Roger, I Want to Be Your Man

In the 38^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we highlight “I Want to Be Your Man” performed by Roger.

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy 💯! On 1 Hit WONDERful, we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  It is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, that ONE hit earned them recognition. So, in the 38^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we dive into “I Want to Be Your Man”, the one-hit wonder by Roger.

“Hey lady, let me tell you why / I can’t live my life without you (Aw baby).” Roger (Roger Troutman, 1951 – 1999) was a talented and influential musician. He was renowned for his use of the talk box, creating intriguing, unique vocal effects. Sadly, Troutman was the victim of an infamous murder-suicide by his older brother, Larry Troutman, in 1999 😢. Roger is best known for his hit, “I Want to Be Your Man”, which is the opening track from his 1987 album, Unlimited!. Interestingly, Roger and Larry penned the hit, which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.  This marked his highest charting hit as a solo artist or otherwise.  His only other entry on the pop charts, a cover of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine (Part 1)”, peaked modestly at number 79.  Even with his contributions to the influential, successful funk band Zapp, the impact was modest on the pop charts. Roger is a one-hit wonder, but it just doesn’t feel right.  Pop chart success or lack thereof aside, Troutman ate and left no crumbs on “I Want to Be Your Man.”

“Better not pass me by, ‘cause if you do, you’ll / Lose a good thing (Oh baby),” Roger sings in the second verse, and continues, “‘Cause what I got to say is sealed with a kiss / And a wedding ring (Wedding ring).” Oh, snap! It’s giving matrimony! “I Want To Be Your Man” is bright, enthusiastic, and warm-sounding. Happy to the nth degree, fittingly, it is set in a major key. The sounds are electric, rather, electronic! Sweet synths, smooth, rhythmic guitars, pronounced bass, and a groove that sits right in the pocket make the musical backdrop a surefire vibe. Roger has ample fuel for his talk box-driven fire.  His vocals are gorgeous, amplified by the striking effects created by the talk box. It is the lushness of his instrument that stands out.  He also gets superb support from backing vocals.  With tuneful melodies throughout the song, and dedicated lyrics, the simple but memorable chorus is the crowning achievement:  “I want to be your man (I wanna be your man) / I want to be your man (Yes I do, yeah-yeah).” Ultimately, “I Want to Be Your Man” is awesome.  Sure, it’s ‘80s to the core in its sound, but this classic still shines well into the 21^st century. Notably, Charlie Wilson, assisted by Fantasia, recorded a cover in 2010.