Susan Rogers

Susan Rogers
Name	Susan Rogers
Birth date	24 June 1956
Birth place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Record producer, audio engineer, professor, researcher
Alma mater	University of Minnesota (BS), McGill University (MA, PhD)
Known for	Work with Prince, psychoacoustics research

Susan Rogers. An American audio engineer, record producer, and professor of psychoacoustics, she is best known for her pivotal role as the primary recording engineer for the musician Prince during his most prolific and innovative period in the 1980s. Following her celebrated career in the music industry, she earned a doctorate and transitioned into academia, where she conducts research on the perception and cognition of music. Her unique trajectory from a top-tier studio professional to a respected scientist provides a rare bridge between the art of record production and the science of hearing.

Early life and education

Born in Los Angeles, Rogers developed an early fascination with electronics and music, teaching herself audio engineering by studying technical manuals and repairing equipment. She began her professional career without formal training, working as a maintenance technician for audio companies including Audio Industries Corporation and later for the renowned recording console manufacturer API. This hands-on technical foundation led to opportunities in major recording studios, where she honed her craft on sessions for artists like Crosby, Stills & Nash and David Byrne. She later pursued formal education, earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Master's and PhD in experimental psychology from McGill University in Montreal.

Career

Rogers' career in the music industry spanned over two decades, beginning in the late 1970s. After her initial work as a maintenance technician, she quickly ascended to become a staff engineer at prominent studios, working on a diverse array of projects. Her technical expertise and musical sensitivity caught the attention of Prince, leading to her hiring in 1983. Following her tenure with Prince, she established herself as a sought-after record producer and engineer, working with a wide range of artists including Barenaked Ladies, David Byrne, Robb Royer, and Tevin Campbell. Her production work on Barenaked Ladies' album Gordon helped launch the band's international success.

Work with Prince

From 1983 to 1988, Rogers served as Prince's chief recording engineer at his Paisley Park Records complex in Chanhassen. She was the primary engineer on a landmark series of albums that defined his artistic peak, including Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day, Parade, and Sign o' the Times. Her role extended beyond technical duties; she was a trusted collaborator in the studio, contributing to the distinctive sonic landscapes of iconic tracks like "When Doves Cry" and "Kiss". This period also involved engineering for associated acts in Prince's orbit, such as The Revolution, Sheila E., and The Time.

Academic career and research

After leaving the music industry, Rogers pursued an academic path, earning her doctorate from McGill University under the mentorship of Daniel Levitin. She is currently a tenured professor in the Berklee College of Music's Music Production and Engineering department and directs the Berklee Music Perception and Cognition Laboratory. Her research focuses on psychoacoustics, particularly the auditory processing of experts like recording engineers and musicians, and the emotional impact of recorded music. She has published scholarly work and frequently lectures on the intersection of music technology, perception, and artistry.

Discography and production credits

Rogers' discography as an engineer and producer features a diverse and influential body of work. Key engineering credits include Prince's Purple Rain and Sign o' the Times, as well as David Byrne's Feelings. Notable production credits include Barenaked Ladies' multi-platinum debut Gordon, which featured the hit "If I Had $1000000", and albums for Robb Royer and Tevin Campbell. Her work has contributed to multiple Grammy Award-nominated and Juno Award-winning projects.

Awards and recognition

Rogers has received significant recognition for her contributions to music and science. She is a recipient of the prestigious Grammy Award for her technical work on Prince's catalog. In 2020, she was honored with the Audio Engineering Society's Fellowship Award for her impactful career in audio and her pioneering psychoacoustics research. Her groundbreaking journey from studio engineer to cognitive scientist was also recognized with an honorary doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Category:American audio engineers Category:American record producers Category:American psychoacousticians Category:Berklee College of Music faculty