D.J. Rogers

In a gospel-influenced style, soul singer D.J. Rogers (born DeWayne Julius Rogers, 1948-2020) had just one pop hit with the ballad "Say You Love Me" (1976), and six more in the R&B charts, despite the recognition of his peers. Born in Los Angeles, he sang in a choir and played the piano, then became director of the Watts Community Choir in 1970. Signed to Leon Russell's Shelter Records, he recorded a self-titled debut album in 1973, then joined RCA, where he demonstrated his talents as a composer, musician and producer on the chart-topping albums It's Good to Be Alive (1975) and On the Road Again (1976), then Love, Music and Life (1977), which brought him a certain notoriety among soul fans. After the commercial failure of her fourth album, D.J. Rogers returned to the R&B charts with Love Brought Me Back (1978), released by Columbia through Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire). White welcomed Rogers to his ARC label for the following albums Trust Me (1979) and The Message Is Still the Same (1980), along with a duet with Patrice Rushen on "Givin' It Up, Givin' Up". An album recorded with the Ashford & Simpson duo remains unreleased when D.J. Rogers turns his attention to gospel on Hope Songs, Vol. 1 (1982), for a specialist label. Now a reverend, he made a few appearances on record, on television in the soap opera Good News, and in the film Above the Rim. The release of compilations contributed to his rediscovery, with covers by Natalie Cole and Jennifer Holliday, and numerous samples from rap artists such as The Roots, Common and Faith Evans. He died on August 22, 2020 at the age of 72.

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