User:Gary Roller
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This user page or section is in the middle of an expansion or major revamping, and is not yet ready for use. You are welcome to assist in its construction by editing it as well. Please view the edit history should you wish to contact the person who placed this template. If this article has not been edited in several days, please remove this template. Consider not tagging with a deletion tag unless the page hasn't been edited in several days. |
Gary Roller (born Gary Lee Roller, March 16,1951) in Amarillo, Texas nicknamed " SMOOTHIE," (for his amazing skill of playing the bass guitar)is an American country music Bassist for (Michael Martin Murphey).Also known for being an incredible Artist,sculptor
Gary Roller finds expression in many media. Through the years in the visual and entertainment arts these expressions have reached many thousands of people across the US and abroad. His years performing music have brought him in contact with people who have become fans of the music and collectors of his art. A long time member of Michael Martin Murphey’S RIO GRANDE BAND, he is proud of his more than 3,600 performances of Murphey’s famous song- Wildfire.
In addition to Murphey, Gary Roller has performed with other nationally recognized recording artists including Suzy Bogguss, Asleep At The Wheel, Holly Dunn, Hal Ketchum and Lynn Anderson.
Through the years Roller has had the opportunity to perform at many of America’s premier live and televised entertainment venues including The Tonight Show, The Grand Ole Opry, Austin City Limits, The United States Capitol Building,for Presidents Bill Clinton`s Inaugural Ball, Bass Hall in Fort Worth and many others. On numerous occasions he has been included in productions starring Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, The Judds, Randy Travis, Roy Rogers, The Beach Boys, George Strait, Riders In The Sky, The Texas Playboys and many others. He has experienced a range of musical formats including symphony shows, festivals, performing art centers, dances as well as intimate music around the chuck wagon campfire.
His work in the recording studio is enjoyed by radio audiences and in personal collections. This work includes early work for Polydor Records with [[Alvin Crow and the PLEASANT VALLEY BOYS. Through the years he has recorded with:
Eliza Gilkyson- RETRO SPECTO
Brenn Hill- CALL YOU COWBOY
Michael Martin Murphey-LIVE AT BILLY BOB’S
Syd Masters- THE COWBOY SINGS
Rex Warren- WALKING RAIN
Gary Roller’s musical talents have brought him before the motion picture camera as well. He has appeared in a number of music videos with Murphey including the award winning LONG LINE OF LOVE. Other video appearances include NEVER GIVIN UP ON LOVE starring Clint Eastwood and Bernadette Peters, Route 66, DISENCHANTED, MISS YOU GIRL and THE WEST IS GONNA GET WILDER
These varied experiences have shaped Roller into a versatile and seasoned musician with vast experience in the entertainment industry at large.
Roller, probably best known for his music work is also a well known and respected visual artist. His works are collected by many of the famous people he has worked with and many of the music fans and people across America and many foreign countries.
He has been recognised for his contributions with induction into the TASCOSA HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME and was awarded the highest honor in ROTARY-the PAUL HARRIS FELLOW AWARD.
His love for the various creative disciplines have come together at the ROCKIN’ R CHUCKWAGON and GALLERY in Placitas, New Mexico. Roller has drawn from his professional creative experience to create a crossroads for music and art. Here each spring through fall guests enjoy a series of chuck wagon gatherings in a colorful, whimsical, western setting. Michael Martin Murphey called it a “magical place”. Country folk legend Bill Hearne called it the “best venue he has played”.
Rollers art and music contributions have been included in magazine and newspaper articles and television interviews including:
TAOS NEWS
AMARILLO GLOBE NEWS
ALBUQUERQUE TRIBUNE
AMERICAN WEST MAGAZINE
COUNTRY NEWS
THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE
FACE TO FACE TELEVISION INTERVIEW
COUNTRY WEEKLY
ACCENT WEST MAGAZINE
