A native of Cadillac, Michigan, Roger Harcourt migrated to Grand Rapids in the late 1960s to attend college. The gifted vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist soon joined The Incredible Invaders, who gigged regularly in the region. Roger was also great friends with the hugely popular Manistee, MI-based outfit Band-X. In 1968, Band-X hit the studio and recorded the Harcourt-penned “How Good the Rain.” The single quickly became a regional hit, enjoying steady airplay across the state.

Harcourt’s music career took a detour when he was summoned by the draft board. He was soon in the Army, serving in Vietnam, far from Michigan. Upon his return, Harcourt joined Band-X, the band that had made his song a success. The personnel change prompted the group to change their name to North County, but internal conflicts led to an eventual breakup. Harcourt forged ahead as a solo artist. After a brief stint in Nashville, Roger returned to Michigan to focus on showcasing his lyrical depth and melodic sensibility. He formed The Roger Harcourt Band and his own label, Good Day Records, which issued “The Roger Harcourt Band …And the Horse You Rode In On.” In 1980, he followed with the LP “Here: Before My Eyes,” which now resides in the Fervor Records catalog. Roger passed away in 2014, but much of his rich musical legacy lives on at Fervor Records.