Singer-songwriter Roger Jaeger recently released his new single/music video, “Grandpa’s Ghost.” Although Jaeger was never able to meet his grandfather face-to-face, in “Grandpa’s Ghost” he explores the relationship he would have had with his grandfather had he not passed away from smoking-related lung cancer before Jaeger was born.
Originally from Oklahoma, followed by living in Nashville, Jaeger moved to Redding, California at the beginning of the pandemic.
Surrounded by the picturesque, rugged NorCal landscape inspired him to embrace a more reflective, down-to-earth style—encouraging him to take on a folk and Americana sound. With his new musical identity, Jaeger is busy charming the guests of vineyards, breweries, and private events, and is beyond thrilled to release a new album, Wander, a twist of folk exploring self-discovery, spirituality, and connection that is thoughtfully introspective, and tenderly uplifting.
“Grandpa’s Ghost” reveals the power of legacy as Jaeger reminds listeners that familial ties reach beyond the physical world, rather, they run through the blood and pass down through love and great care.
The video, directed by Marcus Mezzano, depicts Jaeger joining his grandfather for a ride down dusty backroads—metaphorically and literally separated by the bed of an old red pickup truck. Smoking a cigarette, and keeping an eye on the truck bed, his grandfather guides him through the bumpy road without ever saying a word.
Tattoo.com spoke with Roger Jaeger, throwing a series of random questions his way, hoping to uncover insights into the person behind the music.
Top 3 songs of all time?
‘Hallelujah’ – Jeff Buckley’s version.
‘O’ Fortuna’ from Carmina Burana (I sang it with my high school choir, and I still remember it 20+ years later).
‘Fire and Rain’ – James Taylor.
What are three words that describe you?
Contemplative, adventurous, altruistic.
Favorite movie?
I always hate this question, ha-ha. Let’s go with ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.’
What do you think is your greatest accomplishment?
I’m not sure I can point to one single thing, but I’d say that persistence has been the key in my life. I can’t seem to give up.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
I really like both but my girlfriend claims that I’m more of a cat person!
Gibson guitars or Fender guitars?
I like playing Fenders for electric, but in my latest recordings the studio had Gibson acoustics available to play on and I fell in love with them. Agh. That was never supposed to happen!
What kind of guitar do you play?
My current go-to is a Cole Clark. I found it at Gruhn Guitars in Nashville when I was looking for a new acoustic. I was determined to get something that wasn’t a Taylor or a Martin and well, wow.
What’s your definition of tone?
I guess it comes down to how pleasant a sound is to listen to, and if it’s not pleasant then is it purposeful?
What’s the most random fact you know?
That India has 28 states.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A brontosaurus (my mom said I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up soooooooo….).
Roger Jaeger | Grandpa’s Ghost
Favorite drink and food?
A proper Indian chai, and chicken biryani.
What’s something you know isn’t real but wish existed?
Honestly, a Pegasus would be pretty cool. Or some kind of animal you could sit on that would fly!
What is something that no one else seems to care very much about but makes you crawl the walls?
Drive-thrus are terrible. Why would you want to sit in your car when you could get out, stretch, look a cashier in the face, and have a short, authentic interaction? Though, I get it if you have two kids in the back of the car and don’t want to get them out and buckle them back in again. That’s a lot of work.
Also, standing still on escalators. I think we’ve gotten lazy.
Must-have on your rider?
Spindrift – it was one of my favorite discoveries during Covid, and it beats the heck out of LaCroix.
What is one thing you’re good at that people don’t expect?
Hmm. I’m a decent cook, I suppose!
If you could have dinner with any musician (dead or alive), who would it be?
Maybe Ben Rector. Or Ryan Tedder. They’re both Tulsa guys (where I originally hail from). I’d love to chat with them about going from Oklahoma boy to where they are now.
What smell transports you to another time and place?
My grandmother had some specific soaps and shampoos that she had at her house. Every few years I smell something that smells like one of those and it takes me straight back to her house.
What’s your favorite article of clothing that you own?
I have a Pendleton sweater I bought a few years ago. I love the patterns on it and love wearing it. Unfortunately, I only get a couple months out of it here in Redding.
What’s something you’re proud you’ve never done?
Cheated on a girlfriend.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, other?
iPhone for sure. I’ve used Apple products since the ‘90s and have always found them very user-friendly.
