MICHAEL ROE (The 77’s, The Lost Dogs) masters any guitar put in his hands. Vocally and stylistically he spans the years, yet successfully creates his own style. One can hear a mixture of Blind Willy Johnson, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, and Art Garfunkel, to name a few. Aside from his own personal style, no matter with whom or where he is playing, Roe can cover any genre of music without skipping a beat. That adaptability has made him the perfect session player.
In addition to his solo work, he is one of the founding members of the legendary band, The 77’s. The personnel of that band have changed a few times over the last couple of decades, but Michael Roe has stayed the course and kept that boat afloat, much to the relief of his fans. To show yet another side of his personality, he is the lead guitarist and one of three harmonizing vocalists with the rootsy, alt-Americana band, The Lost Dogs.
Michael Roe is also a much-in-demand producer and session player and has spent considerable time discovering, producing and playing on many diverse projects. His additional works have been recorded by both general market players and gospel music’s most popular artists. Over the course of his 25+ years Roe has garnered an international fan base and has written, produced and/or played on many highly acclaimed recordings.
Michael Roe has carved out a body of work that is broad, deep and well regarded within and without the industry. He is a musician’s musician, but aside from his technical prowess, what makes him sought after is that his songs are born in his heart and he isn’t afraid to bare himself as a down-to-earth, transparent human being, who struggles through life’s difficulties. His songs are personal statements that he creates to share with his audience, in the hopes of bringing joy and promise to a heavy soul.
A great night w/ Phil Keaggy in Portland, Oregon in April, 2000.
