Most blues musicians can pinpoint the moment they were first introduced to the genre—a turning point that separates life before the blues from everything that follows. For Vancouver’s James ‘Buddy’ Rogers, that moment came early and hit close to home. Raised in a household where his father, Bud, brought home guitars and blues records after long days working for the railroad, Rogers was immersed in the sound from a young age. By 10, he was mimicking blues licks, and by 11, he had formed his first band. By 13, he was already a fixture in Vancouver’s blues scene.
At just 15, his band Texas Storm was landing high-profile opening slots through one of Canada’s top booking agencies. With a special permit secured by his dad, Rogers began playing in bars and clubs alongside some of the city’s finest blues musicians. He credits mentors like the late Muddy Fraser, Tom and Jack Lavin, Jim Byrnes, Wailin’ Al Walker, and Russell Jackson for shaping his early career.
At 19, Rogers joined forces with former B.B. King bassist Russell Jackson for a five-year tour that took him across the U.S., performing with acts like Canned Heat, Sam Taylor, The Holmes Brothers, Elvin Bishop, Kenny Neal, and Katie Webster. In 2000, Rogers launched his own band and toured extensively throughout Canada and Europe, while also collaborating with other blues artists on recordings and tours.
Now, with the release of his latest album By My Side, Rogers delivers 11 tracks—10 originals and a fiery cover of Freddie King’s “Goin’ Down.” Backed by longtime bandmates Mike Wedge (bass) and James Badger (drums), the album also features legendary Texas keyboardist Lewis Stephens, known for his work with Freddie King, Delbert McClinton, and Gary Clark Jr.
Influenced by Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Jimmie Vaughan, and the legendary Kings—Albert, Freddie, and B.B.—Rogers channels decades of road-tested experience into a sound that’s both classic and fresh. With By My Side, James ‘Buddy’ Rogers proves once again that his voice and guitar are rooted deep in the blues—and he’s here to stay.
Name:
James Buddy Rogers
Genre:
Blues
Founded:
1989
# of Albums:
6
Latest Album:
Covered in Blues (to be released 2025)
Latest Single:
Can’t Get You Off My Mind
Favourite musician growing up:
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Favourite musician now:
Doyle Bramhall 2
Guilty pleasure song:
Living in a Dream
Live show ritual:
Boiler maker
Favourite local musician:
Patsy Thompson
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird
Road or studio?
Road
Any shows or albums coming up?
The Covered in Blues Album!
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Haney Pub
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
224th, for the people watching
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Memorial Peace Park is beautiful
