Rogers Drums

Roy Burns played drums for several big names in swing and jazz including Benny Goodman with whom he recorded with during the 1950s. Roy later provided clinics for Rogers Drums in music stores around the country and published several method books. His association with drum companies resulted in his introduction to NAMM, where Roy has become a staple. Along the way Roy developed a unique line of drum products, most notably the Aquarian drumhead. Few people are as passionate about music making the way Roy is! 

Don Canedy was a beloved band director and professor at Southern Illinois University before being hired by the Roger’s Drum Company in 1961. Don played drums beginning at the age of 10 and was a perfect fit for the company’s Educational Director. Just prior to his job at Roger’s, which at the time was owned by CBS Musical, Don played a vital role in establishing the Percussive Arts Society. Encouraged by Remo Belli, Don organized the first mailing list, poster for PAS and became the organization’s first president.  

Grassella Oliphant has been playing drums for as long as he can remember. During his long career, he has played back-up for a host of jazz and blues performers as well as singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Gloria Lynne. Beginning in the 1950s, Grassella’s long association with the drum industry began as an endorser of Ludwig and later with Rodgers. He tested several products including the never-to-be produced snare stand that attached to the bass drum.