Jill Rodger was born in Johnstone and raised in Kilmacolm, with a brief period spent in Singapore, before making Glasgow her home in 1984. Her journey into music and culture began when she developed a strong affinity for Paul McCartney, the Beatles, Wings, and Elton John during her early adolescence. This musical fascination led her to attend her first live concert at The Apollo when she was just 15 years old, marking the beginning of her lifelong passion for live performances and diverse musical genres.
After gaining invaluable experience in the Scotch Whisky trade for six years, Jill’s career took a pivotal turn in 1990 when she secured the position of Administrator at the Glasgow Jazz Festival. The festival coincided with Glasgow’s year as City of Culture and featured an impressive lineup including acclaimed artists such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and BB King. Immersed in the world of events and festivals, Jill discovered her love for organising and producing memorable musical experiences.
Although Jill’s early musical influences stemmed from her parents’ collection of albums by Andy Williams, Bert Kaempfert, Burt Bacharach, and Herb Alpert, her taste expanded as she ventured into the realm of the sound of young Scotland with artists like Postcard Records, Aztec Camera, Edwyn Collins, and Orange Juice. With an eclectic taste, she developed a deep appreciation for various genres, including soul, funk, and jazz.
Working within the Scottish music and cultural landscape has provided Jill with immense satisfaction. She has enjoyed collaborating with Scottish jazz musicians and witnessing the flourishing jazz scene in Glasgow, taking pride in supporting and contributing to the careers of talented artists, even in the smallest of ways.
Looking ahead, Jill is excited about her ongoing involvement in programming and producing the Glasgow Jazz Festival, as well as her contributions to the Scottish Jazz Awards. Additionally, she continues to collaborate with various promoters across Scotland, showcasing her dedication to the music industry and her commitment to nurturing and promoting the vibrant Scottish music and cultural scene.