Robert Wessel – A Life in Music and Flying

Born in Denver, Colorado in April  1949  Rob has spent a lifetime balancing two passions: music and aviation. From an early age, he was drawn to the arts, first as a painter and later as a musician, picking up the guitar as a teenager and finding his voice as a songwriter. His journey took him through the vibrant folk and rock scenes of the East Coast, where he performed in coffee houses and small venues, developing his craft and forging lifelong musical friendships.

His path eventually led him to Los Angeles, where he recorded with legendary musicians, including pianist Nicky Hopkins, singer Billy Champlin (who later joined Chicago), and producer Harold Faltermeyer, known for his work on Top Gun and Beverly Hills Cop. While in California, he also collaborated with Kenny Edwards of Linda Ronstadt’s band, The Stone Poneys, and Gene Parsons of The Byrds, recording and performing original music that reflected his country rock roots.

Alongside music, Rob built a career in aviation, working as a pilot and flight instructor. During a period living in Northern California, he took an unexpected detour, working as an assistant zookeeper. It was there that he met the love of his life, and the two have been together for over 20 years.

Now happily settled in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Rob continues to write and create, staying true to the music and the stories that have defined his journey. Since moving to Nashville, he has integrated into the city’s renowned songwriter community, where some of his songs have been picked up by publishers, further keeping his passion for storytelling alive.