(August 22, 2020) He never received the popular acclaim that his talent
warranted, but for his many fans, he was appreciated to the core. Today
was say a sad goodbye to singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist
DJ Rogers (born DeWayne Julius Rogers). He was 72.
Rogers had a string of popular R&B albums in the 70s and several
songs that are revered more than four decades after their release,
including the beautiful ballad “Say You Love Me” (later recorded by
Natalie Cole) and the dramatic midtempo top 20 hit, “Love Brought Me
Back.” During that decade he recorded on the RCA, Total Experience and
Columbia labels, each time delivering solid performances and memorable
songs. He also worked with Deniece Williams, Maurice White and Patrice
Rushen.
By the 90s and into the new millennium, Rogers was principally
performing Gospel music. We last heard from him in 2012, when he
contributed his recognizable vocals to the hit “Whoa to Wow” with Renee
Spearman.
Rogers was part of a community of talented artists who brought both
gospel and jazz sensibilities to 70s R&B, in many ways pre-dating
the adult soul movement that would dominate much of mid-80s urban radio.
His contribution was far more significant than his fame, and he is to
be thanked for helping usher in a particularly rich era for soul music.
He will be missed.
