User:Gary Roller

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