James Roger’s Tribute to the Land of Liberty

The United States of America is a country known for its emphasis on freedom in all aspects of life. Be it freedom of speech, religion, press, or assembly, the country is supposed to support each and every resident to its fullest. America’s gifts to the world are innumerable, as it has majorly contributed to establishment of modern governmental laws, space and exploration and development, global economy, and many more. Being an active and flourishing country, it deserves to be loved and supported at all causes, something that a true patriot realizes. James Rogers, an American artist, recognizes and values his country’s greatness and pays his gratitude with his impeccable music.

James, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was driven by music from his early childhood. It can be said that music was in his blood, as his family was immersed in it. Born to the beautiful couple Hershel and Elizabeth, little Rogers was blessed with a melodious family. The Rogers family played music in their leisure hours and made it their escape from reality. All this while, James’ love for his country and music kept on increasing.

He set his hands on a guitar when he was eleven on a Christmas morning. As excited as he was, James had to keep a promise of improving and polishing his skills until next year to be given a new model. With a milestone set in his mind, James got the clarity of his profession from an early age. He said, “I started to travel around to all the best garages in Fort Oglethorpe, playing in as many groups with as many different people as there were garages to play.” And this was the beginning of his musical journey.

The Struggle is the Part of the Story

Choosing music as a career has never been easy for anyone. Every artist, at some point, has struggled to gain stability, and so did James. While looking for chances to debut in the music industry and make it his profession, James crossed paths with Allen Casey, the multi-million-dollar Choo Choo complex owner, who provided a solid foundation to his struggling career in music. He gave James a chance to perform at Choo Choo and later appointed him and became his manager. This was a huge milestone for James as he had finally bagged a great opportunity. Besides music, the singer prioritized his academics and completed his B.A. from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1974. A year later, James was traveling across the country and sharing the stage with show business maestros such as Alabama, Suzy Bogguss, Roy Clark, Steve Martin, Ricky Skaggs, and superstar Dolly Parton.

In 1983, James participated in a talent contest at a theme park in the Smokies called Silver Dollar City. Due to his excellent grip on music, he won the National Mountain Music Festival out of 2,000 contestants. He then consistently performed at the Smokies with his group called James Rogers and Company and earned the title of “the number one most attended show in the Smokies.” Their performances won several awards, including the Peoples’ Choice Award for “Best Show” 1997 and 1998, “Best Theater” 1996, 1997, and 1998, and “Best Entertainer” 1997 and 1998, just to name a few.

Something for His Country

Every patriot desire to contribute to the wellbeing and prosperity of the country in some way or the other. James Rogers chose music as a form of expression of his love and respect for America. His admiration for his country was magnified when he joined the Tennessee National Guard. Since the guard was briefly activated in Chattanooga, James entertained his colleagues and others in the mess hall. Later, on active duty, he became famous for his “latrine concerts.” He was in his senior year when he was appointed to a six-month tour on active duty with the U.S. Army.

Reminiscing his days in the National Guard, James had recently penned song lyrics that stroked a powerful longing in people’s hearts for the days when things were simpler, and all Americans stood strong, proud, and together. His music ignited a spark of dreaming big, believing in them, and achieving them. His new tunes feature tributes to the Armed Forces, the American Bald Eagle, and other causes that bring the listener closer to God and the country. Many of his songs have been selected for a different event in the American Army, such as “I Guard America” by the Enlisted Men’s and Women’s Association of the National Guard as their official theme song, and “Where Eagles Fly” for the Fraternal Order of Eagles as their theme song.

Not only does James creates music for his country, but he also uses it as a means of contributing to the societal level. He performs at different places, including St. Petersburg University, the Citrus County Food Bank, and Key Training Center, to raise money for needy projects such as food ministries and training programs for mentally challenged people. James Rogers is a true patriot who creatively integrated both his interests to achieve a higher purpose.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.