 In 1934 a wunderkind was born. Jeanne Rogers, the only child of Robert and Matilda Killion, has drawn praise for her musical ability since girlhood. At age 8, she moved with her parents from Houston, Texas, her birth place, to Omaha.
Jeanne, by the strictest definition, was deemed a child prodigy. She demonstrated an interest in music at the tender age of 3. Her mother, recognizing the potential talent, urged her husband to buy a piano for their daughter. He purchased a piano on a layaway plan.
By age 8, Jeanne was playing for her church’s Sunday school program. Two years later, she was singing alto and playing the piano for the junior choir.
Jeanne trained for years as a classical pianist, stunning recital audiences with virtuosic performances. Then she turned her attention to America’s original art form. Soon she was amazing listeners with her deft jazz pianistics and her unforgettable vocal styling. A promising career in either jazz or classical music was hers for the asking. She chose the path of American art music.
In 1956 Jeanne Rogers joined the Cliff Dudley Quartet as its singer. Eventually she became the ensemble’s pianist. The incomparable Luigi Waites was the drummer for this famed Dudley group, which changed its name later to the Savoy 7.
Along the way Jeanne returned to school, at her mother’s prodding, and earned a bachelors degree in general education.
By the early 1960's, Jeanne was ready to lead her own jazz trio. The group she started performed in Omaha and toured the Midwest and Great Lakes area. Jeanne, the gifted singer and pianist, was on the verge of fulfilling the promise of a musical career. But early on, her journey reached a crossroads. Her mother was finding it increasingly difficult to manage the daughter’s five children alone--Mother Matilda desperately needed help.
For Jeanne continuing her tour or returning to Omaha was really not a choice. She did what a loving, caring, responsible mother would do. She put her musical career on hold and came home to raise her children--all of which are musically gifted as well. Jeanne became a school teacher. She also earned a masters degree in elementary education. Then she left the classroom and became a school administrator. Jeanne went on to become the principal at Druid Hill School, from which she retired after 25 years in the Omaha Public School system.
Jeanne has no regrets about the turns her career path took. Through her lifework of music and education, together with a wonderful sense of humor, she has literally touched the lives of hundreds of Omaha youth. She is constantly reminded of the positive effect she has had on her students. Jeanne is still active in the community and is a member of C.A.C.E. (Caring and Concerned Educators).
Moreover, Jeanne works part time at the Solomon's Girl Center, where she teaches music and is an advocate for a sewing program. Jeanne also plays the piano and organ for the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection every Sunday. Additionally, she gives piano lessons two days a week at Schmitt’s Music.
In 2000, her son Ron E. produced his mother’s long awaited first solo CD, Jeanne Rogers the Late Show. Jeanne hasn't lost a step, as is quite evident on the album.
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