Roger Emerson, born on January 13, 1950, in Downey, California, is a prominent American composer and arranger of choral music. Raised in a musically inclined family, his mother, Ruthevelyn, was an arranger for live radio and an educational music publisher, and his brother Richard was involved in jazz/pop ensembles. Emerson's early exposure to music led him to pursue guitar lessons with renowned musicians Lou Morrell and Herb Ellis.

In 1965, Emerson joined his first rock band, "The Nervous System," as an electric bass player, gaining popularity in Southern California. He later ventured into music education, earning a degree from Southern Oregon University in 1973. Emerson taught music in Mt. Shasta, California, and began publishing his compositions in 1977. By 1980, his success in composing allowed him to focus on writing full-time.

With over 900 titles in print and 30 million copies in circulation, Emerson is recognized as one of the most widely performed choral composers globally. His notable arrangements include works like Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up," "Seasons of Love" from RENT, and "Defying Gravity" from WICKED. Emerson has received ASCAP's Standard Award for 30 consecutive years, and his compositions have been performed at prestigious venues such as the White House, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. He continues to contribute to the field of music as a lecturer and educator, having taught at the College of the Siskiyous in Northern California.