Born Charles Roger Pomfret Hodgson March 21, 1950 in Portsmouth, England; son of Charles and Jill Hodgson; married Karuna, March 7, 1979. Addresses: Record company-- Unichord Productions, P.O. Box 1656, Nevada City, CA 95959;.

Roger Hodgson collected credentials as one of the driving forces of the legendary rock group Supertramp. Together with Rick Davies he founded the band in 1969 and went on to write at least half of their songs. Hodgson's plaintive singing style, the bright melodies and the ironic yet introspective lyrics of his songs, and his staccato piano contributed a great deal to Supertramp's distinctive sound. After Supertramp's success had peaked, Hodgson, looking for new personal and musical directions, left the band to pursue a solo career. After leaving Supertramp he recorded three solo albums. Throughout 1998 he promoted his album Rites of Passage with live performances in the United States and Canada. By 1999 Hodgson was working on his new album Open The Door.

At age 12, Roger Hodgson played his own songs for his schoolmates at a private boarding school in Surrey, England. Soon after that he played in his first band, People Like Us, which recorded four demo songs, including one written by Hodgson. When Lionel Conway of Blue Mountain Music heard Hodgson's "Mr. Boyd," he invited him to record a single, which was released under the name "Argosy" and contained "Imagine" on the B side. According to Hodgson's web site, one of the session musicians on the side was Elton John.

Supertramp

After Hodgson returned home from boarding school, his mother Jill encouraged him to respond to a "genuine opportunity" ad that English rock musician Rick Davies had placed in Melody Maker. Davies had found a wealthy sponsor to financially back up his new band and Hodgson was one out of hundreds of musicians who showed up to audition. He played acoustic guitar and sang Traffic's "Dear Mr. Fantasy." He had a beer with Davies during a break, and they soon became friends and formed the rock band Supertramp. When Supertramp's second album failed to sell, the band disintegrated and could have spelled the end of Supertramp. Hodgson and Davies remained together, however, and in 1973 they reformed the group with different musicians.

While Davies and Hodgson co-wrote songs on the first two Supertramp albums, they now wrote and sang their own songs but continued to share the songwriting credit for them. The well-educated optimist Hodgson was driven by dreams and aspirations for a better world, and his creative energy was not diminished by the lack of any musical equipment. According to Hodgson's web site, he even "recorded a demo of 'Dreamer' in his mother's back room, banging on boxes and over-dubbing all the voices and instruments." Hodgson wrote many of Supertramp's most popular songs, including "Dreamer," "Sister Moonshine," "Give a Little Bit," "The Logical Song," "Breakfast In America," "Take the Long Way Home," and "It's Raining Again."

Superior sound combined with films, slides and a computer-controlled light show became hallmarks of Supertramp's live performances. However, this perfectionism primarily Hodgson's led critics to complain about the band's overly polished sound. Famous Last Words, Supertramp's 1982 studio album, was released three years after their breakthrough album, Breakfast in America. Unhappy with the heavy blues influence and feeling that the band's creativity was vanishing, Hodgson left Supertramp in 1983.

Solo Tramp

After his departure from Supertramp, Hodgson set up a 48-track studio in his home. Hodgson's first solo album was released in 1984 by A&M Records. In The Eye of The Storm included seven tracks, many of which had been written for Supertramp. The songs on the album covered wide stylistic ground, including "Had a Dream (Sleeping with the Enemy)" which some fans believed resembled Pink Floyd more than Supertramp.

Hodgson's search for a new beginning and new meaning in his life, as well as the challenges he was suddenly facing as a solo artist, were inspirations for these new songs. He performed, arranged and produced all of the songs on In The Eye of The Storm except for a few pieces on which Michael Shrieve played the drums, Jimmy Johnson fretless bass and Ken Allardyce harmonica. In The Eye of The Storm was frenetically embraced by the community of Supertramp fans and went platinum.

Hodgson's second solo album Hai Hai was released in 1987. Recorded during a 16-month period with seasoned Los Angeles session musicians, the album did not match Hodgson's expectations. The demanding perfectionist, according to his web site, "felt the album lacked focus and failed to express what he wanted as an artist. Unhappy with the outcome of Hai Hai and disillusioned by music industry pressures, Roger was further frustrated by his upcoming tour to promote an album that didn't meet his high standards." One week after Hai Hai was released Hodgson broke his wrists in an accident, and was not able to play piano for two years. It would take him a decade to recover physically and emotionally, until his comeback in 1997.

Back on Track

After Hodgson's numerous attempts to create satisfying results in his studio had failed, his wife Karuna took the initiative. Convinced that only live performing could enable her husband to overcome his self-doubt and perfectionism, and to re-awaken his joy in life and music, she conceived the idea of a live album that would get Hodgson back in touch with his music. Hodgson later told the Los Angeles Times: "She took the risk and was courageous enough to say, 'Roger, all you have to do is show up and play. I'll handle everything else.'" And that she did. Not only did she provide funding and successfully ensure that Hodgson and the band worked together instead of having the band work for him, she also founded her own record label to avoid the pressure that comes with contracting for a major label.

Physically weakened by post-infectious arthritis resulting from a trip to South America and emotionally exhausted from witnessing his sister Caroline's death from cancer, Hodgson managed to finish the work on the live album. A quickly assembled band including Hodgson's son Andrew and Supertramp saxophonist John Heliwell performed at six quickly organized concerts in August 1996 during his son's summer break from school. Although they planned to use the best recordings from all the performances for the album, all the songs on Rites Of Passage came from a concert performed in Hodgson's hometown Nevada City. They included six new Hodgson songs, three of his Supertramp classics, two songs by band member Mikail Graham, and one by his son Andrew who also played drums, piano and harmonica.

