Joe Rogers spent
twenty-eight years in an institution. But if you saw him
around town, you'd know him as the guy your eyes couldn't
leave, but you wouldn't want to stare. You'd know him as
the fixture at the local coffee shop. You might even know
him as the voice of the blues. You might not know his name,
but you'd recognize him and remember him. And if you stayed
for any length of time you'd know his name from everybody
else who greeted him with "Hey Joe!"
You see Joe sang the
blues. And he lived a life worthy of the art. He spent
years lost behind brick and concrete walls, but got
out to see the world in front of him.
After many years living in his community Joe found people
who wanted to hear his voice. He eventually sang in the
clubs where he liked to listen. He sang the blues before
the cheers of many.
