his version of Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy.”

When he turned 18, he left his home in Wicklow, New Brunswick, and headed to Nashville with only a vague idea of becoming a musician. He only stayed about six months.

But the vague idea must have been deeply implanted in his brain because, after living in Chicago and Texas for several years, Rogers went back to Nashville six years ago for a second time.

Now 32, Rogers is making a name for himself on the country music scene. As of Oct. 19, his single “It Ain’t Braggin’ ” was number 29 on the Cashbox Magazine Top 40 country music singles chart.

His traditional country style has earned him comparisons to a young George Strait.

“I’ve always been into music, but I didn’t really think I’d make albums or anything until a few years ago,” said Rogers from his home in Nashville this week.

“I was actually working in the warehouse of a pool and spa company when things started to happen.”

That was in 2007, when Rogers decided to enter the international Song of the Year contest. His song, “Breathe Into Me,” won best song in the country category.

From there, Rogers released his debut self-titled CD, and the single, “It Ain’t Braggin’,” began getting recognition around the country music scene.

Rogers was born in Maine and lived in Washburn, near Presque Isle, until he was 3. He spent the rest of his childhood in New Brunswick, Canada, just across the border, mostly in the town of Wicklow.

He still comes back to Maine and New Brunswick often to visit family.

He has relatives in Portland, Bangor, the Presque Isle area and New Brunswick. He hopes to play some shows in Maine and New Brunswick sometime next year.

For more on Rogers and his budding career, go online at www.jasonrogerscountry.com.

Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at: rrouthier@pressherald.com

Copyright 2009 by The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. All rights reserved.

Country singer with Maine roots making a name

By RAY ROUTHIER, Staff Writer

October 25, 2009

Jason Rogers’ self-titled CD is generating buzz in the world of country music.

Rogers a rising star in country music industry

Article Date: 10/21/09
Source: Star Herald – Presque Isle, ME

PRESQUE ISLE — A rising Nashville star returned to his roots in the Star City recently, combining work with a trip north to visit extended family, before continuing his climb to stardom, via the country music scene.

Jason Rogers took time for an interview during his visit last month, joined by his dad, Lawrence Rogers, over lunch at the Irish Setter Pub in Presque Isle.

Born in Presque Isle and raised in New Brunswick, the musician now lives outside Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, Christie, and their 1-year-old daughter.

“Her name’s Isabella Grace. She just turned 1,” said Jason Rogers, smiling as he talked of his daughter. “She likes music.”

When asked if he’d support her, should she follow in his musical footsteps, the proud papa said it was up to her.

“I won’t push it, but I won’t stop her either. It’ll be up to Isabella and what she wants to pursue,” said Jason.

During his stay, he took time to promote his new single, “It Ain’t Braggin’.”

“I’ve signed with Cashbox Records. That’s a division of “Cashbox Magazine” and Cashbox Canada. I have dual citizenship — U.S. and Canada. I plan to take advantage of it to do some cross-border touring,” said the 32-year-old artist.

“I worked for McCains and Jason grew up in New Brunswick. We have family on both sides of the border,” added his dad, Lawrence Rogers.

His self-titled album, “Jason Rogers,” was released earlier this year and has received international air play in places ranging from the United States and Canada, to destinations as far away as India. With Cashbox, Jason expects his air time will grow. To make that happen, he’s already begun visiting stations, talking about his latest release and asking DJs to play it.

“I’m in the process of getting radio play. I’ve got over a dozen stations interested already. I just went out to the Dakotas — got one station out there that reaches six states that said they’ll play my music,” Jason said.

Plans included starting in the center of the U.S. and working out from there in both directions.

“I’m starting with radio play. You need that before you can pack a stadium. I’d like to do USO tours. I’ve been in country music magazines in the Scandinavian countries, so I’d like to build an audience in Sweden, Finland, maybe get some European fans in places like France,” he said. “Before the end of the year, I’ll be covered in 19 countries. I’ve already done 17.”

