Biography
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Born
27 May 1966 (age 59)
As the co-founder of Jellyfish, Imperial Drag, and the Moog Cookbook, keyboardist Roger Joseph Manning Jr. became one of the most beloved figures in '90s underground pop music. While none of those bands remained together for longer than four years, Manning's talent as a harmony vocalist, arranger, and instrumentalist helped him secure work with additional groups. His session gigs for blink-182, Fiona Apple, and Jamiroquai cemented his industry profile, while a five-year stint in Beck's band brought his keyboard skills to a mainstream audience. Manning also pursued a solo career during the 2000s, releasing several albums that combined his demonstrated love for pop music with experimental flourishes.
Manning also submitted keyboard work to artists such as Jet, Ringo Starr, Green Day, Angels & Airwaves, Diana Ross, Jamiroquai, Johnny Cash, Lisa Marie Presley, Morrissey, OPM and Sheryl Crow.
Roger lists his influences as keyboard-centric artists Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Jean-Luc Ponty, Chick Corea, Frank Zappa, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Brian Eno and Roxy Music, Steely Dan, Mahavishnu Orchestra as well as punk rock and New Wave bands like Gang of Four, Thomas Dolby, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, Buzzcocks, Dead Kennedys, Talk Talk, The Damned, XTC, Tears for Fears, Suicidal Tendencies, Madness and Wall of Voodoo.
Biography by Andrew Leahey
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