Roger Troutman on The Talkbox [Video Soul - 1987]

Roger Troutman (November 29, 1951 -- April 25, 1999) was the lead singer of the band Zapp who helped spearhead the Funk movement and heavily influenced West Coast hip hop due to the scene's heavy sampling of his music over the years. Troutman was well known for his use of the talkbox, a device that is connected to an instrument (frequently a keyboard) to create different vocal effects. Roger used a custom-made talkbox-the Electro Harmonix "Golden Throat," as well as a Yamaha DX100 FM synthesizer. As both lead singer of Zapp and in his subsequent solo releases, he scored a bevy of funk and R&B hits throughout the 1980s.

[@fvnaticbychoice]

“what if people get tired of it?” if only we knew how iconic and influential this man would be 30+ years later and counting

[@adaorange3706]

NOT MEEEE!!!!

[@garyprater8139]

Yeah that stupid comment/question kinda irritated me when he said that. Roger handled it well and most likely cursed him out under his breath for trying to diss him in public. If he would of asked me that it would be the last time I come on that show.

[@brothad9302]

Agreed! Stupid question!

[@thaterasound]

No one knows, he isn't alive. They could have had it been used in the mainstream for thirty years. Everything come and goes. No one is making computer love, he's one of a kind

[@wolfierobblack]

I'm just saying though!✊🏽👏👏👏

[@hermanhorton5944]

Roger should be honored for his contributions to music. So many get passed by. How can we make this happen

[@marshascott6107]

Yes, most difinitely

[@peggatheecructhfield9624]

his been honoer in dayton ohio

[@justanadams9430]

​@@peggatheecructhfield9624he deserves to be inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 😊

[@Digiphex]

You can tell he doesn't NEED a gimmick, though he uses it well. He is obviously multitalented.

[@homeyiommi1921]

Sometimes even extremely-talented artists need a "gimmick" to help them stand out in a crowded genre/industry. Take, for example, T-Pain using AutoTune...the dude can sing his ass off already, but he took control of that particular effect (and jacked the level WAY up, almost to the point of sounding like a robot...just like Troutman and his talkbox!) and used it to his advantage. And it clearly worked, bc AutoTune became an absolute staple of R&B radio hits in the 2000s.

[@AntiVillain26845]

In other words, the talkbox is simply a bonus.

[@DaMo-Studios]

Homey Iommi that’s about the best description of T-Pain I’ve ever read. I used to not like him at all, but in recent years.. he’s became a legend in my music world somehow.

[@XandiMusic]

It's not a gimmick, either. Not when Roger does it. Roger absolutely elevated talkbox to an artform.

[@Embassy97]

its like an Alien has landed but can still pose as human

[@dannyforeal5339]

Now it’s 2020 and ppl still play “computer love” and “I wanna be you’re man” and “more bounce” They thought the talkbox was gonna be his demise and it became his trademark!

[@cory5495]

100% right!! Haters are blind! Life's too short to be so negative.

[@ogBravo1]

right.. Talkbox nation is thriving more than ever under his style in 2021

[@tracyskins7854]

Yup yup

[@cjaquilino]

People say the same thing of auto tune but it’s been in pop music over 20 years now

[@donaldpump3072]

2023 you hear mumble rappers using his idea.

[@jamesrecio3331]

Roger troutman seemed so humble and funny, so sad he's dead .... 😔

[@oholm09]

james recio I miss my boy

[@50ways2leave5]

james recio so true, luv this guy spirit, RIP we miss u😢

[@mrbig6856]

Even sadder his brother killed him and then killed himself all over money smh

[@rayhanes1347]

@@mrbig6856 Wow I was gonna look up how he died. Damn.

[@brucemcelroye5054]

ray hanes yeah it’s so messed up!

[@cyorkgo]

I met Roger at Mc Donalds on Hollywood Blvd. My daughter was around 2. He walked up to her and started doing that Donald Duck sound and she just fell out laughing. That started a short-lived (3 years) friendship with him. He was really super nice man. A real gentle spirit and a fun guy to be around. Rest In Peace my brotha! I really miss you.

[@prettylipzz8992]

That sure is a precious story. He seems like a nice guy

[@kindell1]

Aw that is so sweet

[@catboyzee]

Most folks don't realize how difficult it is to use a talkbox effectively. Even seasoned musicians have difficulty mastering it. With Roger its effortless; as easy as speaking with his normal voice. And then he does a spot-on Donald Duck impression just for the heck of it. And like Stevie and Prince, Roger was also a gifted multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer/performer. That's the mark of musical genius. RIP...

