Edward Rogers

Although born in Birmingham, England, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Edward Rogers eventually settled in New York City, channeling his affection for classic pop into power-pop outfits such as the Green Rooftops and the co-ed duo Bedsit Poets while also pursuing a solo path. During his formative years he absorbed the Anglo-pop currents of the 1960s and 1970s, ranging from the Byrds’ and the Zombies’ jangling psychedelia to the vocal harmonies of the Association and the Mamas & the Papas. Once in New York he held a post at a nonprofit while drumming recreationally, until a 1985 subway mishap cost him his right arm and half of his right leg. After six weeks in a city hospital he emerged with a fresh perspective and a rekindled commitment to music. By 1987 he was joining jam sessions alongside other pop-oriented local players, and the circle soon inaugurated a regular concert series honoring composers such as Burt Bacharach. Rogers extended that initiative through his own venture, The Loser’s Lounge, and later staged multiple sold-out New York performances for former Zombies frontman Colin Blunstone, whose previous appearance in the city had been years earlier. In gratitude, Blunstone and Rod Argent added vocals to Rogers’ debut solo release, Sunday Fables, which appeared in 2004. He also helped assemble the Green Rooftops, drawing on several longtime figures from Manhattan’s pop community, and launched Bedsit Poets, a folk-leaning collaboration with fellow British expatriate Amanda Thorpe. His second solo album, You Haven’t Been Where I’ve Been, followed in 2008.