ERNEST ROGERS
Ernest Rogers was a Georgia singer and guitarist who recorded only a handful of titles for Victor between 1927 and 1928. His records reflect the strong influence of Jimmie Rodgers while blending blues, comic songs and popular material. Although his recording career was brief, his relaxed vocal style and solid guitar accompaniment make him one of the more distinctive solo performers of the late 1920s.
THE MYTHOLOGICAL BLUES
Recorded February 23, 1928 – Atlanta, Georgia
Matrix 41954-2 - Victor 21361
"The Mythological Blues" is a humorous blues built around references to characters from Greek mythology, an unusual subject for an early country recording. Mixing learned allusions with down-to-earth blues phrasing, the song demonstrates the playful novelty material that record companies sought during the late 1920s. Rogers delivers the performance with voice and guitar alone, allowing the clever lyrics to take center stage.
STEAMBOAT BILL
Recorded May 23, 1927 — Camden, New Jersey
Matrix: 38921-1 - Victor 20809
"Steamboat Bill" is Ernest Rogers's lively interpretation of the well-known American folk standard. Played with a capo at the third fret, the guitar accompaniment is driven by a steady alternating bass, crisp chord transitions, and a buoyant rhythmic feel that perfectly matches the song's energetic character. Despite its apparent simplicity, the performance displays the confident timing and solid accompaniment that made Rogers such an effective solo performer.
