The Randy Rogers Band’s growing popularity, evidenced by its self-entitled newest album debuting as the most-downloaded Country album on iTunes and ranking in the list of Top-10 Must-See Artists in 2007 in Rolling Stone Magazine, has brought attention from some of the biggests acts in Country music.

In fact, the band has been featured as the opening act for such famous artists as Willie Nelson, the Eagles, Gary Allan and Dierks Bentley, according to the band’s Web site, randyrogersband.com.

“It’s a dream come true to play with somebody that shaped your childhood.  It’s the opportunity of a lifetime anytime you get to be on stage with [Willie Nelson],” Randy Rogers said.

As Rogers described his musical history, the significance of music in his life became more and more evident.

“I was four or five years old when I first started playing piano. I got a guitar when I was 11 or 12 and started writing songs when I was 15 — more than half of my life,” Rogers said. “Playing music and writing songs is something that I’ve always wanted to do, and it’s just part of who I am — a large part of who I am.”

And though the name may seem to denote that these opportunities are focused on Rogers alone, don’t let it fool you; this is no one-man act.

The five-member band was named after Rogers simply because he had prior experience and a fan base. But Rogers was adamant that their new endeavor was not to be a solo effort backed up by the other four members.

“About 2002, we chose to quit all our own jobs and give our all to this band, this body of work. I think that’s when things started turning around for us.  The five of us, we share everything even-steven and split everything up. It’s very much a family,” Rogers said.

While the band’s sound is clearly a derivative of their combined efforts, the success is in no small part due to their determined work ethic. The band’s touring schedule spans more than 200 days per year, according to Rogers, who added that it can be tough to be on the road.

Rogers said of the grueling tour schedule, “It’s how we make a living. I think we’ll be playing shows and playing as many as we can for the rest of our lives, or as long as God wills it.”

The bands dedication to staying out on the road is certainly not easy.

“All the guys, except for Jon, are married or soon to be married,” guitarist Geoffrey Hill stated in a press release. “Les [drummer] and I both have kids. So sometimes it feels like you’ve really gotta struggle to fit all that into your life, I guess, but it’s kinda part of the game.

Hill continued in that release, “I always said that I play music for free, and I get paid to leave the family behind and go on the road.”

And though the band is away from home much of the year, Rogers used no uncertain terms when he was asked if he ever thought of ending his music career.

“No. It’s in my blood, it’s something that has pretty much chosen me and I don’t really have a say so. It’s going to be my life’s work,” Rogers said.

Fans can see the band perform this work Jan. 15 at the Berkeley Cafe. Rogers went on to describe what fans can expect out of Thursday’s show.

“We usually do a two-hour-plus set and so we cover pretty much the entire catalog of old stuff, new stuff and brand new stuff.  We try and do a little bit of everything,” Rogers said.

“Money back guarantee.  If you come to the show, you’ll have one hell of a time, how ’bout that,” Rogers said.