JAKE WESLEY ROGERS, born on this date, is an American pop musician and songwriter. Rogers grew up in Ozark, Missouri, where he learned to play the guitar at the age of six and began playing piano and voice training at age 12.
Rogers began performing in theater productions in 5th grade and writing songs soon thereafter. At a young age he attended formative concerts for artists like Lady Gaga and Nelly Furtado. Rogers came out as gay in 6th grade, and though his family was supportive he felt he had to hide his orientation due to the cultural climate in his hometown.
At age 15, Rogers appeared as a contestant on the seventh season of America’s Got Talent. He advanced to the top 48 and was eliminated in the quarterfinal round before being brought back into the competition by judge Sharon Osbourne, only to be eliminated again in the Wild Card round.
Rogers moved to Nashville at age 18 to study songwriting at Belmont University. In his first year Rogers’ live performance attracted the interest of Sony/ATV, resulting in a publishing deal.
In May 2021, Rogers signed to Warner Records via Tranter’s imprint Facet Records. Rogers’ manager Lucas Canzona got Tranter’s attention in 2019 with an email highlighting a live performance of Rogers’ single “Jacob from the Bible”. Tranter brought Rogers to the attention of Warner Records CEO and co-chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck, who was “captivated” by Rogers’ live performance, and the two signed Rogers in late 2020.
Rogers released his debut major label single “Middle of Love” alongside the announcement. The single, which was co-written with Tranter and Eren Cannata, is the first offering from Rogers’ forthcoming 2021 EP. He released his next single “Momentary” in June 2020.
Rogers made his TV debut in October 2021, on The Late Late Show with James Corden (Season 7, Episode 17), performing the song “Middle of Love”. Rogers appeared as an opening act on Ben Platt’s Reverie Tour in September and October 2022. Rogers also appeared as an opening act on Panic! At the Disco’s Viva Las Vengeance Tour in September and October 2022. Rogers also appeared as the opening act on Kesha’s Only Love tour in 2023.
Rogers was Cyndi Lauper’s opening act at her farewell concert at the Hollywood Bowl, performing “Money Changes Everything,” which featured some playful faux wrestling with Lauper.