[@Jaburu]

come on. it's not realy hard. sure needs some practice and a big mouth lol

[@exoticcar5482]

@@Jaburu But you have to play the notes out

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

It's the same thing with Peter Frampton and his talkbox and guitar!

[@rickyqueen2621]

FACTS 💯

[@Realone031]

A lot of us are talented

[@nurseelliott4256]

Don't care what others say "I wanna be your man " with the voice box is what makes the unique and a classic

[@99PowerNation99]

I actually listen to the song a lot

[@tmac8505]

Roger is the BADDEST talkboxer around!!!

[@BrickstreetSprite]

Not true...

[@BrickstreetSprite]

Im jp... of course he is.. lol

[@sherwinfitz]

Andrew DePoy Who, then???

[@haylotroutman5871]

ALWAYS!🤗

[@pausetapemedia7942]

Terrell James yes he is brought character to the talk box sound

[@cyorkgo]

I never will forget when I heard on the radio that he was killed. I cried in my car for 15 minutes. What a great talent and really nice guy.

[@CEE662]

Yeah I couldn't believe it!🙏🏽

[@40hours56]

This guy was so much greater than what he was popular for. This guy could play any instrument . I saw him play six different in a concert back in the day

[@deniseharvey5038]

Amazing!!

[@Lonewolf9999-d9r]

He was brilliant.

[@D33Lux]

That's amazing, Prince, Rick James and Ray Charles were virtuoso's like that.

[@blakbleach9696]

right! he doesn't get the love he deserves... I wish I saw him live

[@ogBravo1]

word.. i tell people he's one of of the most complete artists ever.. so much more to him than the talkbox

[@MiguelOhara187]

"California love" RIP legend

[@veliciawilliams5865]

Yesssss

[@ThePsychicCellPhones]

whoa :D roger troutman seemed like such a cool guy

[@cedricbigby827]

Mistah Mew he does man

[@drethewriter4761]

Mistah Mew ikr

[@madjidhamdini1977]

a cool guy killed by his brother....too sad :(

[@therealflamelit]

he was a very nice man & would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, then go buy you 2 more and himself 2 more!

[@guiltypleasureisland6642]

Hold This L. Debarge I'm glad to claim him from Ohio and he was one of the biggest inspirations for some of my favorite people in hip hop like DJ Quik and Erick Sermon

[@robertalexander2478]

RIP, this is the coolest brother I ever met and one of the funniest! He had a little booklet with him and his brothers , he signed an autograph for me, we talked for an hour and the whole conversation was hilarious!!! Just the best energy I ever experienced!!!

[@plawson8577]

Robert Alexander His son co founded Mint Condition!

[@trawlins396]

What????? Wait, his son is in mint condition???

[@VENUS.SE7EN]

@@trawlins396 His oldest son, Roger Jr., was a founding member of Mint Condition, yes. He left the band in the late '80s to pursue a solo career. He also toured with Zapp back then and did release an album at the time, going by his mother's last name: Lynch, but later in his life, he began to call himself Roger Troutman II. Some sources refer to him as Roger Troutman Jr. I believe his replacement was Ricky, but I'm not 100% sure. Anyway, by the time Mint released their debut album in 1991, he was long gone. Still, he did contribute to their 1996 album, Definition of a Band, by playing vocoder on songs like "Raise Up," "Funky Weekend," and the like, but he never rejoined the band but continued releasing solo work. I heard that after Roger Sr. died, his son tried to patent the talkbox, but I don't know how true that is. But, Roger Jr., too, is dead. He was killed in the early 2000s. I don't think they ever found out who killed him or why, but he was beaten to death. They say his injuries were so severe that his head was caved in. Only 32 years old. Unfortunately, tragedy doesn't end there. Roger Jr.'s daughter Alexis died on New Year's Day 2020. She was an up-and-coming rapper out of St. Paul, MN; her stage name was Lexii Alijai. She was 21 years old. If my memory serves me correctly, she succumbed to an accidental drug overdose. Very sad. Lexii had the potential to make it all the way, for sure.

[@user-eu3op7or6v]

That’s so cool!

[@robertalexander3067]

@@VENUS.SE7EN Wow, that’s so sad!!! I’m just reading this

[@rora5760]

the voice box never gets old RIP Roger and he did a damn good job with it too have to love him.