“I’ve been in ‘Country Music People Magazine,’ which covers the United Kingdom. I’ve been in Scotland’s ‘CMDS’ magazine (‘Country Music and Dance in Scotland’), which covers Scotland and Ireland — their June/July issue,” Jason continued.

Accolades include being listed as a Rising Star in the June issue of “Country Weekly” magazine.

“Those three magazines cover quite an area,” he said. “It’s about getting your name out there. I’m actually getting air play in 15 countries, including India. I’ve had newspaper articles from Maine to Oregon. I’ve even been on the front page of the Chicago Daily Herald.”

He gave his father credit for being so supportive over the years.

“I’ve spent five or six years seriously pursuing a music career. I’ve given dad a few headaches financially, but he’s always been very supportive,” said Jason.

The songwriter credits his roots for the themes in many of his songs.

“Where I was born, where I was raised, your word’s still like your handshake. That’s what forms who you become. That’s important to me and I try to incorporate such values into my music,” said Jason. “If you have a good heart and sound good, folks will listen. I’ve helped several musicians over the years, given them advice and help with songs. It’s just who I am.”

Since signing with Cashbox — a popular publication that folded in 1996 but is now making a comeback under President Bruce Elrod — life has definitely speeded up for the young musician.

“Nothing in life comes quickly; you’ve gotta work slow. Things are picking up for me now that I’ve signed a contract with Cashbox. I’ll probably be twice as busy in coming months. Plans for touring and appearances will take a couple months to organize, due to working with stations, setting up shows,” said Jason.

Cashbox is looking to get its products — music and the magazine — back in stores, including places like Wal-Mart, according to Jason.

“Cashbox is putting me on Wal-Mart’s MP3 downloads. I’ll be available on their Web site,” he explained.

One of the things that attracted him to the deal with Cashbox is the company’s willingness to allow him to make decisions for himself.

“Before I agreed to sign, I requested full creative control. Officials at Cashbox actually encourage performers in that way,” said Jason.

His songs come from the heart —based on situations in his own life and the lives of others.

“I’m a strong believer in family values. That’s the way I was brought up. I had a good father and grandfathers to straighten me out when I needed it. I incorporate those values in my music,” said Jason.

“We (the family) have a strong belief system — spiritual beliefs. He performs from the heart,” said Lawrence. “It’s a tough industry. In most genres, it’s difficult to maintain sincerity and realism. But I think he does a good job at it.”

“God’s important in my life. It’s about preparing yourself for whatever happens. My music reflects what life hands you — love, loss, pleasure and pain. It’s a mixture,” said Jason.

Jason joins some major names on the Cashbox Country Countdown the week of Oct. 19, with “It Ain’t Braggin’” coming in at number 29, Rascal Flatts’ “Why” listed at number 21, Taylor Swift’s “15” is number 9 and leading the lineup at number 1 is Toby Keith, with “American Ride.”

“It’s an honor and such a pleasure to be listed with stars of such distinction. If you’d told me I’d be on a list like that a few years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. I’m living my dream,” said Jason.

For more information on Jason Rogers and his music, visit: www.cowboyjason.com or www.jasonrogerscountry.com. For more information on Cashbox, visit: www.cashboxrecords.com, www.cashboxmagazine.com or www.cashboxcanada.ca.

Rogers a rising star in country music industry
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer

Staff photo/Kathy McCarty

COUNTRY MUSICIAN JASON ROGERS visited family and promoted his album, “Jason Rogers,” in Aroostook County and New Brunswick in September, joined by his dad, Lawrence Rogers. Here, the pair stopped for a bite to eat at the Irish Setter Pub in Presque Isle, then moved on to an afternoon of interviews with various media agencies, promoting the Nashville recording artist’s single, “It Ain’t Braggin.’”

