Rodger is a Past President, and a charter member of, the California Chapter of the Western Music Association. He comes from a tradition of Saturday night family sing a longs, where all the generations got together to sing, with his dad playing guitar. Rodger describes himself as a second-generation cowboy singer. “My dad had a show on WRNY radio, in the 30’s, singing cowboy songs, so I am the Son of a Cowboy Singer”.
Rodger grew up in the era of Hoppy, Roy, and Gene (Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry). He enjoyed the old western songs he heard his dad sing and the recordings of Gene, Roy, and others. When his life took him west, he got interested in the history, lore, and code of the west. So Rodger started singing the songs himself and then writing his own story songs in the tradition and style of the old songs.
Rodger , based in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, performs regularly at: the Museum of the American West (Autry) hosting the 3rd Sunday of the Month Western Music Jamboree. Rodger performs at many festivals, fairs, and clubs such as; Western Music Association Festival, Arizona Cowboy Symposium, Vaquero Days, Tombstone Cowboy Festival, Conejo Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival, Coffee Gallery Backstage, and numerous campfires. He was selected for the Musicians Roster of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.
He describes his musical influences as running the gamut from Homer and Jethro to the Golden Gate Quartet, from Carson Robison to Burl Ives, and from Gene Autry to Django Reinhardt. His songs are word paintings and they don’t stick to one style.
He might surprise you with some whistling, banjitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, acoustic bass guitar, or whatever else he can get his hands on.
WHAT FOLKS ARE SAYING ABOUT RODGER MAXWELL
"Here is one entertainer who lives up to his biography. When he is on stage it's very easy to close you eyes and visualize being around campfire on a trail drive 100 years ago. He certainly has the ability to tell a story of the 'old west' with a song".
-John Payne, President, Arizona Cowboy Symposium
"I thoroughly enjoyed your CD- it has an old-time western flavor to it that takes the listener back in time", and says of "Never Start", one of Rodger's originals, "...an outstanding song that should receive coverage by lots of western artists. It paints such a great picture of the pioneers. I played it over and over just to make sure I caught every word. This one could become a classic."
-Marvin O'Dell, Around the Campfire radio program
"Rodger's ability to draw a clear picture of how western music should be played took my attention from the very first track, a heartfelt and moving story song. The whole album is intriguing with its simplicity and the listening is a pleasure."
"...your CD is infectious and delightful"
"Thank you for the wonderful CD, I...love it"
"Rodger Maxwell is that rare musician who has learned his trade. He sings, writes and plays with skill and enthusiasm that has earned him the title of "Journeyman." He is a many faceted entertainer who is not afraid to stretch and amuse his listeners with his sense of humor and his music". ,
-Bob Stane, Coffee Gallery Backstage
-Reviewer: Mary H - CDBABY
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