Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
British banjoist Charlie Rogers plays Smoky Mokes, recorded on a 7" Odeon in October 1903. Rogers was just 12 years old at the time, hence the use of the title "Master" on the record label. "Smoky Mokes" was written in 1899 by Abe Holzmann.
CHARLIE ROGERS
Banjo solo with accompaniment by unknown pianist
Recorded London, c. October 1903
2076-2…….Smoky Mokes.......Odeon 2076
Note: Transfer - Nick Dellow and Mark Berresford, using Mark's copy of Odeon 2076 from his collection. Audio restoration - Nick Dellow. Speed adjustment / repitching - Mark Berresford (main key is C; speed is 77 rpm).
Born in Shepherds' Bush, London on 15th December 1890, Charlie Rogers first played in public around 1899, aged 8. Rogers acquired Vess Ossman's technique by listening to all of his cylinder recordings and learning the solos off by heart. It's said that he took lessons from Vess Ossman when Ossman toured England in 1900 and 1903, and also from the legendary British banjoist Joe Morley. He was hired by Clifford Essex for his Royal Pierrots in 1901 (the troupe included Joe Morley) and remained with them until c. 1904, billed as "The Wonder Boy Banjoist". Rogers toured the music halls throughout the Edwardian period.
In addition to Odeon, Charlie Rogers also recorded for Zonophone, Nicole and Neophone. The Zonophone catalogue of July 1904 states: "Only 14 years of age [at the time, he was actually 13], and certainly the most remarkable Banjoist in England." He continued to record up until January 1907 (the last recording session was for Neophone).
While on active service during World War One, Rogers' right hand was injured by a bullet and sadly this put paid to his career as a banjoist. He remained in the army and rose to the rank of Major. Between 1933 and 1938, he was with the Army Pay Corps in Iraq!
British banjoist Charlie Rogers plays Smoky Mokes, recorded on a 7" Odeon in October 1903. Rogers was just 12 years old at the time, hence the use of the title "Master" on the record label. "Smoky Mokes" was written in 1899 by Abe Holzmann.
CHARLIE ROGERS
Banjo solo with accompaniment by unknown pianist
Recorded London, c. October 1903
2076-2…….Smoky Mokes.......Odeon 2076
Note: Transfer - Nick Dellow and Mark Berresford, using Mark's copy of Odeon 2076 from his collection. Audio restoration - Nick Dellow. Speed adjustment / repitching - Mark Berresford (main key is C; speed is 77 rpm).
Born in Shepherds' Bush, London on 15th December 1890, Charlie Rogers first played in public around 1899, aged 8. Rogers acquired Vess Ossman's technique by listening to all of his cylinder recordings and learning the solos off by heart. It's said that he took lessons from Vess Ossman when Ossman toured England in 1900 and 1903, and also from the legendary British banjoist Joe Morley. He was hired by Clifford Essex for his Royal Pierrots in 1901 (the troupe included Joe Morley) and remained with them until c. 1904, billed as "The Wonder Boy Banjoist". Rogers toured the music halls throughout the Edwardian period.
In addition to Odeon, Charlie Rogers also recorded for Zonophone, Nicole and Neophone. The Zonophone catalogue of July 1904 states: "Only 14 years of age [at the time, he was actually 13], and certainly the most remarkable Banjoist in England." He continued to record up until January 1907 (the last recording session was for Neophone).
While on active service during World War One, Rogers' right hand was injured by a bullet and sadly this put paid to his career as a banjoist. He remained in the army and rose to the rank of Major. Between 1933 and 1938, he was with the Army Pay Corps in Iraq!
