Robert “Rob” Bishton
I’ve spent much of my life around music—as a listener, booking agent, manager, promoter, concert presenter, and now songwriter.
Growing up in the 1960s, my musical foundation was shaped by artists including The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Grateful Dead, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. A defining moment came in 1972 when I first heard The Allman Brothers Band’s Live at Fillmore East, deepening my appreciation for blues, American roots music, and authentic live performance.
Although I’m not a musician, decades spent around working musicians and live music have given me a strong appreciation for songwriting, arrangement, performance, and what makes a song connect with an audience.
Music Industry Experience
During the 1980s and early 1990s, I worked as a booking agent, manager, and promoter throughout the Northeast, presenting touring blues and roots artists across Central New York and surrounding regions. In 1986, I opened Top Entertainment, a booking and promotion agency.
During those years, I booked early performances by Phish during their pre-mainstream touring days. My name is credited in the liner notes of Phish’s A Live One in connection with that period.
I also arranged performances in Boston and New York City where a young Joe Bonamassa shared the stage with guitarist Danny Gatton, working through Gatton’s management.
In 1992, I co-founded The CABB (Computer Assisted Booking Business), an early computer-based booking concept designed to connect colleges, booking agencies, and artists.
In 2005, I founded the Mohawk Valley Blues Society and served as chairman for six years. During that time, I produced the organization’s first CD and booked the artist lineups for blues festivals held in 2007 and 2008. The organization remains active today.
Today, I serve on the Board of Directors of Arts at the Palace and am involved with the Thursdays on the Village Green concert series in Hamilton, New York.
Songwriting
My interest in songwriting was reignited by contemporary country, outlaw country, and Americana artists including Jamey Johnson, Cody Jinks, Chris Stapleton, Kaitlin Butts, and The Red Clay Strays.
That inspiration led to Red Barn Songwriting, where I write original songs rooted in country, Americana, blues, and American roots traditions, with an emphasis on storytelling, emotion, memorable ideas, and authenticity.
I am a BMI-affiliated songwriter. My songs are registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, and selected material has been professionally recorded at Beaird Music Group in Nashville.
Collaboration
Interested in co-writing or developing a musical idea?
Red Barn Songwriting welcomes collaboration with artists, writers, and musicians who value strong storytelling and authentic, roots-based music.
Please visit the Contact page to start a conversation.
