David Rogers (musician)
David "Feet" Rogers | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | February 14, 1935 Hawaii |
| Died | October 7, 1983 (aged 48) Hawaii |
| Genres | Traditional Hawaiian Music |
| Instrument(s) | Lap Steel Guitar, Rickenbacher Post-War BD6 |
| Formerly of | Sons of Hawaii, Maile Serenaders |
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]
Early life
[edit]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
[edit]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]
Death
[edit]David "Feet" Rogers died from cancer on October 7, 1983, at the age of 48.[1][2]
Achievements
[edit]- Rogers is an Honoree and Inductee to the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.[3]
- Rogers was selected as the featured steel guitar soloist on the National Geographic's 1974 "The Music of Hawaii" Music of the World Series for Hawaii.[1][6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "David Rogers, a member of the Sons of Hawaii... - UPI Archives". UPI. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
- ^ a b c d e f g Kamae, Eddie (2004). The History of the Sons of Hawai'i (DVD). Hawaii: Mountain Apple Company.
- ^ a b c "HMHOF » Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame". HMHOF. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
- ^ a b c d e f g Troutman, John (2016). Kika Kila: How the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Changed the Sound of Modern Music (1st ed.). USA: University of North Carolina Press. pp. 206–225. ISBN 978-1469659091.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Ruymar, Lorene (1996). The Hawaiian Steel Guitar and its Great Hawaiian Musicians (1st ed.). Anaheim, CA: Centerstream Publishing. pp. 88–106. ISBN 978-1574240214.
- ^ a b Rogers, David (1974). Hilo March, David Rogers, The Music of Hawai'i (Vinyl Recording). National Geographic Society.