(August 7, 2017) There was a season when Jamar Rogers was dealing with his demons, including being infected with HIV. But that saving grace of his musical performances in school and church brought a healthy attitude change that eventually led to an audition on The Voice. To say the least, the show’s semi-finalist found himself making numerous television appearances and touring across the world. And it is those lasting worldwide influences from Brazil and Africa, the church services of his childhood and real life scenarios that are the heartbeat of Rogers’ debut, Lazarus.
(August 7, 2017) There was a season when Jamar Rogers was dealing with his demons, including being infected with HIV. But that saving grace of his musical performances in school and church brought a healthy attitude change that eventually led to an audition on The Voice. To say the least, the show’s semi-finalist found himself making numerous television appearances and touring across the world. And it is those lasting worldwide influences from Brazil and Africa, the church services of his childhood and real life scenarios that are the heartbeat of Rogers’ debut, Lazarus.
A track from the Tommy Boy Entertainment release is the spiritual anthem, “Hold Onto My Hand”: “We’ve lost our faith, We’re feeling uninspired/We’ve traded our fortune for fame now/ We’re feeling oh, so poor/But you can hold on some more, some more.” Decorated with tribal drums and a gospel chorus, Rogers’ impassioned tenor echoes those sentiments of a better life when all is said and done. All in all, Rogers’ five year investment behind Lazarus, including “Hold Onto My Hand,” reflects his sincere desire to provide revitalizing music for the soul.
By Peggy Oliver
Jamar Rogers - "Hold Onto My Hand"