The Rousers were formed in 1977 in New York CIty by Jeff Buckland (vocals), Bill Dickson (rhythm guitar), John Hannah (bass), Tom Milmore (lead guitar) and Jerid O'Connell (drums). They auditioned at CBGB, where they were noticed by famed Max's Kansas City booker Peter Crowley. The Rousers genial "Rhythm and Twang" sound soon earned them a following, and the band performed all around the New York area, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Boston.

The Rousers released a single in 1981 on Jimboco Records of "Party Boy" and "Don't Let the Band Stop Playing" produced by MC5 legend Wayne Kramer. (An early limited edition included a red FlexiDisc of "Christmas Party".)

In 1982 Sal Capozucca and Brett Wilder respectively took over on drums and bass. This lineup continued until 1984. Jeff Buckland left music and went on to a successful career in animation. The other members went on to various other bands (Bill and Brett joined The Backbones, Tom and Sal to Syntax Error, Treasure Head, etc.) and continued to play and record in the New York area.

Around 1986, the Praise Jockeys were formed with Bill, Brett, Tom and Sal. The band featured a heavier, riff happy sound. Their "Look at My Face" CD was released in 2021.

Bill, Tom and Sal next formed The Mockingbirds with keyboard player Chris Pondish. The Mockingbirds released the CD "Broken Times" in 2021. That band transformed into The Shambles (Bill, Tom, Sal and Rob Noname). Brett continued to play in several bands, including The Vacant Lot.

Around 1995 The Rousers began playing as a quartet with Bill on vocals and guitar, Brett on bass, Tom on guitar and Sal on drums. This lineup recorded several songs at Purple Light Studio in Brooklyn which was released as "All the King's Men" in 2021.

Brett left to pursue his musical muse, sometimes rejoining The Rousers, but mainly going his own way. The Rousers continued with Bill now on bass and vocals. Henry Kandel was added on saxophone from about 2000-2002. After that, the Rousers recorded and performed as a trio. The band released a CD ("Playing the Rock and Roll For You") in 2012, and an EP in 2018 ("Kickin'"). Drummer Sal Capozucca died of Covid May 13,2020.