Anniversary of Roger Troutman's Death

“So ruff, so tuff out here baby” - Roger Troutman

(Roger Troutman)

Roger Troutman was born on November 29th 1951 in Hamilton, Ohio, USA. He first started playing the guitar as a child.Troutman formed a band called The Human Body.

(Troutman on the cover of his 1st band’s 1st album)

In 1979 the group was signed to George Clinton’s record label and name was changed to Zapp. In 1980 Zapp signed to Warner Bros. records. Also in 1980 Zapp released their 1st album “Zapp”. The single “More Bounce to the Ounce” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Soul Singles chart.

(Zapp in 1980)

In 1981 Troutman released his 1st solo album “The Many Facets of Roger”. The single “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” reached No. 1 on the R&B Singles chart.

(Troutman in 1981)

In 1984 Troutman released his 2nd album “The Saga Continues”. Between 1980 and 1985 Zapp released the gold selling albums Zapp, Zapp II, Zapp III and The New Zapp IV U and multiple top ten R&B hit singles. In 1987 Troutman released his most successful solo album “Unlimited!”.

(Troutman in 1987 in his “I Want to be Your Man” music video)

By 1989 Zapp grew to 15 members. In 1989 Zapp released the album “Zapp Vibe” which performed poorly. In 1993 Troutman was featured on Snoop Dogg’s album “Doggystyle”. In 1995 Troutman collaborated with Eazy E on the album “Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton”. Also in 1995 Troutman collaborated with Dr. Dre and 2 Pac on the song “California Love”. The song became Troutman's biggest selling and most successful single to date as the song reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Troutman won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

(Troutman in 1995 in the “California Love” music video)

On April 25th, 1999 in Dayton, Ohio, USA Roger Troutman was shot and killed after an argument with his brother who then later committed suicide the same day. He was 47 years old.

(Roger and Lester Troutman’s grave)

Today is the 18th anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great musical artist today.

Albums by Roger Troutman

• "The Many Facets of Roger" (1981)
• "The Saga Continues" (1984)
• "Unlimited!" (1987)
• "Bridging the Gap" (1991)

Videos of Roger Troutman

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq62sqYZEK8  “30 mn with Roger Troutman & Zapp ( Live @ BET in 1989 )”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_CBZkd2tGE  “Roger Troutman on The Talkbox [Video Soul - 1987]”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivt3Uw6a1uU  “2Pac Ft. Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman - California Love Remix (Official Music Video HD)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b-X1B4podA  “Zapp & Roger Live in Aruba(Sinbad Summer Jam)pardal338”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNnrUzNkyuw  “Zapp & Roger - Computer Love”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpelwo80Ykk  “Zapp & Roger - I can make you dance (Official Video)+Lyrics”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ng2rDWQT3I  “Roger Troutman - (Everybody) Get Up [ft. EPMD] Official Video”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9supqQToBEY  “Zapp & Roger - It Doesn't Really Matter(Official Video)”