Roger

Roger Troutman, prominently known by his mononym, "Roger," was a multifaceted American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer. He was a key figure in the funk scene, particularly famous for his use of the talk box—an electronic device that allows the manipulation of the human voice, which became a signature element in his music. Born on November 29, 1951, Troutman found fame in the 1970s as the founder of the band Zapp, which played an integral role in the funk movement with their distinctive sound.

His solo career took off in the 1980s with the release of "The Many Facets of Roger," an album showcasing his adaptability and innovation in the funk genre. It featured hits like "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," which saw him capitalizing on his mastery of the talk box. Throughout his career, Roger collaborated with a plethora of artists and contributed to bridging the gap between funk and the developing hip-hop scene. Later works such as "Unlimited!", "The Saga Continues...," and "Bridging The Gap" speak to his enduring creativity and influence. Despite his untimely passing in April 1999, his music saw a revival in subsequent years, as samples and his distinctive style continued to be celebrated by new generations of artists in the realms of R&B, hip-hop, and beyond. With singles like "Be Alright" and "Hyper," Roger's legacy continues to reverberate, confirming his status as an enduring icon of funk and a major influence in the music industry.

Related Artists Spotify Logo
Prince
Zapp
Cameo
The Time
Bootsy Collins
Rick James
Latest Release
undefined album image
Hyper
Single - Released August 28, 2023
Collage of Genre Images

RecentMusic users are tracking Roger and over 156,300 other artists to know when they release the new music.

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the artists you love!

Get Started
  1. August 28, 2023
    undefined album image
    Hyper
    1 tracks
  2. July 10, 1998
  3. July 22, 1995
  4. December 1, 1991
  5. December 1, 1987
  6. December 1, 1984
  7. December 1, 1981
  1. July 10, 1998
  2. December 1, 1991
  3. December 1, 1987
  4. December 1, 1984
  5. December 1, 1981
  1. August 28, 2023
    undefined album image
    Hyper
    1 tracks
  2. July 22, 1995