James Gamble Rogers IV (performing as Gamble Rogers; January 31, 1937 – October 10, 1991) was an American folk musician, storyteller, and author from Winter Park, Florida. He began a professional career in 1961, joining The Serendipity Singers following an audition in New York City. Rogers became a fixture at the Florida Folk Festival, appearing as a headliner. In 1976, he appeared in the documentary film Heartworn Highways, performing an onstage monologue and the song “Black Label Blues”. Solo recordings included the albums The Lord Gives Me Grace and the Devil Gives Me Style (1977), Gamble Rogers Live: The Warm Way Home (1980), and Sorry Is As Sorry Does (1986). Fictional Oklawaha County served as a recurring theme in his songs and stories. He influenced musicians including Jimmy Buffett, who dedicated the album Fruitcakes to him. Rogers died on October 10, 1991, during a rescue attempt at Flagler Beach. Honors included the Carnegie Award for heroism, the Kiwanis Award for bravery, the NSA Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), and induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame (1998).