County native has country music hit – Jason Rogers finds success in Nashville

Article Date: 10/9/09
Source: Bangor Daily News – Bangor, ME

Click Here to view the original article

Presque Isle native, Jason Rogers has a country music hit with his single “It Ain’t Braggin’” and recently signed a record deal with Cashbox Records.

County native has country music hit
Jason Rogers finds success in Nashville

By Dale McGarrigle
BDN Staff

A line of Jason Rogers’ chart-climbing single says, “It ain’t braggin’ if you back it up.”

The Presque Isle native has been learning how to back it up during his time in Nashville, where he moved seven years ago.

Now Rogers, who grew up in New Brunswick, finds his single “It Ain’t Braggin’” at No. 34 on this week’s Cashbox Country Singles Chart, one notch below Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice.”

Also, the 32-year-old signed a record deal with a major label, Cashbox Records, in August. Both the label and the charts are parts of Cashbox Magazine, a venerated publication in the music industry that folded in 1996 but is now making a comeback under dynamic president Bruce Elrod. It has been available online only until this month, when a printed version began as well.

Elrod had approached Rogers earlier, but Rogers wasn’t aware of the Cashbox legacy and was cautious.

“I had to research them first,” he said in a phone interview from his home in the Nashville suburbs. “I wasn’t aware of the history of the magazine. People who’d been around then told me, ‘You’re an idiot if you don’t sign with Cashbox.’”

Even before the Cashbox deal, Rogers already had released his self-titled debut, which came out last spring. The album, produced on the Music City Productions label by Martin Young, Clint Black’s long-time guitarist, featured seven of Rogers’ own songs and five that he had whittled down from around 300. “I tried to pick ones that are similar to what I do,” he recalled.

That album took four years to complete.

“I had a lot of learning to do, a lot of people to meet,” Rogers admitted.

Something about the way Rogers packaged the demo which he sent to Cashbox caught Elrod’s attention.

“We opened it and played it, and I said, ‘This kid’s got something you don’t hear in country music right now,’” Elrod said. “This guy’s timing is right. The old artists are fading, and they’ve got to be replaced by somebody, and Jason’s in line to do that. That’s why he got an invitation to come in.”

On his own this summer, Rogers had gained coverage in publications from 17 countries, including Country Weekly and Country Music People, and had been getting radio play in 15 countries, some as far away as India and Australia.

Elrod hopes to help Rogers take the next step. He explained that the Cashbox model leaves the artists in control of producing their CDs and videos, while the label helps out with promotion, distribution, legal issues, booking and airplay. Cashbox gets its 20 artists on 3,500 radio stations worldwide, with just over half of those in the United States.

Elrod plans to rerelease Rogers’ album on Cashbox. Rogers was set to film the video for “It Ain’t Braggin’” Oct 8 at the Silverado Dance Hall and Saloon in Nashville. Elrod is planning a debut concert for Rogers at the historic Carolina Theater in Spruce Pines, N.C.

“I’m not going to let anything happen to Jason, because he’s going to be the next Kenny Chesney or Brad Paisley,” he said. “Once everything’s done, I think he’s going to take off.”

Rogers said that signing with Cashbox so far has been the right move for him.

“Bruce is really supportive of my music,” he said. “He gets heavy radio play of his artists, and radio stations that play their countdowns. More people will talk to me now.”

For more information, visit jasonrogerscountry.com or cowboyjason.com.

Music: Folk-country traditions of St. John River Valley shaped singer’s first album

Published Tuesday October 6th, 2009
Click here to read the original article

Benjamin Shingler
Telegraph-Journal

At age two, Jason Rogers was already performing Rhinestone Cowboy for his parents and guests in their St. John River Valley home.

Country singer Jason Rogers has relatives in New Brunswick and was recently back to visit.

He played just about anything he could get his hands on – piano, guitar, drums.

“There’s a lot of musical people over there,” says Rogers, who was born in Presque Ile, Maine, but moved across the border as a toddler.

“We had two TV channels, and we didn’t have a lot of action growing up, so you kind of lean towards music.”

