Pianist Michael Rojas
Michael Rojas is a 1980 graduate of HSPVA. He enjoyed a splendid ‘PVA career, perhaps capped by his selection as pianist for the 1980 Texas All-State High School Jazz Ensemble. In addition, he was prominent on all three HSPVA jazz albums recorded during his tenure (Let It Go!; Impressions; Nightfall), with special emphasis on the latter, which included two of his original compositions and one arrangement. In regard to Nightfall, critic Carl Brauer, writing in Cadence (New York), stated: No one needs to worry about the future of jazz when there are musicians like these.
After attending the University of North Texas, Rojas settled in Nashville with his bride, Vallie, in 1981. He quickly began paying the typical Nashville “road dues” by touring with Barbara Mandrell, Ricky Skaggs, Reba McIntire and Patty Loveless, appearing on Johnny Carson’s Tonight show with Mandrell and Skaggs. As is usually the case with true talent, Mike’s phone began ringing more-and-more for “stay-at-home” session work, and, beginning around 1998, he abandoned the road to become a mainstay in the legendary Nashville recording studios.
Michael Rojas has recorded with Ricky Skaggs, Travis Tritt, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Kesha, Rodney Crowell, Bob Seger, Kenny Chesney, Kenny Loggins, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Michael McDonald, Miranda Lambert, Alabama, Don Henley, Rita Wilson, Diane Schuur, Jose Feliciano, Ce Lo Green and many others. His TV credits include Nashville and the Tonight show with Stevie Nicks, and film credits include The Sapphires (2012). Mike recently appeared at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium as part of Country Music: Live at the Ryman, a Concert Celebrating the Ken Burns Documentary.
Rojas has been selected as “Best Keyboardist” by the Academy of Country Music on four occasions (2005; 2009; 2012; 2014).
Vallie Rojas is also a gifted musician, with a vocal career that began in Houston and continues in Nashville. Mike and Vallie are very proud of their three grown daughters: Mary Rojas, Veronica Arredondo and Monica Ledford.
Rojas early years and today!
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