2014 | Blues Album of the Year (Sponsored by Stingray Music) | James 'Buddy' Rogers | | The JUNO Awards

James ‘Buddy’ Rogers learned to love the blues close to home. His dad, Bud, who worked for the railroad, brought home records and a guitar and by the time Buddy was 10 he was lifting licks. By 11 his band was a regular at local blues clubs. At 15 his band, Texas Storm, was being booked by Canada’s top agency for opening concert slots. At age 19 he teamed with former BB King bassist, Russell Jackson, and began a road trip that lasted five years. Based in Kansas City, they played an endless string of clubs, concerts and festivals sharing the bill with Canned Heat, Sam Taylor, Holmes Brothers, Elvin Bishop, Kenny Neal, Katie Webster and countless others. In 2000, Buddy started his own band and played blues clubs across Canada and Europe. When he wasn’t working under his own name he appeared on US tours and recordings with many other blues acts including B.B. King drummer Tony Coleman’s band. His main influences on guitar – Johnny Watson, Jimmie Vaughan and the three Kings, (Albert, Freddie and B.B.) – plus years of roadwork have turned Buddy into one of the most inventive and penetrating blues guitarists performing today. James ‘Buddy’ Rogers' blues are here to stay.