Roger Pope ("Popey" to his many friends) was born in to a musical family and began drumming at the age of 13, soon playing in semi-pro rock bands in the local area. He played with the Soul Agents for four years and in the late 1960s formed a session group with bassist Dave Glover called Loot. Soon, guitarist Caleb Quaye and harmonica player Ian Duck joined in, and in 1968 the band was renamed Hookfoot (after Roger's need to use his foot to pull back in the hi-hat stand that was sliding around the floor during rehearsals).



Roger Pope, along with the rest of Hookfoot, was a session player at Dick James Music, and first recorded with Elton John in late 1967. The group also acted as Elton's backing band at various appearances until early 1970, while trying to secure a recording contract of their own, which they did... eventually releasing four albums before breaking up in 1974. Hookfoot was the core band used in the recording of Elton's first album, Empty Sky, as well as some of Tumbleweed Connection in 1970, and the 1971 album by Long John Baldry, It Ain't Easy, which was co-produced by Elton.



After Hookfoot disbanded, Roger Pope played with Nilsson, Seals and Crofts, and Kiki Dee, amongst others. Roger was the drummer on Kiki's 1974 album, 'I've Got The Music In Me' (playing percussion on the hit single), and during her dates as opening act on Elton's worldwide tour that year.



In 1975, Elton John asked Roger Pope to join his new band, which premiered at the Midsummer Music Festival in June and immediately went on to record the album Rock Of The Westies at Caribou Ranch in Colorado.



In 1977, Roger Pope continued to work with Elton band mates Davey Johnstone and James Newton Howard in the band China, which released their self-titled album on Elton's Rocket Records. The following year, Roger reunited with Caleb, this time playing live dates with Hall and Oates and drumming on their album Along The Red Ledge.



Other acts Roger has played with over the years include Al Stewart, Buddy Guy, Chris Darrow and Cliff Richard.



Roger Pope died on September 17, 2013 at the age of 66.