His father, who worked at McCain Foods, regularly played piano at the Wesleyan church in

Bristol, where Rogers and his two siblings attended service.

“I grew up with a big, big family, which led us to have more music, too. I wouldn’t even want to guess how
many relatives I had.”

Now 32 and living in Nashville, Tenn., the budding country star released his first full-length solo album earlier this year.

He says the folk-country traditions of the St. John River Valley, and visits to the region’s

Baptist and Wesleyan churches, shaped the gospel-country sound on his album.

“There’s a lot of storytellers up there,” Rogers said by phone from his Nashville home. “Good tales of hunting and fishing.”

Rogers moved to Illinois with his parents at 17, his father was transferred to a post with McCain and spent his early 20s in the outskirts of Chicago and places like Forth Worth, Texas.

Although he continued to play music, Rogers says he grew frustrated after a difficult stretch of band break-ups.

Finally, he decided, “I’m done with this. I don’t want to be the piano player and the singer piano in some other person’s band.”

“That’s when I started sitting down and thinking I would be the singer,” he recalls.

“I decided to just be Jason Rogers and I started writing my own songs.”

At 25, Rogers made the move to the world’s country music capital to pursue a career as a solo artist.

The mentality in Nashville is far different, he says, than back in New Brunswick.

“I have never seen so many singers and writers in my life,” he says.

“You could just about throw a stone and hit a dozen of them.”

Rogers, who married in 2004, still visits family in New Brunswick and was in the province earlier this month to visit his grandparents, with whom he remains close.

“The one thing I can say is that in Nashville you can say you are a musician – no one will even look at you once,” he says.

“Tell that to your uncles that work in the woods and work at McCain, they would look at you like you were a UFO pilot.”

His self-titled album is slowly gaining traction in New Brunswick and beyond but Rogers has greater aspirations.

“It’s putting food on the table and making the car and house payments,” Rogers says of the album.

“I’m hoping to tour everywhere, Canada, the United States, Europe, and play for the soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

The Victoria Star – By Shawn Merrithew

Since he was young, Jason Rogers has always dreamed of becoming a country music star and carving his name in the industry.

Earlier this year, Rogers who now resides in Nashville “ produced and released his first self-titled album and was featured as a rising star in Country Weekly magazine in June.

Now, the 32-year-old singer-songwriter is entering the next chapter of his music career by signing his first major record deal with Cashbox Records, owned by Cashbox Magazine.

Rogers said he is thrilled about the record deal.

“I’m pretty happy because I have worked hard to get here,” Rogers said.

Besides making more CDs, Rogers pointed out his new record deal includes tour dates, having a booking agent and lots of public relations for his self-produced album.

“Before I was doing it all myself,” Rogers explained. “I’ve done well for what I’m capable of, (but) it is nice to have a team of people helping you instead doing everything. I’m excited because it gives me the ability to do the things I wanted to do.”

He pointed out it is a big step in his musical career as Cashbox is considered one of the Big Three music charts world wide, and his single It Ain’t Bragging will be featured on the Top 40.

“I’ll be debuting on Cashbox’s Top 40 chart,” Rogers added. “It will probably be 38th or 39th on the list.”

It Ain’t Braggin’ debuted at 39 on the Top 40 Country Singles.

“I like that it is one of the biggest and historical names in the industry,” Rogers said. “And I’m glad the magazine is coming back. They are making the first hardcopy of the commemorative version right now – which will be their comeback magazine, and I will be in it too. Cashbox is a worldwide well-known name and has been since 1942. It was one of the magazines people bought to get into music. So it is a good thing (to be apart of it).”

But the deal didn’t happen overnight.

Rogers said he spent four months in talks with Cashbox president Bruce Elrod before he signed the dotted line. He liked the fact Elrod never gave up on him, Rogers said. The rising star said Elrod told him he brought a fresh sound to Nashville, especially in an age where many new country artists are starting to all sound the same and there is no distinction.

