Melvin Louis Rogers

Melvin Louis Rogers was born on May 20th, 1953, and transitioned on January 15th, 2024. Mr. Rogers was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Annie Rogers, and LeTroy Baker. His love for music began at the age of 10, at Capleville High School, under band director Charles Keel, and mentor Ben Cauley. Melvin’s passion and devotion as a trumpet player would remain prominent throughout his life, taking him around the world. He traveled abroad, living in Japan, and the Philippines for several years where he worked and studied before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Mr. Rogers proudly served his country as an active member of the U.S. Army from 1980 - 1983. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany, where he performed with the U.S. Army Band for President Ronald Regan and Vice President Dan Quail. Melvin would later join the 98th Division U.S. Army Reserve Band in Rochester New York, and would serve until 1998.

Mr. Rogers moved to Syracuse, NY, in 1984 and married Lois Lisandrelli. From that union, he had two sons, Jonathan Rogers, and Jamie Rogers. He would relocate to Rochester NY in 1985, taking a position with the U.S. Postal Service. During this time he established himself as a band leader, forming the Melvin Rogers Big Band, and becoming one of the premier Jazz musicians in the Upstate NY area. After 18 years, he would retire from the postal service in 2003, and return to his hometown of Memphis Tennessee. During these years, he would continue to blaze his own trail in the Memphis Jazz and R&B scene, known for playing at world famous Beale St. establishments such as BB King’s Blues Club, Rum Boogie Cafe, and Kings Palace Cafe to name a few. Melvin was a well known, highly respected jazz musician, and carried that respect proudly into any room, weather to entertain, or just to enjoy himself. He worked with bands such as Heat Waves, Thumpin Gizzard, Ebony Webb, The Twanights, Changing Scene, and artists such as Al Green, Albert King, Rufus Thomas, Ann Peebles, O.V. Wright, Syl Johnson, and many many more.

Mr. Rogers, affectionally known as “Crow”, spent his later years in Columbus, Ohio, where his children reside. He leaves behind many family members to cherish the wonderful memories that were created over his lifetime. He leaves behind two sons, Jonathan Louis Rogers & wife Thleese Rogers, and son Jamie Nicholas Rogers. Grandchildren Carmella Rogers, Mai-Liyah Bouaroy and Amiri Rogers. He also leaves behind a brother, Stanford Banks, a sister Vaughn (Baker), and brother Nathan Rogers, all of Memphis Tennessee. He was pre-deceased by both parents, a brother, Augustus Baker, brother James Rogers, and beloved sister Theresa Rogers. He also leaves behind many aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins between both Memphis, TN and Fort Wayne, Indiana.