[@sarahsimpkins1315]

also he knew how to sing too

[@rora5760]

Yes his great....may he be R.I.P.

[@sarahsimpkins1315]

+Aurora Lopez yes rest in peace

[@justinbena5490]

Aurora Lopez you're right

[@MrJess-el8ku]

Preach Ma'am❤️🙌🏾

[@nuruhasanov6253]

He was a genius. Anybody can say that he using talk box, like Future uses autotune, but this is not the same! Roger was original creator of this style, and gave a push to g-funk, hip-hop revolution. Legend!

[@pageljazz]

What a beautiful human being. So inspiring, so sad.

[@messiahblack4816]

Karmadog Indeed

[@gabrielleelliott500]

True

[@herpaderp-bp4pe]

He was beautiful inside and out.

[@zappzapper1526]

I love Roger Troutman, rest in Funk brother.

[@marshayemanuel1991]

Yes rip

[@KCDroopy913]

The way he says "Soul" at 0:36 gives me chills. I love that sound! R.I.P. Roger You're a LEGEND

[@westsideca1987]

Fr man. I’ve watching this video over 100x and get chills every time

[@Dee_Nice89]

And it makes you feel good, yes it does, don't you believe it

[@Henry_GamesX]

I never got tired of it. We're still listening to Roger Troutman in 2023. That's what I listen to while driving the school bus. The "so rough so tuff".

[@rjaxxxas]

1:35 That literally is the best sound.

[@maxaronow712]

+RJK 0:54 tho ....

[@VENUS.SE7EN]

Exactly! Roger was a freaking genius.

[@MrRANDUM145]

0:45 tho

[@roseroyce6874]

@@maxaronow712 I like all his Small samples 💜

[@Wegster64]

2:33 tho

[@dorothypittmon3072]

He was so talented he was the original voice box RIP Roger Troutman ♥️

[@tonydavid9953]

Because of Riger Troutman is why I study and do the talkbox in 2024 and so on .

[@millkee2180]

He was a very creative musician; he's a legend. R.I.P

[@ScientificGentlemen]

This is not a gimmick...it's an innovation that changed the face of music.

[@SweetJustice]

That sound is Roger, it is his voice. Timeless talent.

[@1980Triumph]

Roger seemed to have a good spirit about him from this clip, thanks for sharing.

1980Triumph I met him in St. Louis airport in dec 96.. I can honestly say that he was a wonderful person with an exceptional spirit!! From that five minute conversation he became my brother 4 life.. rest well big bro roger

[@DJTonyTone757]

I met Roger once after a show and he was the nicest man in the world

[@poseidon3201]

He was BEAUTIFUL!

[@BROTHAHOODPRO]

We never ever would’ve got tired of Roger, Shirley Murdock, and ZAPP Band.

[@luvaboy772]

This is the first time I've ever heard Roger speak. He had a normal everyday sounding voice. It's weird hearing him speak in a normal voice.

[@AJWoods32]

Breed X me too. I always wanted to know what he sounded like

[@Lonewolf9999-d9r]

I had never heard him speak in his natural voice until I saw this 😂

[@BornToBeFamed]

Breed X 🤣🤣I use to tell my dad that. Like Roger fully emboded the talkbox and fully imitated a real singer, played the keys so well, plus he basically sung with the talkbox, he had like 500 watts he could speak almost fully with his voice, so he really was singing and playing. So it naturally sounded like him lol. So nobody could ever sound like him because its simply him.

[@allizzone]

I want Roger back😢

[@adaorange3706]

Dammit, I do too!!!

[@don8244]

The good thing about Roger Troutman is when rap music went global in the 90s with 2pac and Biggie and they took inspiration from him, he embraced it and even collaborated with it rather than being a gatekeeper. Some artists at the time didn't appreciate the art of sampling but he welcomed it 🔥

[@justanadams9430]

Roger Troutman and Zapp deserves to be inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Even his promo for Video Soul sounds funky!

[@Fatmanstan606]

Frampton and Troutman is the fkn duo we need!!!!!

[@blueloyalty8897]

Roger Troutman Talkbox Is The Best Thing In The World

[@d1999w]

Never can say it enough. Fools are still sleeping on Roger. Especially new generation.

