Wᴇ Nᴇᴠᴇʀ Sᴀɪᴅ Gᴏᴏᴅʙʏᴇ (Fᴏʀ Jᴏʜɴ Rᴏɢᴇʀsᴏɴ) (𝟷𝟿𝟺𝟾 - 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟸)
On the 1st of January 2023, I receive the sad, shocking message that my very dear friend, John Rogerson, sadly had passed away at the Mumbai airport, India after arriving there to give his yearly dog training course.
I met John 15 years ago. He had heard my recording of Bach’s "Air on a G-string" on YouTube. In a comment he suggested that he built me a 7-stringed baritone guitar. At first I didn't understand so I replied I couldn't afford one. He replied that it would be a gift and he would deliver it to me in person. At first I thought it was a scam; who would build and deliver a handmade guitar for free? But he regularly sent me pictures of the progress with the guitar and I realized he was for real.
One year later he arrived at the CPH airport with a guitar in his hands. We instantly 'clicked'. Arriving at my house, I opened the hardcase and found a beautiful 7-stringed baritone guitar inside. And even though I had difficulties playing it at first (it was very confusing with a wider fretboard and an extra string), John just sat there, smiling. I had to leave for Miami the next day so he stayed in my house for a week by himself.
I later learned, that he had the "habit" of giving guitars to guitarists he respected and admired. During the years I knew him, he gave away 5 of his guitars to, mostly young guitarist, all over the world that couldn't afford a handmade instrument. For me, he also made an 11-stringed Alto guitar... See, that was one of John's way of being: he gave so much to all that crossed his path: guitars, financial support, knowledge, friendship, respect, kindness. He even let my fly his airplane over beautiful northern England!
He invited me to his home in Durham outside Newcastle, UK and 5 years later arranged a concert for me there. He also invited me to India but unfortunately I couldn’t get a Visa since Denmark and India then had political arguments. But in 2015 and in 2018 I visited him in China where he now had married one of his dog training students, Miya.
Now, John was not only a luthier. He was so many things: foremost a world leading dog behavior trainer, philanthropist, author, musician, pilot, and so much more. He even built his own Spitfire airplane used by the BBC in historic TV-series!
Most people knew him as an outstanding dog behavior trainer. John and I never talked dogs though. I think he saw me as that musician he never became and didn't want to talk "work" but music, love and life. I love dogs, but I have no insight in how to train them. On his website and YouTube channel I can see how good he was at this! He treated dogs with the same love, understanding and respect as he treated humans and I can see from the comments on his website that so many people around the word admired him and misses him.
I always felt "at ease" when I was with John. He respected me for the one I am. He saw only the good things in people. He had an "aura" around him that made you feel accepted, respected and noticed with him. There was never an awkward situation with John; everything was natural and casual. I remember at the breakfast table in Dali, China, we could sit in total silence feeling perfectly good about it... until Miya came down asking with a smile: Who want eggs and bacon?? :-) Good memories.
He emailed me a week before his passing, telling he would soon leave for his yearly dog training course in India but that we should meet up soon. I planned to reply to him but "Christmas business" made me postpone my answer... which I deeply regret now.
I will miss him dearly. I guess God wants him "up there" telling jokes for the Angels and playing a guitar, singing a "funny song" for them instead. I am sure they all will have a grand time! I am rather envious.
I composed several pieces for, and inspired by him:
A Man's Best Friend (John requested a piece for Miya): • A Mans' Best Friend (Per-Olov Kindgren)
Fly High (after flying his airplane): • Fly High! by Per-Olov KiNDGREN
Climbing The Great Wall Of China (after playing his 7-stringed guitar built for Miya on the Great Wall Of China): • Climbing the Great Wall of China - Per-Olo...
Above the Clouds the Sun Is Always Bright (music notation only): https://shop.per-olovkindgren.com/pro...
In Death I Sweetly Sing (a tribute 1. January 2023) (music notation only): https://shop.per-olovkindgren.com/pro...
We Never Said Goodbye (a tribute 6. January 2023)
And he inspired me to these pieces:
Xiexie (for Miya): • Xiexie (For Miya) - Per-Olov Kindgren
P.I.A.N.O (duet for Ian Woo): • P.I.A.N.O. Guitar Duet with Ian Woo
Rest In Peace my friend. I will miss you but I am honored to have known you.
Per-Olov
#perolovkindgren #johnrogerson
NOTE: the "ticking" sound in the background is from my fireplace. Sorry.