Roger Jaeger on “Grandpa’s Ghost”: Peeling Away the Layers
Roger Jaeger has mastered infusing his sense of home into his craft. Fans might expect the Oklahoma-born, Nashville-cultivated artist to adopt the sounds of the sprawling great plains or honky-tonk streets of Nashville. Yet, world-traveler Jaeger pulls off something that few artists do—he pulls from every one of his threads, establishing a sound that evolves alongside him interconnected with every place that’s shaped him. Moving to the former logging city of Redding, California at the beginning of the pandemic, Jaeger’s day-to-day pace no longer reflected the energy of Nashville’s bustling Broadway, but instead the serenity of Redding’s scenic vistas.
Naturally, being surrounded by the picturesque, rugged NorCal landscape inspired him to embrace a more reflective, down-to-earth style—encouraging him to take on a folk and Americana sound. And fans will be glad he did—his smooth, gently rasped voice and contemplative melodies fit in the genre like a glove. Embracing his new musical identity, Jaeger is busy charming the guests of vineyards, breweries, and private events, and is beyond thrilled to release a new album, Wander a twist of folk exploring self-discovery, spirituality, and connection that is thoughtfully introspective, tenderly uplifting, and bright as the California sunshine.
Though Jaeger was never able to meet his grandfather face-to-face, in “Grandpa’s Ghost” he explores the relationship he would have had with his grandfather had he not passed away from smoking-related lung cancer before Jaeger was born. The emotional new track asks the question “What advice would he have given me if we had met?” Jaeger’s gentle acoustic strums and soft haunting vocals give the song an ethereal quality as it builds a sense of both nostalgia and longing. Jaeger wishes he could hear the sage wisdom of his grandfather, but instead, he must settle for imagination. “I think he’d look me straight in the eye and say, ‘My boy I know what it’s like,’” sings Jaeger, “you can gain the whole world with a hole in your chest.” Thoughtfully illuminating the power of legacy, Jaeger reveals to listeners that familial ties reach beyond the physical world, rather, they run through the blood and pass down through love and great care. “Grandpa’s Ghost” will linger not only in listeners’ heads but in their minds—encouraging them to reflect upon the “invisible” familial relationships that guide them knowingly and unknowingly and drive them to be a better person.
Mezzano returns for “Granpa’s Ghost”, and once again Jaeger’s visuals are cinematic treats for the eyes. He joins his grandfather for a ride down dusty backroads—metaphorically and literally separated by the bed of an old red pickup truck. Smoking a cigarette, and keeping an eye on the truck bed, his grandfather guides him through the bumpy road without ever saying a word. As the sun begins to fall from the sky, the pair travels together for the final time as Jaeger pours his heart into the song. When the video comes to a close, the story cleverly comes full circle as the red pickup truck pulls into the driveway, and Jaeger’s own young grandson hops in to join a much older and wiser Jaeger for a ride. “84 years is a long, long time, but it seems so short when you’re on this side,” expresses Jaeger, stepping into his grandfather’s shoes to pass his wisdom onto the next generation.
Can you tell us about the time you have been a musical artist from the beginning?
Oh wow! Well, it started at 13. I saw the Newsboys live in concert and then asked for a guitar for Christmas. I started writing songs, played in a couple bands in middle school and high school, then started playing as a solo artist right around 17. And I’ve never stopped.
Did any figure or musical artist in particular inspire you to write a song like “Grandpa’s Ghost”?
In preparation for this album I started digging into folk artists such as James Taylor, Drew Holcomb, and Gregory Alan Isakov. I don’t know that any of them inspired the songwriting, but they definitely contributed to the sound of the record.
How has your personality been translated into “Grandpa’s Ghost”?
I’m very introspective by nature, and the first verse of the song is a specific nod to that introspection. I desire to live well, to live fully, to hold my grandchildren someday and impart wisdom to them.
What has it been like building up your audience?
A lot of my audience building has come from playing small shows all over the country, over many years. It has been a slow build. One thing I’ve been fascinated with concerning “Grandpa’s Ghost” has been the audience shift – it seems to be appealing much more to men, whereas in the past my online audience has skewed female. It feels appropriate though, as with this album I wanted to write into themes of manhood. I think many men think about their grandfathers and where they’ve come from.
How have you seen your art evolve and change over the years?
In high school I played in a band that was influenced by everything from Jars of Clay to Creed, and I tried to sing with a very hard rock voice. Once I discovered Jeff Buckley and Coldplay I softened out, trying to find a place in the world of pop/rock/alternative. My latest stuff really leans heavily into the songwriting and storytelling, and fits much better into the Folk/Americana genres.
What is your favorite visual element of the “Grandpa’s Ghost” music video?
I love the final verse of the song where it changes to me as an old man picking up my grandson. It’s a visual statement of me giving my grandson what my grandfather was unable to give me – time together.
What message in “Grandpa’s Ghost” do you hope impacts your audience the most?
Live life with wisdom so that you may pass on a legacy to your descendants.
What project are you most excited for following the release of “Grandpa’s Ghost”?
“Grandpa’s Ghost” is the first single from the “Wander” album. I’m thrilled to put this album out – it will release in 2025, 7 years after my last full project. I think it’s the best batch of songs I’ve ever put together.
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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.
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