“The reason he picked up on me was he liked the sound of my voice,” Rogers said. “He said ‘your voice is different, it is not the typical deep, strong country voice.’ There are a lot of deep-country singers, but I probably got a little tenor in me that I keep down. But I can probably go higher than have been doing.”

One of the biggest things about the deal, which appealed to Rogers, he said, was the touring, particularly in Canada, although he expects he will tour around the globe.

“I’m excited about that because I have always wanted to tour Canada, and that is a big deal to me,” he explained. “It means a lot, but I’d prefer to do it (touring) in the summer months.”

Another key element of the deal, he pointed out was he would retain fully creative control of his music.

“You want to work with someone who will let you make your songs,” Rogers said. “When someone starts telling you how to sing and what to sing, it can change you to a point where you are not you anymore. I like to be a part of my own music. I picked the songs I picked out of several hundred songs. It is tough to pick them anyway, but I don’t need four or more other people’s minds doing it with me.

“I do listen to other people’s advice, but I like control of my destiny,” Rogers added.

With his music career now rolling with Cashbox Records, Rogers expects it will gain more momentum November with tour dates and more airtime for his first single and his other tracks. From there, he plans to release a second CD, though he has no fixed date.

“Once you see me starting, you won’t see me stopping until I’m well into my 40s,” Rogers said with a chuckle.

By Shawn Merrithew

Article Date: 9/22/09
Source: Bugle Observer – By Shawn Merrithew – CanadaEast Interactive, Brunswick News Inc.

A Wicklow musician is sitting on top of the country music world.

Since he was young, Jason Rogers has always dreamed of becoming a country music star and carving his name in the industry.

Earlier this year, Rogers – who now resides in Nashville – produced and released his first self-titled album and was featured as a rising star in Country Weekly magazine in June.

Now, the 32-year-old singer-songwriter is entering the next chapter of his music career by signing his first major record deal with Cashbox Records, owned by Cashbox Magazine.

Rogers said he is thrilled about the record deal.

“I’m pretty happy because I have worked hard to get here,” Rogers said.

Besides making more CDs, Rogers pointed out his new record deal includes tour dates, having a booking agent and lots of public relations for his self-produced album.

“Before I was doing it all myself,” Rogers explained. “I’ve done well for what I’m capable of, (but) it is nice to have a team of people helping you instead doing everything. I’m excited because it gives me the ability to do the things I wanted to do.”

He pointed out it is a big step in his musical career as Cashbox is considered one of the Big Three music charts world wide, and his single It Ain’t Bragging will be featured on the Top 40.

“I’ll be debuting on Cashbox’s Top 40 chart,” Rogers added. “It will probably be 38th or 39th on the list.”

It Ain’t Braggin’ debuted at 39 on the Top 40 Country Singles.

Since Cashbox Records is a big industry player – despite taking a few years hiatus in 1996 – Rogers said, signing on adds more credit to his music and gets it out there to be heard. It will certainly add to his growing popularity, he added, and make his face known worldwide.

“I like that it is one of the biggest and historical names in the industry,” Rogers said. “And I’m glad the magazine is coming back. They are making the first hardcopy of the commemorative version right now which will be their comeback magazine, and I will be in it too. Cashbox is a worldwide well-known name and has been since 1942. It was one of the magazines people bought to get into music. So it is a good thing (to be apart of it).”

But the deal didn’t happen overnight.

Rogers said he spent four months in talks with Cashbox president Bruce Elrod before he signed the dotted line. He liked the fact Elrod never gave up on him, Rogers said. The rising star said Elrod told him he brought a fresh sound to Nashville, especially in an age where many new country artists are starting to all sound the same and there is no distinction.

“The reason he picked up on me was he liked the sound of my voice,” Rogers said. “He said ‘your voice is different, it is not the typical deep, strong country voice.’ There are a lot of deep-country singers, but I probably got a little tenor in me that I keep down. But I can probably go higher than have been doing.”

