Rolland Jacks

VOCAL ARRANGEMENTS & VOCAL PRODUCTION

Rolland Jacks was born into a very musical family in 1934, making music an important part of his life starting in his earliest memories. He began singing as a child, played Frank Sinatra in a Junior High musical, and sings in choirs, quartets, and as a soloist ever since. Throughout his teenage years, he studied classical piano and played alto and baritone sax in a big swing band—winning Battle of the Bands in 1950.

“Composing music must be genetic,” he says. “Melodies, complete songs, and piano compositions just come to me, apparently as they did to my dad and grandpa.”

Rolland has written hundreds of sacred and secular songs, the musical drama BIZZZY!, and the opera Child of Mary—both of which premiered in South California to rave reviews.

Rolland and Venetia, his wife of 64 years, are blessed with four children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

They raise cattle, bees, and blueberries at their Restoration Oaks Ranch near Santa Barbara. In addition to performing frequently, Rolland writes novels for children and adults, enjoys sailing, and continues to compose music in a variety of genres.

He credits Venetia, his encourager and favorite accompanist, for much of his success as a singer and composer.