Roger Skinner

Roger Frank Skinner was born in Wellington on February 9, 1942. His early life was filled with creativity and talent, with music running through his veins from both his mother, Sylvia, who played the piano, and his older brother, David, a folk musician turned opera singer. Tragically, Roger’s father, Frank Jr., passed away when he was only five. But despite this loss, the young Roger was surrounded by love, creativity, and the promise of a bright future.

The Spark of Music Music became Roger’s true passion at a young age. His stepfather, Les Gresham, an electrical engineer and inventor, crafted Roger’s first electric guitar and amplifier. It was at this moment that Roger’s musical destiny was sealed. By 13, he had formed the Kool Kats, a skiffle band, and soon after evolved into The Versatones. This marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of live performances, incredible creativity, and constant reinvention.

The Rise to Fame Roger’s early musical ventures included founding The Pleasers in the 1960s, a group that would not only cover Beatles hits but would later take part in iconic TV residencies such as Wellington TV's Let's Go Show. It was during this period that Roger was introduced to Herma Keil and the Keil Isles, a move that propelled him into the spotlight of the C'mon TV show—a platform that would shape his future.

The Breakthrough: A Hit and an Award In 1967, Roger penned the hit song "Let's Think of Something," which was recorded by Larry's Rebels. The song earned him the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll Award and solidified his status as not just a performer but a songwriter to be reckoned with.

The Evolution of Motivation As the 1970s rolled in, Roger formed Roger Skinner and the Motivationand began performing around Auckland’s famous hotel circuit. He became a staple in the local music scene, not just through his performances but through his contributions to the growth of the Kiwi music industry. The band evolved, took on new members, and kept Roger’s passion for live music alive throughout the decades.

The Solo Artist In 1973, Roger took the bold step to perform solo, a move that opened doors for him to perform in a variety of venues—from pubs in Auckland to international stages, including a tour with Joan Armatrading in 1978. His dedication to his craft saw him release several albums, including "Introducing Roger Skinner" in 1976 and "One More Time" in 1991.

The Motivation Lives On Roger's influence did not stop with his solo work. He continued to inspire countless musicians and played in several incarnations of The Motivation. Even today, with his trio, Roger and the Ramjets, he brings his signature sound to audiences while also giving back through extensive charity work and fundraising efforts, supporting the music community that has supported him for decades.

A Legacy Cemented Over the years, Roger’s contributions to the New Zealand music scene have not gone unnoticed. He has been awarded the Variety Artists Club of NZ Scroll of Honour in 1995, 2010, and most recently, the Agnew Award in 2016 - honouring his excellence and longevity in the industry.

Unveiling the Star And now, as we stand here today, we are proud to unveil this star in Roger Frank Skinner’s name, symbolising not just his immense talent but the heart and soul he has poured into New Zealand’s music industry for over 68 years.

Roger’s journey is one of dedication, passion, and resilience. His legacy will continue to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers for years to come.

After the Pleasers disbanded at the end of 1966, Roger Skinner had a brief outing with the final version of the Keil Isles before forming another one of his own bands, called Roger Skinner & The Motivation, in 1968. At the time of forming, they appeared as a basic pop group, but over time, they expanded their repertoire to become more of a rock band.

Work was generally on the pub circuit, with occasional stints at Embers nightclub and Colony nightclub.

This original line-up stayed together until 1970, after which there were several different combinations that played with Roger until the group's eventual demise in 1974. Some notable later members were Norris Nutsford, ex Ray Woolf's Avengers, who sadly died of cancer in 1972, Peter Grattan from Marble Arch and Green and Yellow, and both Dave Ingram and Owen Fleet from Maine Street. Paul Crowther and Eddie Rayner were also members before going on to fame with Split Enz. Gerry Biggs also had a go before leaving to form the original Cruise Lane, as did Doug Reed after his stint with Cheshire Katt.