About the Author

Born in New Orleans and raised on Florida’s “Space Coast,” Gaynell Rogers blends culinary art with storytelling in her cookbook and memoir, Gaynell’s Kitchen. This work features recipes intertwined with tales of music, film, cancer, and cannabis, cooking for many celebrities and recording artists along the way, reflecting her vibrant full life.

Working on over 20 feature films and documentaries at renowned studios like Russian Hill Recording, The Plant, Pixar and Lucasfilm in the Bay Area. Gaynell is also an advocate for various causes, including Californians for the Arts advocacy, the Cannabis Media Council, and The LMS Support Group for Leiomyosarcoma patients.

She is a graduate of Bauman College of Culinary Arts, attended the rustic cooking school ‘Tutti A Tavola’ in Tuscany - (three times - it was so much fun!) and others. Speaking engagements include The Boston University Graduate School of Journalism, South by Southwest & the MJ Biz Daily Conference. She was named Influencer of the Year at the International Power Women’s Summit in Las Vegas. She has been serving healthy, all-natural Southern fare for over 30 years, long before it became a trend.fun.

Gaynell’s Kitchen brings together her recipes, her humor, and red carpet and backstage tales from a life lived in the adventures of four cancers and the company of musicians, filmmakers, family, and friends. At its heart, it’s about easy, affordable cooking that feeds your family & friends well with a heaping spoonful of laughter. Gaynell is married to producer/slide guitarist Roy Rogers and has a daughter Jessica and stepson Sam.  She is a proud new grandmother to granddaughter Graylen Marie.  

She writes “Music and a great film make my cells feel different - and so does food. There is so much synchronicity -- it's both beautiful and spooky. For me? A life of wonder. “

Gaynell Rogers

What people are saying

  • “THIS is gumbo. Everything else is soup!”

    Taj Mahal

  • “I grew up in the South. I always look forward to getting a Southern style meal. What is so fabulous is this great Southern meal has tremendous flavors, yet I can rest comfortably, knowing that it is perfectly healthy. Hmmmmm. Please pass some more of that buttermilk cornbread….”

    Charlie Musselwhite

  • “Gaynell keeps her pots, skillet and marriage cooking with the same sass and soul, good sense and great taste. Who says you can’t eat healthy AND Southern?”

    Bonnie Raitt

  • "After countless adventures and globe-trotting escapades, Gaynell and Roy have been the ultimate travel buddies, sprinkling joy and inspiration along the way. They’ve shown us all how to not just survive but thrive on the open road! And now, Gaynell is ready to share her secret recipes for living the good life—because if anyone knows how to mix fun with flavor, it's her!"

    Steve Miller