Music

Roger Hoover

A fearless songwriter and artist, Roger Hoover has distilled the experiences of an American wanderer into songs & photographs that illuminate the hidden worlds within each of us. Hoover has released and toured behind eight albums since 2003 - winning numerous accolades from critics and peers along the way.

Musically, Hoover incorporates elements of country blues, Appalachian ballads and dirges to create deliberate and haunting collections of songs that are entirely his own. With every album released he’s also earned a reputation as a tireless, charismatic storyteller who performs with equal parts impassioned vocals and honest, heartfelt lyricism.

Hoover’s manuscripts are archived in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives.

Press Quotes

“Echoes many of the songwriters that have influenced Hoover, such as Kris Kristofferson and John Prine. But more importantly, Pastures displays the talent of a rising artist whose music promises that the best is yet to come.” - Pollstar

“Like Woody [Guthrie], he [Hoover] did his own thing, and the commitment to artistry shows. Pastures is a stunning, complex album filled with carefully crafted lyrics from one of Americana’s standout songwriters and finely tuned music from some of the North Coast’s standout musicians.” - No Depression

“One of the finest roots records since Ryan Adams' “Heartbreaker” or Gillian Welch's “Time: The Revelator.“ - Arkansas Times

“Hoover is an undeniably talented songwriter, and though some of his songs tend to come across as wistful and well worn, the melodies are so sensual and sedate that it’s almost impossible not to heed the overt attraction.” - Elmore

“Pastures’ thoughtful meanderings take listeners through a map of contemplative, everyman’s observations set in the fertile backdrop of the U.S. Midwest” - Mother Church Pew

“Roger Hoover says the secret to good songwriting is “blending observation with experience.” He does so masterfully on his new project, Pastures, which is as close to a John Prine record as it gets.” – Isthmus

“Filled with tracks that are as poignant as they are easily accessible, the album echoes many of the songwriters that have influenced Hoover, such as Kris Kristofferson and John Prine.  But more importantly, Pastures displays the talent of a rising artist whose music promises that the best is yet to come.” – Pollstar

“It’s the kind of record where you can hear a chair squeak over the softly picked acoustic guitar and vocals and it sounds just right. There’s some early Dylan here, some James McMurtry there and a whole lot of Hoover’s well-worn, rust-belt Americana…It’ll give you goosebumps.” – Arkansas Gazette

“Roger Hoover is as close to poet as he is raconteur…a songwriter with Raymond Carver’s observation and Kris Kristofferson’s ear for poetry.” – No Depression

“Pastures’ thoughtful meanderings take listeners through a map of contemplative, everyman’s observations in the vein of music history’s best storytellers.” – Paste Magazine

“If you’re looking for a new take on the classic, personal singer/songwriter set where you feel like you know the cat when the music is done, this cat captures that lightening in this bottle. Well done.” Midwest Record

“Eleven gorgeous tracks with a lyrical expression of hope and optimism through tough times…a talent for turning observation into poetry.” – Minkin’s Music