[@mrkarpaa3520]

R.i.P Roger Troutman The King Of Talkbox

[@youngkiller6805]

0:33 When I don't know what to play with my talkbox or when I start using it, I always sing this. Roger and Zapp are my favorite singers in the world. R.I.P Roger Troutman. Love from France 🇫🇷

[@etpslick100]

Roger took the talkbox to a whole new level! He will definitely be missed!  RIP Roger!

[@LJayWISE]

I'm 35 and..Man I am jealous of the Parties he's throwing in Heaven. I miss his music so much!!!

[@gunnyusmc89]

I miss my home boy and his sound

[@AccountantProOT]

Rest in peace, Roger. Every time I hear "I Wanna Be Your Man", it still brings chills down my spine.

[@Peztrumentals]

best part was the end where he showed that he actually knew every single note that he was playing

[@kylepatrick113]

What if people get tired of it? Lol Yet here we are 35 years later feelin his soul in that music We ain’t tired of it. Never will

[@dashcarter1101]

Roger was so dang on handsome!

[@trawlins396]

VERY

[@shadeofbrown80513]

Roger was my whole childhood, my first cassette tape was Zapp and Rogers greatest hits. When I hear any Zapp and Roger. It immediately takes me back to growing up in the 90’s, all I can think about it is being my room playing with my lowrider hoppers and my homies figurines. Always hits home watching Roger

[@elanfoster767]

He was a star...the IT factor....he was well spoken..knowledgeable about his craft...and personality...this is what make good artist

[@MackeyDeez]

And here we are decades later and everyone is still using the talk box sound.

[@Adrian-yp7nb]

"Computer Love" for real..... LEGEND!!!! R.I.P. Roger Troutman!!!

[@karieammuhammond5327]

ROGER TROUTMAN WAS ONE OF THE ALL TIME GREATS..HIS MUSIC IS TRULY MISSED..REST IN POWER KING..

[@adaorange3706]

YES LORDDDDD, R.I.P. ROGER BABY!!!!

[@HemiLife713]

Im in my early 20s but it feel like i knew Roger like i was in the 80s era i really grew up on his music

[@m3109c1t0]

Its 2024 and i just cant stop listening Computer Love.

[@ineedmyhat]

Man knew the future was coming and made appropriate music. Timeless funk.

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

Weird how he talks and behaves like he's in 2023. Some people from back in the day seem like that on video.😮

[@demetriusgreen4174]

The 80s was a classic era

[@crisv3283]

GENIUS

[@davidlewis2736]

Roger: "Ladies & Gentlemen Your Watching Video Soul & it makes you feel good yes it does don't you believe me" - RIP -

[@smanticus]

When he says "soul" on the talkbox... awesomeness is had

[@13822831]

Just My humble opinion we'll never get tired of Rodger and the Talk box

[@ImaginationBlue]

Nah, Roger used it brilliantly. It never got old. One of the genius things our boy did was mix it with actual vocal harmony, and he somehow did that seamlessly. Really brilliant. A real talent. I'm sorry he's gone. I've never seen much of Roger; just listen to him all the time. So thanks for posting this great video. ;

[@adaorange3706]

Exactlyyyy, wouldn't get tired of him period!!! Couldn't.

[@treyjoy]

Greatest interview ever

[@AudioFixProductions]

there will always be only one ROGER TROUTMAN .. we miss you brother

[@AllegedlyButAlsoReally]

RIP Roger Troutman. Thank you.

[@deejackson5071]

He literally talked to that man like he wasn't a legend......My Dad told me computer love was possibly a song I was conceived too...and I've clapped cheeks to the song it's a classic

[@boss12]

I’ve never heard Roger’s speaking voice till this. May he rest in peace.

[@SAYBATUFF]

THE SOUNDS OF ROGER WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH, FOR REAL, PEACE

[@SAYBATUFF]

PEACE

[@rodw.9050]

peace 🙂

[@Dazedd]

Peace ☮️

[@adaorange3706]

AND THAT'S FOR 💯!!!

[@VLEEZY1]

The Joy that he had playing his instrument was super terrific RIP

[@AldenRDavis]

Rest in Peace, Mr. Troutman. Your'e the man with the Platinum voice.

[@trohnb8104]

Breaks my heart to watch this interview. He was showing no signs of stopping or getting old.

[@latasha66]

What a neat, creative guy. Gone far before his time. Now I can only imagine what he would have come up with next.

