Troy (T-Roy) Anderson will return to his hometown of Bertha to perform on December 1 at Traditions Bar and Grill.
Troy (T-Roy) Anderson will return to his hometown of Bertha to perform on December 1 at Traditions Bar and Grill.
T-Roy Anderson to perform in Bertha
by Trinity Gruenberg
Troy (T-Roy) Anderson of West Fargo will return to his hometown of Bertha to perform a variety of classic rock and blues on December 1.
Anderson was born in Duluth and moved to Bertha when he was six years old. He was raised on a dairy farm with his siblings Diane, Melissa, Lance and Craig and his parents, Martin and Edith.
His father was the inspiration for his love of music.
“He had a guitar in the closet and a lot of records. He showed me enough on the guitar to get started. He had a lot of records; a little bit of everything from Chad Atkins to Roy Clark. I’ve always liked music,” he said.
Anderson taught himself to play other instruments.
“We had a big porch. At night I would go out there and practice,” said Anderson.
He enjoyed his garage band. He never joined band or choir in school, but part of him wishes he did. Anderson is a 1980 graduate of Bertha-Hewitt School and is friends with current Principal Darren Glynn.
He started out playing Bob Dylan songs. Earl (Chip) Laust in Hewitt taught Anderson how to play the guitar and harmonica.
“Chip taught me guitar and harmonica about the same time. He was teaching me Bob Dylan songs. I felt like I had this connection to Bob Dylan,” noted Anderson.
He started performing with his guitar and harmonica when he was 14 years old, and on piano when he was 16. In his early 20’s he acquired a 1927 Dobro (which is a resonator guitar).
He has performed at MoondaceJam, Fargo Blues Fest, and even a backyard jam in Hewitt the last two years. He performs by himself or with other bands. He also played at Bertha Days about 10 years ago.
He recently wrote a song, Angel of Hope, to commemorate Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a pregnant mother that disappeared. She was found to have been killed by a pair of her neighbors who took her child. Anderson knew her aunt and was touched by the tragedy.
“The song was something good that came out of a bad situation. I wanted to help her be remembered,” said Anderson.
He has written songs about Bertha (Bring Back Family Farms), Hewitt (Train Don’t Come Around Here No More), North Dakota (Sheyenne Valley), song titles included Flood ‘09, Chip Laust Song, Duluth, Park Rapids Song, and a tribute to Bob Dylan. Most are original songs.
Joining him for his performance in Bertha will be drummer Ozzy Osmundson and Dan Ranson from Sebeka on lead guitar. They play a variety of classic rock, country, blues and original songs. He will be bringing CDs and memorabilia to give away during the performance.
He also operates a business, Rollin’ Ribs and Blues, spring through fall. He smokes ribs and entertains guests. He also hosts benefits and has also catered a wedding.
He loves to check out garage sales and collect antiques.
Check out his songs on www.reverbnation.com/troyanderson62/songs.
He will be performing at Traditons Bar and Grill on Friday, December 1, from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.