R.I.P. Bob Patton, former James Brown promoter
October 13th, 2009 by Rodney Carmichael in Music newsAtlanta-based music industry legend and former James Brown promoter Bob Patton died last Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Piedmont Hospital of an aortic aneurism. He was 70.
Born in Middletown, Ohio, Mr. Patton launched his music career as a teen with a weekly radio show. He would grow up to become a highly-respected music promoter. He had personal and professional dealings with stars that included Isaac Hayes, Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, Jerry Lee Lewis and B.B. King. He booked act for American Bandstand, the TV show.
“He was in the business 50-something years and worked with everybody from the Beatles to Prince,” said Sammy Blue, founder and executive director of the Georgia Legacy Foundation, a Decatur-based nonprofit that assists musicians with their careers.
“I’d say he was one of the greater promoters of what I call real American music.”
Read the full AJC obituary on Patton.
October 14th, 2009 at 12:44 am
He was my grandfather and he will be missed
October 14th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Bob was definitely one of the good guys. For a while, he was coming into Brookhaven Records (RIP) quite regularly and was always quick with a smile and a good story – an old school music business promo guy in all of the good ways.
October 15th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Georgia Legacy Foundation will really miss him.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I’ve known & worked with Bob at Sharpshooter Photography company for the last two years. Man, you left a HUGE void, and a lot of empty hearts, at the Georgia Aquarium (which was our venue). You have been a big brother, best friend, mentor of the business, etc. to me and I will miss you like no other. I wish I could have just one more conversation with you for old times sake. R.I.P.