[@d.bluntt6699]

Roger Troutman was a cold musician RIP KING 👑

[@DatSingingGirl]

HE WAS SO FREAKIN CUTE! I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH HIM ♥

[@newman8180]

I will never get tired of that voice box sound. Never.

[@nickfreshalive]

I thank god for whomever recorded this footage. Never gets old.

[@adrianlyord5300]

Forget the keyboard ...... Roger Troutman was a badd ass Guitarist too ! Rest in peace and we'll always love and remember you.

[@JessicaNaranjo4094]

Wow!!!! This man was so talented

[@ANT1989]

Who keeps rewinding the video to hear Roger say "Video SOOOOUUULLL"? 👀

[@anthonysolis9886]

Truly miss you!! We had the privilege of performing with you before you passed!! We miss you much legend, you are an inspiration to all!!

[@jdwolfpack93]

R.I.P. Roger "Zapp" Troutman (1951-1999)

[@Styliesinceninedeuce]

If it wasn't for this man there would not be a Dr. Dre, DJ Quik or T Pain and Bruno wouldn't have the juice for 24k Magic. Salute the greatness.

[@wendileona]

Yeah, who STOLE and could never create their own sound. Don't compare mediocrity with true Funk and musicianship, innovations and creativity PLEASE .:: moderniare

[@pamperedgurl]

That's not fair. Dr. Dre paid the rights to work with Roger Troutman. Not sure about the rest of them.

[@ERAProductionsinc]

Man shut your dumbass up

[@locutz]

Dr Dre never used a talk box in his life he actually featured Mr Troutman

[@hotboypat]

@@pamperedgurl DJ quik paid homage and admitted Roger taught him how to you use it he the second best imo

[@Alysia.in.Wonderland]

His animated facial expressions makes it 💯truly amazing talent! ❤🕊️RIP Roger Troutman

[@mjolden]

Roger is one of my many influences as a musician.

[@OHWISEONE1996]

The talk box drives me WILD and it will never get old for me

[@Odawg96]

Man, oh, man...something tells that Roger was a VERY fun guy to hang out with! :-)

[@wmcguire1979]

Was blessed to have seen Zapp and Roger twice when I was a kid. At one of the performances, Roger took my mother out of the audience and danced with her. RIP Roger and my mom.

[@paco680]

Now they're dancing together in heaven, RIP for both of them🙏🏽❤️

[@DatSingingGirl]

I STILL LOVE THIS MAN TODAY I CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH OF ROGER! THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE HIM! I LITERALLY WATCH VIDS OF HIM EVERYDAY! HE WAS SUCH A GENUIS

[@alianshampoprisioners7056]

this man is magic!!

[@Brookintellect]

I love seeing the older artist when they were young. Youthful and full of energy. Just kids trying to make a way out of no way.

[@lamontallen7470]

UNCLE ROGER IS ALWAYZ & FOREVER IS GOIN TO BE SO SWAG(YA DIG) R.I.P UNCLE ROGER YOU ARE FOREVER GOIN TO HELD DOWN WIT & WITOUT THE WEST COAST

[@BMorgan13]

You could tell Roger was so animated, & had a fun/good spirit. Years later, & nobody ever got tired of his sound. His songs still be jamming, & other artist are still influenced by him.

[@tcq217]

Wow!Amazing Talent ...R.I.P Roger Troutman

[@bl6797]

I wish he and Prince could have done an album and concert together! Mind blown!!!

[@RBreaux580]

That would have been spectacular mann

[@jboyj7822]

Why did he have to die? He seems so humble, friendly and funny. He was a great artist and took funk to another level. I’m really sad he’s dead, cause he seems like such a great guy. He and the talkbox are the reason why Zapp is one of my favorite bands.

[@darnellwebb1671]

Rodger Troutman you were a musical genius you left us too early we love you Rodger with that voice box I know you're playing it in heaven

[@mdooms76]

This guy was a genius before his time. No one else has created an original sound like this!!!!

[@Wh4L205]

He actually didn’t create it. He made it popular. Stevie Wonder used it first.

[@camilleschannel2894]

The voice box is such a beautiful instrument❣️😇

[@garymeacham7353]

so humble and down to earth

[@TT.4_]

He was very funny😂😂😂 I agree with him he don’t care if people get tired of it lol I’ll never get tired of his songs!!

[@nickvanexel4963]

Thank God Quik still here keepin that sound alive #R.I.P.-Mr.-Troutman...