Here is the official information release:
Christian recording artist, Robert “Bob” Rowe is reaching out to families during the COVID19 crisis with a live concert on Bob Rowe Music Facebook page on Good Friday, April 10th at 11 a.m. ET. The performance includes talk, meditation, and music on Christ’s passion.
“Churches may be closed, but hearts are open,” he said. “I hope this concert will be a break in the day to turn hearts and minds to God.” He chose Good Friday for its significance in the Christian faith. He also wants to help relieve stress during this very difficult time and research supports that music can do that. Studies cited in the article The Power of Music to Reduce Stress reported: “The soothing power of music is well-established. It has a unique link to our emotions, so can be an extremely effective stress management tool.”
According to the May 2019 Mayo Clinic article, Spirituality and Stress: Make the Connection, spirituality has many benefits for stress relief and overall mental health by helping one feel a sense of purpose, connect to the world, and release control to God. The National Alliance on Mental Illness stated in a 2018 article The Impact of Music Therapy on Mental Illness, that music has a positive impact on mental health.
Time Magazine in 1997 said about Rowe: “He uses his music as an instrument of healing.”
Rowe began his music career playing in local clubs, coffee houses, and concert halls in West Michigan, Chicago, and New York. He recorded 21 albums and opened for country music legend, Ernest Tubb. In late 1980’s, Rowe became a personal pen pal to Mother Teresa until her death in 1994. It was at this time Rowe began to concentrate on performances for “special needs” groups and audiences such as the developmentally disabled, visually impaired, and the elderly.
In 1994, Mother Teresa said in a letter to Bob Rowe, “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.”
In 2006 the St. Bernadette Institute of Sacred Art presented Rowe with the “Mother Teresa Award” for his work with the elderly.
Renaissance Enterprises, Rowe’s non-profit ministry, annually provides over 150 free music and art programs to nursing homes, VA hospitals, and other institutions.
A 30-minute documentary about Rowe’s ministry will air on Public Television in Spring 2020. He also recently recorded a set of PSA’s about the COVID19 and the benefit of music.