One of the biggest things about the deal, which appealed to Rogers, he said, was the touring, particularly in Canada, although he expects he will tour around the globe.

“I’m excited about that because I have always wanted to tour Canada, and that is a big deal to me,” he explained. “It means a lot, but I’d prefer to do it (touring) in the summer months.”

Another key element of the deal, he pointed out was he would retain fully creative control of his music. That is a rarity in country music today, he said, noting Taylor Swift is one of the few artists in the industry who has full creative control.

“You want to work with someone who will let you make your songs,” Rogers said. “When someone starts telling you how to sing and what to sing, it can change you to a point where you are not you anymore. I like to be a part of my own music. I picked the songs I picked out of several hundred songs. It is tough to pick them anyway, but I don’t need four or more other people’s minds doing it with me.

“I do listen to other people’s advice, but I like control of my destiny,” Rogers added.

With his music career now rolling with Cashbox Records, Rogers expects it will gain more momentum November with tour dates and more airtime for his first single and his other tracks. From there, he plans to release a second CD, though he has no fixed date.

“Once you see me starting, you won’t see me stopping until I’m well into my 40s,” Rogers said with a chuckle.

By Shawn Merrithew

Article Date: 7/23/09
Source: Dalles Chronicle, The (The Dalles, OR)

Jade McDowell The Chronicle
Published: July 23, 2009

When Christie Rogers answered a call for an interview with The Chronicle, she was flattered. “No one ever wants to talk to me,” she said.

That ’s because the phone calls are usually for her husband, and these days the phone is ringing off the hook.

Rogers, a graduate of The Dalles High School, is married to country singer Jason Rogers. He’s not a superstar yet, but the singer and songwriter has been getting quite a bit of attention lately.

His song “Breathe into me” was voted Country Song of The Year by VH1’s Save the Music Foundation in 2007. Since then he has been steadily gaining attention from fans, the media and the music industry.

This month he will appear in both Country Weekly magazine and Europe’s Country People magazine.

The couple l ive in Nashville with their 8 month-old daughter, but Christie said she visits her parents in The Dalles whenever she can. “I miss Oregon,” she said. “It’s so beautiful. I miss the mountains and the trees.” She was already living in Tennessee, working in property management, when she met Jason at a singer-songwriter party about six years ago. She had gone to the party to support the friend who was throwing it but said she had no interest in dating a musician.

Jason noticed her and tried to get to know her better through their mutual friends. He started playing pranks to get her attention and eventually persuaded her to go on a date with him.

“After the first date we were pretty much inseparable,” she said.

One thing she said really attracted her to him was the value he placed on marriage. Both she and Jason said they were raised to take marriage very seriously and were looking for a partnership that would last a lifetime.

They found that partnership with each other.

Christie said she was always more of a classical music person but she enjoys hearing her husband’s music. She isn’t musical herself, but Jason is already teaching their daughter, who loves watching her father play his guitar.

Jason Rogers is clearly a family man. He is also a people person. After a just a few minutes on the phone with him it is obvious Christie would have been hard pressed to marry a friendlier or more genuine guy.

He keeps up a steady stream of pleasant conversation in his even drawl, and nearly every sentence is punctuated with his warm, infectious laugh.

He has been advised to let an agent handle all of hi s publ ici ty but he prefers personal contact.

He said he has gotten a good response from the hours spent picking up the phone and introducing himself to local radio DJs and newspapers. At first he was nervous about dealing with the media, but said so far everyone has been “100 percent awesome.” “I guess it’s because nobody’s really anti-music,” he said.

He often plays at the Loveless Café in Nashville, where he said he enjoys the homey environment and chance to mingle with the locals during breakfast before his morning show.

