Name: Roger W.
Lived In: Essex, MA; Washington, DC
Birth Year: 1924
Resident Of: The Current Beverly
Centenarian Saxophonist. Commanding Officer. Caring Husband.
Most Likely to Top the Hot 100 Music Charts
Roger W., a 100-year-old saxophonist, drummer, and vocalist, has had a front row seat to a century of sonic evolution. But one thing has remained constant—how much he loves making music with the ones he loves.
Born into a musical family, he asked for his first instrument at 5 years old and it’s been a driving force in his life ever since. He’s had a few other stops along the way. He attended Northeastern College during World War II, attended a Yale training program, and became a Commanding Officer. He then moved to Washington, DC to study radio engineering, after which he spent 40 years with Rathon.
He met and married Mary-Sue, his wife of 75 years, and the woman responsible for all of Roger’s happiest memories. They shared a love of music—Mary-Sue was a talented singer—and together raised their three girls surrounded by chords and melodies.
From barbershop to big band to classical to contemporary, the soundtrack to Roger’s life has been a magnum opus.
“I’m so blessed for the life I have been given and for my big family,” said Roger. “I’m grateful for all the music and for every moment.”