Born in North Carolina and raised in New Jersey, John Roll was immersed in the wide variety of popular music enjoyed by baby boomers of the 1960’s and ’70’s. In 1961, his parents declared Jimmie Dean’s #1 hit, “Big Bad John,” as their six-year-old son’s unofficial theme song! John’s love of music was particularly inspired by The Beatles and Motown and the singer/songwriters that came to dominate the pop music scene. He cut his musical chops at the local Methodist Church, singing in the youth choir and performing at their summertime coffeehouse.

John did not study music in college, but joined every vocal group on campus that he could and performed in town at various restaurants as well as coffeehouses throughout Pennsylvania. He formed the acoustic rock group “Western Exit” in 1976 and wrote their first single, “Mother Nature” in 1977.

As part of his graduate studies in broadcasting and film, John directed and produced the documentary “The Big Bands in Boston,” continuing and nurturing his love of music. He and his wife, Paula, then embarked on careers in communications, marketing and journalism while raising two amazing daughters; always finding time to perform classic duets as the duo, “The Rockin’ Rolls.”
 

As retirement approached, Paula and John began writing new songs – Paula as lyricist and John as composer – which brought them the greatest joy in their musical lives. Unfortunately, Paula succumbed to cancer in early 2024 but left behind notebooks filled with song ideas and lyrics that John continues to use in his recent and upcoming compositions.

From these sessions, "Carolina Boy" was released in October, 2024, "As Long as We Hold On" launched in January, 2025, and "Could 'a Done Somethin'" in May.John headed west in May of 2025 to collaborate with his good friends Doug Roll and Tonja Walker on several piano ballads and a Mexican-flavored country and western music video, CA 125. These songs are being released monthly through February, 2026 on all your favorite music platforms. 2026 will see the John Roll Music catalogue expand to 14 compositions, some of which will be recorded in his home studio and others may call for that "Nashville Sound." Another Artist's Residency in New Jersey is planned for July along with several open mic performances and songwriter showcases in Connecticut TBA.