Soul and Funk Musician. He was the principal talent of the group "Zapp," also known as "Roger and Zapp" or "Zapp and Roger," and gained considerable popularity during the 1980s. Earlier in his career, he headed other groups, including "Roger and the Human Body." He is best known for his work as a master of the vocoder, a keyboard synthesizer that created robotic-sounding vocals. "More Bounce to the Ounce," "Be Alright(Part 1)," "Dance Floor(Part 1)," "Doo Wa Ditty(Blow That Thing)," "I Can Make You Dance," "It Doesn't Really Matter," "Computer Love" and his version of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," were among his best known hits. Roger Troutman and his brothers also established Troutman Enterprises in Dayton, Ohio, a firm whose operations included recording studios, real-estate ventures and contracting. Although the motives are unclear, evidence suggested that he was killed by his older brother Larry, who then killed himself.
Soul and Funk Musician. He was the principal talent of the group "Zapp," also known as "Roger and Zapp" or "Zapp and Roger," and gained considerable popularity during the 1980s. Earlier in his career, he headed other groups, including "Roger and the Human Body." He is best known for his work as a master of the vocoder, a keyboard synthesizer that created robotic-sounding vocals. "More Bounce to the Ounce," "Be Alright(Part 1)," "Dance Floor(Part 1)," "Doo Wa Ditty(Blow That Thing)," "I Can Make You Dance," "It Doesn't Really Matter," "Computer Love" and his version of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," were among his best known hits. Roger Troutman and his brothers also established Troutman Enterprises in Dayton, Ohio, a firm whose operations included recording studios, real-estate ventures and contracting. Although the motives are unclear, evidence suggested that he was killed by his older brother Larry, who then killed himself.
Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett
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