Roger Stewart was born in Baltimore and spent his childhood both there and in New York City. He got his first taste of music attending art schools in New York, rubbing elbows with many future successful musicians. During his stint in the US Marine Corps, he earned a degree in music from Peabody at Johns Hopkins University. He joined his first band in the fifth grade, a jazz trio. His Influences are Clyde Lucas, Morris Johnson, and Paul Witico (Pat Metheny Group.) He also serves as a full-time dad for his son, Roger Stewart III, a.k.a. Three. Roger considers himself foremost a jazz musician.