Rites Of Passagewas released in 1997, the same year Supertramp released its first studio album in a decade and reunited for a world tour. Hodgson went on his own tour called "Solo Tramp" in spring 1998. The national tour his first in more than 14 years took Hodgson to over 25 cities in the US and Canada. Like the album, the tour presented a mixture of Hodgson's Supertramp hits and new material that he performed alone on guitar, keyboards and the old pump organ on which he composed hits for Supertramp back in the 1970s. In interviews posted on his official Web site Hodgson commented on renewed musical energy: "My creative juices are flowing again and I feel the best is yet to come ... I'm very hungry to play for people again and I'm ready for a new love affair with my music and the world."

by Evelyn Hauser

Roger Hodgson's Career

First performance at age 12 for friends at a boarding school; wrote "Mr. Boyd" for his first band People Like Us; his first single "Argosy" released, 1969; formed Supertramp together with Rick Davies,1969; wrote many of Supertramp's hits, sang and played keyboards and guitar, 1970-1983; set up UNICORN studio at his home in Nevada City, 1983; released solo album In The Eye of The Storm, 1984; second solo album Hai Hai released, 1987; third album, Rites Of Passage released, 1997.

Roger Hodgson's Awards

"The Logical Song" named Best Song, Musically & Lyrically at the 25th Annual Ivor Novello Awards, held at London's Grosnevor House Hotel, May 9, 1980.

Famous Works

Further Reading

Sources

Other

Visitor Comments Add a comment…

almost 12 years ago

All you have to do is see Roger once & you will be forever changed... you'll find yourself dreaming of his next show & even the one after that! Very few artists have an unchanged voice after all these years, and I promise you Roger *never* disappoints. He is the genius behind the many hits of Supertramp and this is the Breakfast In America World Tour with a full band! The audience will soon become your friends, sharing in all of the joy and the beautiful, ethereal music. Just imagine him, with his twelve-string guitar... "Even in the quietest moments, I wish I knew..." From one heart to another, go see him. You will leave glowing from the inside, your soul uplifted & a guaranteed smile on your face. :) "You find your way," & "I'll meet you when you're there!" :) Roger’s official sites: Website: http://www.rogerhodgson.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rogerhodgsonofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/RogerHodgson YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MrRogerHodgson Visit the Tour Page at http://www.rogerhodgson.com/documents/tour.html for the latest up to the minute news about added tour dates or changes. There you will find Roger’s complete schedule of shows, including ticket links, fan presale & on-sale information, maps, reviews, and more... Message from Roger to All Who Came to His Recent Shows “Thank you for welcoming me back to America so enthusiastically. I’m really happy to be back touring and singing my songs that have meant so much to you for many years. I often tell people that I have the greatest fans in the world - and I look forward to playing for many more of you this year.”

over 12 years ago

Please change the info about the "People Like Us" demos. There were five songs, not four. Two of Roger's songs were on it - "Mr. Boyd," and "Imagine."

about 13 years ago

Saw Roger at Pechanga Casino Temecula, Ca and he was phenominal. I have been a fan since Supertramp started and Rogers music brings back so many memories it's unbelievable. I had tears of joy and sadness on four plus songs. I love his new song I wish I was in London, I can't get it out of my head and don't want to for that matter. I'm glad your back and I'm truly sadden to hear of your sisters passing. I lost a brother and they pain is overwhelming. Keep up the good work I want to see you next year. Overwhelmed with joy Pam

almost 14 years ago

Saw Roger at Fallsview casino last night. How can someone make you feel so good about music. I have been a Supertramp fan forever and seeing Roger was fantastic. Can not wait until next year or I will catch him at Casinorama this fall. Still on a high from the concert!!

almost 14 years ago

We saw him in Auckland. 1000% better than I expected. Amazzzzzing.

almost 14 years ago

My wife and I went and saw Roger perform at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney last Saturday night (April 10) and we were absolutely blown away by how good he was. His voice was magnificent and the musical ability of him and his fellow performer (Aaron)was unbelievable. That just two guys on stage by themselves could produce such a wonderful sound left us in awe. There were moments during the concert (and I know this sounds wanky)that it just made me feel good to be alive and how fortunate I was to be seeing and hearing what was in front of me. I hope he comes back to Australia very soon !!

almost 14 years ago

Last night (10th Apr 2010) I saw Roger perform at the Enmore theatre in Sydney, Australia. The music of this talented musician has formed part of the soundtrack of my life! On stage he is so human - his heart is in his words and music - his eyes reflect his love of his audiences - Roger, Australia loves you and your wonderful music! Please return again soon.

about 15 years ago

Oh, that incredible voice of Roger Hodgson. It's just beautiful. I can't find the words to describe it. And more than that his eyes are the window to his soul. He seems like such a kind hearted soul. Would love to know even more about him. Love Lord is it mine? I feel he wrote and sang it just for me!

over 15 years ago

Enjoyed Rodger's Montreal Concert on TV tonite (PBS), 8/9/08. I was struck with how 'positive' and uplifting his music is. I had heard (and enjoyed) his mega-hits and yet didn't know much about him at all, not even his name or his band's name. So glad to know NOW more about him, his music, and his legacy--music is so powerful--glad to see it being used in such a positive way! We all can sure use more of that!

over 16 years ago

I attended Roger's concert at Casino Rama on Nov.10/07 with 2 of my adult children ,ages 21 & 20 .Not knowing to much about Roger or Supertramp,they attended more for my sake , or a night out with Dad. They were both totally awe struck at talent and show that Roger put on with his orchestra and Alora choir. The show was riveting from start to finish.I have always a big 'Supertramp' fan, and Roger's music and talent have now bridged into a new generation. Bravo!!!