I Stayed Away (from The Lord Too Long) by Clarence Rogers

We were the house band for Supper Club 2728 in Birmingham, AL for more than 6 weeks where another renowned artist Clarence Carter (Slip Away, Patches) known as Clarence and Calvin back then, also performed. I played with these two groups (“Snappy 7” and the Shandaleer’s) until moving to Oregon in 1966.

I sat in on many jam sessions at places around Portland such as The Cotton Club, Up and Downstairs, The Turquoise Room, Geneva's, Viewpoint, Fred's Place and gigs in Washington State. In 1968 I would form my own group called the Chandaleer's, which was one of the first, if not the first live band to open at Chet's Lounge, which was located on SW 4th Avenue, down town Portland.

The members included Myrtle Warren, Pat Nelson, Penny Fonteno, Ray Nelson, Big Bob Traylor and Leroy Smith. In 1970 I became the organist for a group called AfterGlow, out of California. With this group I toured many cities in California, even playing the nation's largest air force base, Vanderberg Air force Base in Santa Maria, CA. We were also the house band for the Palm Garden Nightclub located on SE 30th and Powell Blvd in Portland, Oregon.

Around 1971 I co-founded the group called Rated-X which was derived from my original group, The Chandaleer's. The members of Rated-X were Ronnie and Donnie Miller, Elbert Gunner, Norman Sylvester, Penny Fonteno, Big Bob Traylor, and Leroy Smith, with Pat Nelson and Myrtle Warren as backup singers and dancers.

Some of the places we (Rated-X) performed were Shags's Arena grand opening and we also became Shags's first house band. Others included The Texas Playhouse, Jewella's, Ratskella's Tavern at Mt.Hood, OR and Sunset High School. While with this group I released a 45 (record) called "What You Gonna Do About It", an original written and arranged by me.

This single was on the Vanco label and received many requests and lots of airplays on the radio station KQIV. We also did guest appearances on KATU-TV show, called "The Third World", hosted by the late George Paige.

We added two new members to the group (James Johnson and James Busby) and changed our name to Black Silk. After doing a few gigs with the additional members the group broke up and I put my nightclub and recording careers on hold, playing occasionally for local functions, still writing and arranging songs for my own gratification.

In 1995 I re-started my recording career, when joined by my wife, Margaret, to release a gospel recording titled "In My Father's House" in 1996. Later that year I released an Easy Listening/Jazz CD titled "REVIVE!" on our ClaMar record label. By the grace of God I have completed my latest CD project titled "I Stayed Away (From The Lord Too Long)" which was released on August 23rd, 2003. This gospel CD with 12 soul jerking, foot stomping, Holy Ghost inspired tunes, was released on the new record label, ClaMar.

I have also been successful at trying my hand as video-director for the title song on my Album ("I Stayed Away"), released in August 2004 on DVD and VHS. I was privileged to be one of many participants to perform at "Melodies from Heaven" concerts, sponsored by KKSL Radio Station, in Portland, Oregon.

I truly hope someday to do a fourth album and maybe more musical videos. In the meantime, God willing, I will continue to experiment with new sounds, and hopefully write and sing more Inspirational songs.

Well Praise the Lord Saints and friends! God for me, Jesus W/me and the Holy Spirit within me, I was successful in completing my fourth album. The album is title "Tear Your Kingdom Down", by FS & B, which I produced. AS Executive Producer of this album, I count it a blessing and privilege to have recorded with such great guys.

The Lord answered the fourth album prayer, so perhaps, God willing, I (we) will released another album sometime it the near future. I really enjoyed doing this last cd and very excited to see what the Lord will have me do next. You can hear and see clips of the FS & B Album on my website @: http://www.fingertipmusic.com

FOR INFORMATION AND CONTACT:

C & M RECORDS

PO BOX 86806

PORTLAND, OR 97286

503-516-4555

EMAIL (Crogrs55@comcast.net)

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