"I want my music to affect people in a spiritually positive outer-body experience. I want to inspire all ages, Male and Female, to show them that anything is possible with God, hard work, discipline, and dedication."

Jamiah Rogers:

The Baddest Young Chicago Blues Man

Jamiah was 1 of 2 born April 21, 1995, in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. He had a singing mother and a multi-instrumental father whose main instrument was guitar. At age 3, Jamiah started playing drums at school, church, and his fathers band, The Tony Rogers Band. Jamiah enjoys all genres of music such as Blues, Funk, Rock, Reggae, Soul and R&B. Inspirations and heroes are Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, Freddie King, B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. Even though drums were Jamiah’s first instrument, at age 7, Jamiah’s parents encouraged him to pick up the guitar and the occasional father/son lessons began. Jamiah also is a multi instrumentalist. Drums, guitar, bass, piano, organ, are all extensions of Jamiah’s musical genius but guitar and drums are his first loves. Jamiah recorded 2 cd’s named “Taking the stage” (2012) and “Winners Never Quit” (2015). In 2017, Jamiah recorded his first solo release “Blues Superman”. Through his career, Jamiah has made a special appearance on the Experience Hendrix (2010) concert and closed the concert out with Billy Cox, at the Chicago Theatre. In 2018, Jamiah toured Europe and France with 2019 BMA “Soul And R&B female of the year” Annika Chambers on the New Blues Generation Tour.

(Jamiah "Deacon Denzel” Rogers / Photo © by John Richardson)

In 2021 Jamiah released his first self-produced EP, “Born Again Blues”, which consisted of 5 original songs. Jamiah Rogers "Dirty Deacon Denzel” is on a lifelong journey to spread blues and happiness wherever he goes, be a witness to his musical genius and greatness! Jamiah Denzel Rogers latest album “Dirty Church Row" (2025) is a live recording. The 6-tracks were recorded in 2022 at the California Clipper in Chicago. Jamiah "Dirty Deacon Denzel" Rogers (Guitar, Vocals); Brandon "Redd" Tolliver (Drums); and Aidan Epstein (Bass) were on fire on these recordings. Delmark’s upcoming album “Blues Superman” (2026) is on a life long journey to spread blues and happiness wherever he goes, be a witness to his musical genius and greatness!

Interview by Michael Limnios         Special Thanks: Jamiah Rogers & Aidan Epstein

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?

I’ve learned my history, heritage, and originality through the blues. My love for the blues is the biggest piece of me. I have a passion and a love for other genres, but I live the Blues. I think if everybody had an understanding of what Blues is, they would know they live it as well.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

Describing my ever-evolving sound/songbook and the balance is as best to my Band named “Dirty Church”. We are all church musicians, personally born and raised, who play every Sunday, so we all are all experienced in the Gospel field. We all played in school. After that we played sand learned with older generations of musicians in the industry, personally with my pops. So, to say my sound is influenced by my environment and certain sounds that were introduced to me that I attached myself to. Between technique and soul, I love to keep the formats of songs true, but I dedicate my originality to anything I play as well as my band members.

How has the music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Music allows more of a raw perspective of what is actually going in the world. Music has more directly allowed me to travel and encounter different energies that tend to prejudge based of age, skin, and background but wherever I share my gift of music I’m considered family. That is what also influences me to stay humble and respect the ones before me, with me, and after me.

“The Chicago Blues Scene is a monumental and essential piece to Blues History, it gave Blues a Show with an Attitude! Even til this day Blues Clubs around Chicago are filled by curiosity and passion, young and old! Some times you walk in strangers turned into family Singing Sweet Home Chicago by the end of the night, or you might see a fight hearing Leave my Little Girl Alone! We have our own signature scene!” (Photo: Jamiah "Dirty Deacon Denzel" Rogers)

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

I’ve grown as an artist by recognizing a few things for sure since age 4. It’s not about just making music, it’s a lifestyle. Most times you have to be an artist when you don’t want to be! The world needs your gift! You can play music every weekend as a hobbie or you can grind with your instrument as a visionary! One main thing staying the same is Leading by the Spirit! When dealing with music (I never use a song list). Making music, I always make sure my lyrics catch ears, and my music catches feet.

Why do you think that Chicago Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

The Chicago Blues Scene is a monumental and essential piece to Blues History, it gave Blues a Show with an Attitude! Even til this day Blues Clubs around Chicago are filled by curiosity and passion, young and old! Some times you walk in strangers turned into family Singing Sweet Home Chicago by the end of the night, or you might see a fight hearing Leave my Little Girl Alone! We have our own signature scene!

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your tour in Europe that you would like to tell us about?!

Non related to music, around 2019 on my overseas tour with Annika Chambers, I got to take my late mom to Paris. On a break day, my moms, father, and I went to put a lock on the “Love Bridge”. Another specific memory was being shocked by seeing my pictures on the public promotion platforms! Music Related- completing a month long tour in Poland, Czech-Republic, and a few other places, Sacrificing our thanksgiving!

You have a new live album, titled “Dirty Church Row” recorded in 2022. You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs, bars and juke joints to open air festivals and theatres. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

I’ve grown to be a business man. But I come from humble beginnings. The vision and the grind for open air festivals and theaters started when I was playing the clubs, bars, juke joints, birthday parties, nursing homes, restaurants, etc. At a certain part, some things just become muscle memory once you understand what you need to be you!

