Buck Rogers Jr.’s mission through his music is for his listeners to not forget the WWII/ Korean veterans; men and women of all races, colors, and backgrounds, and what they did. He hopes to reflect the spirit of togetherness in music and that it encompasses all ages.
Throughout the years, various listeners described his music as leaving them with a feeling of hope especially during the tough times they have encountered. His sense of pride and honor for veterans have also been conveyed to his audience.
Leaving a positive mark on fans and listeners is the reason why Buck keeps playing his music.
Please keep reading to learn more about the themes in Buck’s music & songwriting and to listen to some of his music!
Themes in the Indiana-based musician and songwriter’s music include his experiences in Indiana and Louisiana, veterans, Vietnam veterans he worked with as a social worker, US history, Indiana history, and Louisiana history.
During the last 60 years, Buck has written hundreds of songs and presently writes new music; he started creating songs around the age of seven. He has enjoyed music his whole life, singing in church choirs with his mother Ruby when he was young to today.
Songs relating to US history, wars & combat, and veterans include “Dad’s Dog Tag’s,” “For The Gray Ghosts,” “John Kennedy,” “The Ballad of RFK,” and “The Old Union Waltz.” He draws on Indiana’s 203-year rich history in songs such as “Our Indiana,” “Back In Indiana,” “Sweet Country” (Brown County), and “The Shelby Carnegie Library” (about the Shelby County Public Library & the Carnegie Foundation wing), along with many more.
Songs inspired by the melting pot state of Louisiana include “The Big Pond,” “Midnight On the Bayou,” and in honor of the former Plantation Coffeehouse destroyed by Hurricane Katrina & the famous Café du Monde located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, “Cafe’ Au Lait, Beignets and Time!”
Buck combines experiences and cultures in some songs like “Bicentennial Mardi Gras” that incorporates the Indiana State Bicentennial in 2016 with experiences he encountered during time spent in New Orleans.
Be on the lookout for a new album coming in Fall 2021 or Spring 2022. Recent recordings at Playground Productions Studio that will be featured on the album includes: “You Can’t Take Love Away,” written in memory of Buck’s mom Ruby and others who you can’t take their love away and “Dylan Went To See Him Play” about late Indianapolis folk/ blues singer Pat Webb, with The Playground Muddy Boys, Buck’s session group.
Over his lifetime, Buck has been influenced by a number of musicians and songwriters, but some of the most notable influences include Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Judy Collins, Joan Baez, John Fogerty, Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions, Carole King, BB King, Allen Toussaint, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, The Animals, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Doors, Harry Chapin, Jim Croce, Joan Baez, and Eve Carson.
Specifically, he was inspired by artists and songs of the Civil Rights Movement such as ‘We Shall Overcome,” Bob Dylan’s “Blowin In the Wind,” Ritchie Havens’ “Freedom,” and artists Pete Seeger & Woody Guthrie.
Folk singers Bill & Buck perform ‘Great Indiana State Fair’ and ‘The Big Pond’ with help from Amber Hankins, Randy Ollis from Wish TV
Buck’s involvement in music doesn’t stop with performing. He also co-organizes the Crossroads of America Chapter of Songfarmer’s (a part of Woodsongs Front Porch Music Association). His chapter encompasses Shelby, Rush, and Hancock Counties of Indiana.
Watch Videos of Buck's Performances
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Buck Rogers Jr. Events & Appearances
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