I’m originally from Chicago where I began my singing career in grade school at the age of 12. This was the time when I discovered I had somewhat of a voice and some talent that truly needed further development. I then went on to sing in the Hyde Park high school choir while working with a wonderful coach, Jerome Ramsfield. I was then selected to be a member of the Chicago All City High School Chorus which was quite an honor. My first professional experience was with this choir and performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. While in high school I performed with the legendary Minnie Ripperton and then in college continued in the choir also with the members of the soon to be band Styx.

Upon leaving Chicago State University I joined a local rock band and started to get my first solo live performing experience. I then encountered serious vocal problems and decided to continue my vocal study.

In 1978 I relocated to New York and began study with Tony Franco. I now focused my singing on legitimate musical theater as well as some opera. This offered me a broad range of experience as well as knowledge of my voice. I also did local club dates and cabarets.

In 1982 I moved to Los Angeles where I continued my study with many vocal coaches and from those many people I was able to hone my particular vocal method and discover that because of my experience as well as previous vocal problems, I was prepared to begin teaching and helping others and  began coaching in 1988. Since that time I have had the opportunity to coach many names you may know such as Macy Gray, Brandy, Ray J (Brandy’s brother), Nona Gaye (Marvin Gaye’s daughter), James Tormé (son of Mel Tormé) Jacob Young (All My Children) Lori Loughlin (Summerland), Kelli Martin, Warren Hill, Wailing Souls, Adam Yauch (Beastie Boys), Dee Dee Warwick, Viola Wills, The Beauties (Gasoline Alley), Cause & Effect (SRC Records), Times Three (Solar Records), Jason Nesmith (son of Mike Nesmith, the Monkees), Solomon Burke, Jr., Pepper MaShay and many more session singers, songwriters and rising stars.

I also hosted a public access television show “Singing with Roger Burnley” for five years as well as produced the A&R showcase for new artists, “L.A.’s Finest”. I continue to record and perform live. My CD “Angel in Disguise” was released in 2001.

I have recently joined the staff of M. Gray Music Academy located in North Hollywood, CA and founded by Macy Gray. www.mgraymusicacademy.com