Bob Patterson
Folk Art: Storytelling; Literature; Literature: Non-Fiction; Music; Music: Composition; Music: Instrumental; Music: Vocal
Bob Patterson is an award-winning songwriter, singer, storyteller, author, visual artist, and public speaker. He's been performing all over the country at festivals, clubs, radio, and television for more than fifty years. He was awarded the Fellow Man and Mother Earth Award from the Stetson Kennedy Foundation and has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Storytelling Association. While capable of performing a wide variety of music, he prefers performances where he can perform his original Florida Stories and Songs. He's an advocate for protecting the wild heart of Florida, especially clean water.
His career began in the late 1960s when he signed a recording contract with the prestigious folk music label, Vanguard Records. He recorded an album at that time with his folk-rock band, Elizabeth. Bob wrote and sang the popular single "Mary Ann," along with four other cuts on the album.
Bob moved to Florida in 1969 and became an integral part of the Florida folk music scene. He has been featured at the Florida Folk Festival for over forty years performing 12 string guitar and songwriting workshops, storytelling, and music concerts. He opened for Emmy Lou Harris at the 2005 event and was chosen as one of the Legacy Performers for 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 festivals. He independently produces music and stories on CD which have received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. His songs have been recognized by the American Song Festival and The Best of Florida Song Writing Competition. His song "Lullabye of the Rivers" was used in the documentary film about the Ocklawaha River. He had his book "Forgotten Tales of Florida" published by the History Press.
Bob is the co-founder of the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival and has served as the event's artistic director for over fifteen years. He is a board member of the Florida Storytelling Association and has been producing music for the HAWKE Wildlife Association’s "Music for the Birds Concert" for over twenty years. The editor of First Coast Entertainer, Rick Grant, writes that “Bob valiantly carries on the Gamble Rogers tradition of humorous storytelling, folk-singing, and consummate guitar artistry. He is a true Florida songwriter and superb picker of the 12 string."
Dr. Margaret Longhill, president of the Will McLean Foundation writes, “His songs, like his photographs, vignettes of the heart, stir us to look a little deeper and love a little more." With a distinctive voice and 12 string guitar technique, Bob will take you on a trip through the real Florida that is filled with humor and folklore of the people."
