Born and raised in Wellsville, Carlin was coming of age at very fertile period for the area music scene. The late sixties and early seventies spawned some great local bands including Rogues, Barge, Greenmuck Farm, Peter and the Wolves and many others. Roger initially picked up the guitar, but soon switched to bass in time to play with several bands including Soul Fear, Cold Steel and Rydermark, which included Monty Case and Cort Dunham.

His smooth, workmanlike approach to the groove is well known around the Southern tier. Roger along with wife Cheryl could be seen from time to time at early Zoar gigs. After sitting in on one such occasion, it became apparent to the band that he was the final piece to the puzzle. In 1990 the bass position became vacant and only one phone call was made, Carlin answered with a resounding yes and joined the 2 year old band.

Roger has played with many local bands throughout his career, including Onyx, which also included Hansiell Dunn. He is also the bands Mr. Fix it. From fuel lines, to speaker cabinets, to His and Rick’s guitars, he keeps the band running smoothly. Long after midnight Roger will don his shades and lay down the bottom for another rocking Zoar show.