He is planning to do a radio tour soon, which will involve performing and chatting on air rather than giving big concerts. He said he wants to bring back the old days when musicians got in a bus and went town to town, eating dinner with local families and “just getting friendly with people.” His music is heartfelt and warm. Some of it is upbeat, some is mellow, but it all has a definite but not overbearing country feel. His genuine smalltown background shines through in a believable way, as does his likeable personality.

“A song has to personally touch you for you to be able to sing it and touch other people,” he said, and it’s a feat he seems to accomplish.

He said he is grateful for the support of his wife and also his in-laws, Larry and Anita Wolf, who still live in The Dalles.

“They’ve never been anything but good to me,” he said.

The Wolfs are enthusiastic about their son-in-law’s music and said they believe he’s got a good career in store for him, especially in terms of song writing.

“I think he writes from the heart,” Larry said.

That’s all anyone can ask for.

JASON ROGERS, a rising country western singer in Nashville, Tenn., is married to The Dalles High School graduate Christie Rogers. Contributed photo.

Article Date: 6/10/09
Source: THE STAR~HERALD

THE STAR~HERALD

Northern Maine’s Fastest Growing Newspaper

Aroostock County’s Independent Voice

PRESQUE ISLE REGION

BUSINESS
Section A THE STAR~HEARALD June 10, 2009

Local musician’s first CD gains international attention

By Kathy McCarty

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 works for McCain’s, my mother works for the Salvation Army. When they moved to Chicago area, 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 age 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 2007, 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 and N/Ireland,” as well as “Country Weekly” magazine, on sale in the U.S. and Canada 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 the 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 Braggin’” 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 experience of being a new dad.

“My daughter, Isabella Grace Rogers, was born September 22, 2008. Parenthood has taken some getting used to, bit 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 from 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.

JASON ROGERS, formerly of Presque Isle, recently released his first CD of country music. Here, he’s pictured talking a break during a recording session in Nashville. For more information on the artist and his recordings, visit www.CowboyJason.com.

Article Date: 6/8/09
Source: Hickman County Times, Centerville, TN

Hickman County Times
volume 61 — Number 21, Centerville, Tennessee
Monday, June 8, 2009

Aetna, Bon Aqua, Brushy, Bucksnort, Coble, Farmer’s Exchange, Gray’s Bend, Grinders Switch, Little Lot, Locust Creek, Lyles, Nunnelly, Only, Pinewood, Pleasantville, Primm Springs, Shady Grove, Shipp’s Bend, Spot, Swan, Totty’s Bend, Vernon, Wrigley

Country music

Rogers making a splash

June will be a coming-out party of sorts for Jason Rogers, as the Bon Aqua man expects a surge in publicity about his career and his recent debut album, titled Jason Rogers.

“It is truly amazing how far I have some in this music world, and I sure don’t intend to do anything but continue,” said Rogers 32.

Released this spring, his self-titled CD contains 12 songs, including “Breathe Into Me,” which in 2007 won the country category in Song of the Year, an international songwriting competition. He wrote seven of the tunes, including “Remembering The Good Ones” and “Thinking About Changing.”

Rogers, who grew up in Maine, also lived in rural Canada and then suburban Chicago before heading for Bon Aqua and the nearby glare of Nashville. He is earning notoriety in Country Weekly Magazine, a Nashville publication, this week. He expects to be featured in Country Music People Magazine, a European publication, in June, and CMDS magazine, which serves Scotland and Ireland.

“When Larry Holden, chief editor of Country Weekly, contacted me I felt like it was my first kiss… haha,” he wrote in an e-mail. “I truly have been blessed and owe it all to God, first, my family second and my friends and my fans.”

Newspapers in Naperville, Ill., — where he lived as a young man — have marked his CD’s release as well.

Simple pleasures, a country prespective on life, his family — he’s a husband and dad — and classic love songs are the simplest explanation of who he is, along with his sense of humor.

“I never looked like Dolly Parton so I had to develop a personality,” he said last week in an e-mail chat.

Information about his CD is available at www.CowboyJason.com

Bradley A. Martin