“Passion is a living thing. It has to be watered, fed, and nurtured. If any of these three things are lacking, Passion will turn into Pain, QUICKLY! Being born in music honestly gives you an undying, burning or dim, passion for music rather you want it or not. Blues shaped Black American Culture by giving it a voice, a look, an expression, and a feel that it was never used to. Blues is the “Dirty” twin to church and we don’t have to get into that conversation.” (Photo: Jamiah "Dirty Deacon Denzel" Rogers, Brandon "Redd" Tolliver and Aidan Epstein)

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music/musician in today’s society?

Blues is history& art, spiritual & religion, Teacher & Student (Albert King & Stevie Ray Vaughan), Community & Family. It is a vital and living part of the genre. The Blues isn’t for everybody for Everybody but Everybody is for the blues! The role of Music/ of a musician in today’s society is taken for granted in my personal open. Music is too accessible and not beneficial to certain musicians because as high of demand music and musicians are, There is no real standard to certain musicians and they are the first ones to take the low paying gigs which makes it harder for experienced musicians to get what we deserve! While we attempt to survive on other resources and revenues.

Your work is known for creatively reimagining blues tradition. How do you balance respect for the roots with experimentation?

Thank you for the compliment! My experimentation comes from the inner thoughts of my mind, past, present, and the future. While those tend to flow like a faucet sometimes I have to filter in, or emphasize more of the “blues protocol” or “blues essentials” which has become a second nature from literal hands on training and experience!

What keeps a musician passionate over the years after in music? How did the blues shape Black American culture?

Passion is a living thing. It has to be watered, fed, and nurtured. If any of these three things are lacking, Passion will turn into Pain, QUICKLY! Being born in music honestly gives you an undying, burning or dim, passion for music rather you want it or not. Blues shaped Black American Culture by giving it a voice, a look, an expression, and a feel that it was never used to. Blues is the “Dirty” twin to church and we don’t have to get into that conversation.

"What I see is people have a sense of the Blues but the true love for it has diminished. Also, true blues being hard to find makes it a gamble for people acceptance of the music. Unexperienced Blues enthusiast don’t know what real Blues is and the Real Blues Lovers start to start some of the sound “watered down”. I want my music to affect people in a spiritually positive outer-body experience. I want to inspire all ages, Male and Female, to show them that anything is possible with God, hard work, discipline, and dedication." (Jamiah "Deacon Denzel” Rogers, Poland 2023 / Photo © by Krzysztof Szafraniec)

What moment changed your life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Besides turning 18 and legally being able to get into the blues clubs, Losing my mother in January 2020 who was my biggest supporter, changed my life, She inspired me the most as a person and as a musician. My mindset, my image, my security, she was all of that. Her and my pops made a great team, while he was managing me. The highlight(s) of my career goes back to around 2016 on the Experienced Hendrix Tour. I was able to close out the Chicago Theater show with Billy Cox, playing Red House. Another is being able to take my mom to Amsterdam/Paris to see me perform. My highlight for my career and life is Dirty Church a 28-day overseas tour. I toured cities in Poland, Czech Republic, and Austria.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

Actually, short story. Maybe 2012. I was invited by Buddy Guys original drummer, Tim Austin. That night I was invited by Buddy Guy on stage to play. I played my hardest until the amp blew out. Right after, Buddy Guy put his guitar on me. His tech shortened his strap on me and I picked up where I left of. That was me and Buddy’s first and last personal encounter. I still see him from time to time at his current location.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

What I miss most are what we call “The Vets” of the industry. I was learning a lot up close and personal. The "hands on" experience was fun. If I could I would go back to age 7-15 and  do every Larosa’s Sunday Night Jam over again. I have no fears but my hopes for the Blues is that everyone who plays or involves themselves with it stays true to it and the people who never experienced my blues, gets the opportunity.

"I’ve learned my history, heritage, and originality through the blues. My love for the blues is the biggest piece of me. I have a passion and a love for other genres, but I live the Blues. I think if everybody had an understanding of what Blues is, they would know they live it as well." (Jamiah "Deacon Denzel” Rogers, Festiwal 38 Jesień z Bluesem, Białystok Poland 2023 / Photo © by Krzysztof Szafraniec)

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

One of the most important lessons I learned is, you are your best imitation. You will be surprised at what you pull out of yourself. Also, Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Do I think there is an audience for blues music in its current state, Yes! Joe Bonamassa is selling out Cruise line strictly for Blues and also for sure The Blues Bender is also Being sold out. The Platforms are bearing with the fruit of audience member support, I think the focus on where and how the blues is presented may influence more younger people to become future fans.

What is the impact of Blues on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

What I see is people have a sense of the Blues but the true love for it has diminished. Also, true blues being hard to find makes it a gamble for people acceptance of the music. Unexperienced Blues enthusiast don’t know what real Blues is and the Real Blues Lovers start to start some of the sound “watered down”. I want my music to affect people in a spiritually positive outer-body experience. I want to inspire all ages, Male and Female, to show them that anything is possible with God, hard work, discipline, and dedication.

(Photo: Jamiah "Deacon Denzel” Rogers)