How did you get your start in Southern Gospel radio?
"The station I was working at had a Saturday afternoon Southern Gospel show. A couple of months into my time there, the general manager came to me and said I would be the new host of the show! I had a crash course in Southern Gospel; he handed me 3 or 4 years of Southern Gospel magazines. I read and learned fast! I had no background prior to this. I had been to a few concerts, but didn't know what is was. I fell in love with the music from the first show."
The Southern Styles Show is now celebrating its 15th year. Tell us how you started the show.
"I had been working in radio for a few years at that point, and I decided to g o back to school. When I was in school, the general manager of the station called me and asked if I would record a one hour weekly show like the one I had done at his station. I told him I'd pray about it. I went to my parents and asked to borrow money for a studio. The next six weeks, I developed the Southern Styles Show. It debuted on three stations the fall of that year. We've been in continuous syndication ever since."
Obviously, people are going to compare your show with Paul Heil's The Gospel Greats. How does your show differ from Paul's?
"I really respect Paul and his show; it's fantastic. Our show takes an in depth look each week at one artist. We also have features on our show that Paul doesn't have. He's a class act and to be compared to him is a great honor."
After 15 years of interviews, are there any in particular that stand out to you? Which was your favorite? Which has meant the most to you personally?
"A show that stands out... there are so many great interviews. An interview with Gordon Mote stands out; he's so down to earth and fun to be around. A favorite interview would have to be one with Clayton Inman of Triumphant Quartet. We get along so well and think a lot alike... it's scary!
An interview that meant the most to me... there are too many, to be honest, to name just one. So many people are touching lives. Whenever somebody talks about their faith, it strengthens mine."
Who else is involved in the show? Tell us about your production team.
"Karen Winternheimer is my executive producer. She is a super asset to the show and has been with me over four years now. The best part about Karen is that she can take my concepts and mold those ideas into what I was thinking without me finishing the idea even! She is the glue that keeps everything going. She also reads the news on the show.
Lorraine Walker gathers news for us. Chad Hayes works with production. Every staff should have a pastor and Chad is ours. He will go the extra mile for you! John Crenshaw keeps us informed of the history of Southern Gospel with his feature "Remembering Gospel Music history". He is my link and adviser to the history of Southern Gospel music."
What role has SGMRadio.com played in the development of the show?
"It really hasn't. It is a separate entity. We don't mention it on the show. It was my dream about five years ago to start a Southern Gospel station. They really are separate."
With such a rich history in Southern Gospel radio, what problems do you see and what would you do to fix those problems?
"The biggest problem facing Southern Gospel music is perception. People aren't educated on what it is. If you dig deeper and ask about the Gaither Vocal Band, they know their music and like it. As an industry we need to educate people on what our music is."
What artists do you feel are the future of this industry?
"There is such a great crop of young artists out there! To name a few are HisSong, The Ball Brothers, Lauren Talley... and so many others! Southern Gospel Music is in a great position for the future."
How can a station get your show?
"They can email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 360-410-0058 to request a demo. It is available to stations free of charge."
Anything else you'd like to share?
"I'm really thankful God has allowed me to be a part of the Southern Gospel Industry. I've met some of my best friends and have had some of my most cherished moments of my life being a part of the Southern Gospel family!"
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 12/15/2008
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 1
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Rob has a great show, but so do a lot of people. What impresses me about Rob is his heart for what he does. At every level. The quality at which he does it. We could use a lot of folks like Rob Patz involved in SGM today.
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