David Rogers (musician)
Musical artist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
David Rogers also known as David "Feet" Rogers (February 14, 1935 – October 7, 1983)[1][2] was a Hawaiian lap steel guitarist. He is known for his unique style and significant contributions to traditional Hawaiian music. He was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 2019.[3]
David "Feet" Rogers | |
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| Background information | |
| Born | February 14, 1935 Hawaii |
| Died | October 7, 1983 (aged 48) Hawaii |
| Genres | Traditional Hawaiian Music |
| Instruments | Lap Steel Guitar, Rickenbacher Post-War BD6 |
| Formerly of | Sons of Hawaii, Maile Serenaders |
Early life
Rogers was born in Kalihi, a neighborhood on the island of Oʻahu, and grew up surrounded by music. His father, George "Pops" Rogers, was a Hawaiian steel guitarist, and his uncle, Benny Rogers, played steel guitar for Genoa Keawe.[4][5] Rogers studied under David Keli'i, the steel guitarist for the Hawaii Calls radio program.[4][5] He favored a D major tuning passed down through his family, which he viewed as a cultural inheritance to be carefully preserved.[4][5]
Career
In the 1960s, Rogers became an original member of the Sons of Hawaii,[1][4][5] a group that included Gabby Pahinui on slack key guitar, Eddie Kamae on ukulele, and Joe Marshall on upright bass. Together, they spearheaded a revival of grassroots Hawaiian music, focusing on traditional songs rather than the swing-oriented "Waikiki" style that many contemporary artists pursued.[4][5]
"Rogers's understated and minimalist approach to steel guitar complemented the band's sound, adding a subtle yet powerful layer of expression that many listeners regarded as essential to the authenticity of Hawaiian music."[who said this?][2][3] Eddie Kamae praised the steel guitar's role in enhancing the natural beauty of the group's arrangements, noting that it distinguished their sound at a time when steel guitar had fallen out of favor.[5]
Rogers was featured as a steel guitar soloist on National Geographic's 1974 album "The Music of Hawaii"[6] and appeared in the documentary The History of the Sons of Hawaii.[2] His playing inspired a new generation of steel guitarists, and his influence extended far beyond Hawaii's shores.[who said this?][2][4][5] Fellow musicians Fred Lundt and Moe Keale have recounted how Rogers's heartfelt playing and his philosophy of "filling" the music rather than overpowering it left a profound impression.[2]
Rogers worked as a merchant marine, often balancing these duties with his role in the Sons of Hawaii.[5] His absence was keenly felt whenever he was at sea, and the band would often pause performances until his return, reflecting the deep respect they had for his contributions.[who said this?][2][4][5]