Bob Rowe

Robert J. "Bob" Rowe (born September 21, 1954 in Battle Creek, Michigan) is a musical performer and recording artist. He is well known for bringing music to residents of long term care facilities. Rowe founded the nonprofit Renaissance Enterprises in 1988 for the benefit of residents of nursing homes, VA hospitals, and similar facilities. Since then, he has devoted much of his life to bringing live music to the residents.

In 2006, he received the Mother Teresa Award, sponsored by the St. Bernadette Institute of Sacred Art. The award was for his role as American friend of the elderly, especially in the field of music.

Rowe began his career singing in local clubs and coffee houses in Chicago, Detroit, New York, Milwaukee, and other cities throughout the United States and Canada. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he began to concentrate on performances for "special" groups and audiences, such as the developmentally disabled, visually impaired, and the elderly. His music was inspired (and mentored) by Judy Collins, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary.

Rowe founded the nonprofit Renaissance Enterprises in 1988 for the benefit of residents of nursing homes, VA hospitals, and similar facilities. For a decade, Rowe maintained a correspondence with Mother Teresa about his work and sought her advice.

In 1994, Teresa wrote: "Your work of love in nursing homes, hospitals and for the aged, the neglected and the forgotten is truly the work of peace, for the fruit of love is service and the fruit of service is peace. Works of love like yours bring one face to face with God. Continue to use music to make the presence of God - His love and compassion better known to those in need - His little ones who have forgotten to smile. My prayer is with you in a special way and also with all connected with Renaissance Enterprises."

Rowe published a booklet on the Renaissance web page providing guidance for artists when serving this audience.

Recognition for his work has come from organizations including the Giraffe Heroes Project award (1996) for sticking his neck out. He was also noted in 1997 by Time magazine as a "local hero".

Other recognition includes:

His recordings include 21 albums from 1974 to 2010. His work includes folk and country music, Irish ballads, and standards. Proceeds from sales of many of his recordings go directly to the work of Renaissance Enterprises.

Rowe's numerous media appearances include his Christmas special for Familyland Television (2005) and appearances on Sirius and XM radio. Others appearances include:

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