Although footage has yet to be discovered, it is very, very likely Roger Hoard once danced like Elvis Presley.
That’s right. THE Roger Hoard dancing like THE Elvis Presley.
Trying to picture it, right? Little Roger, a foot away from the screen back in the black-and-white TV days, and shaking it like the King of Rock n’ Roll. And, oh, what a sign of things to come.
Hoard has spent his life playing and teaching music right here in the Upper Ohio Valley, and for a proper description of the man’s talents, his impact on the industry, and his contributions to the live and local scene in the Wheeling area, one need only to enlist the assistance of Hoard’s friend, local performer Robert Gaudio.
“This monster musician whose uncanny musical versatility is unbounded and who has the respect and admiration of every musician who has ever encountered him has one overwhelming quality which rises above his astounding musicianship,” he said. “Roger Hoard is a human of the highest quality who befriends everyone with whom he comes into contact.
“And that quote is an understatement.”
Why the guitar? How did that love affair begin?
I was inspired by Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show. I would get my toy guitar and play along with Elvis. I had a bunch of guitars as a kid and bugged my Dad for lessons until finally, he gave in. I went for lessons at 8 and they said my hands were too small. I started lessons at eleven and was playing gigs at 12.
As a student, was Brad Paisley a natural when it came to playing the guitar? Please explain.
Brad was a natural at the guitar and a total gearhead about it. I, along with other local players, was an influence on Brad. When we filmed the Letter to Me video, Mrs. Brinkman told me there was a time when I was all he talked about. I didn’t know that.
When Brad moved to Nashville, he really came into his own as a player and found his style.
As far as live and local music in the Wheeling area, when was the best era, and what made it the best?
The 1980s and early 90’s were great in the area. Great club scene, and you could play four or five nights a week in the tri-state area. It was a great time too.
When it comes to the magic of music, did you offer to teach your son, Travis, or did he ask you to teach him?
I took Travis for sax and piano lessons. I think WPHS really helped him musically. In Jazz, Marching and Steel Drum bands, he was like a sponge. I’m truly amazed at how good he is at everything he plays – drums, keys, saxophone, and bass.
He’s a great singer, too. We’ve played some great gigs together, and I’m a Grandfather now.
What is your all-time favorite moment from your years at Jamboree in the Hills?
Being a fill band early on was great and led us to becoming the staff (band).
Playing with Brad in 2016 was very cool.
